Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I see bags of that recycled-rubber mulch (ground up tires) that says "100% safe/non-toxic" and wonder if that stuff has been tried with herps of any flavor? It's the mulch intended for use on playgrounds.

I would consider trying it with some box turtles in a small outdoor enclosure to replace the cypress mulch they currently have as bedding...the natural mulch dries out and compresses, plus ultimately gets more bugs in it. If the rubber mulch was sifted to eliminate the smaller (ingestible) pieces and I knew the colorant used on it wouldn't leach out from prolonged exposure to the elements, it might be a feasible bedding.

Unless, of course, someone knows what chemicals are used in the stuff and advises against it--"non-toxic" might mean only for children.
-----
Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

i would not use it.....back when that stuff first came out it was made from recycled cars tires and dyed. not sure today....but still wouldn't recommend it.

Pitoon

>>I see bags of that recycled-rubber mulch (ground up tires) that says "100% safe/non-toxic" and wonder if that stuff has been tried with herps of any flavor? It's the mulch intended for use on playgrounds.
>>
>>I would consider trying it with some box turtles in a small outdoor enclosure to replace the cypress mulch they currently have as bedding...the natural mulch dries out and compresses, plus ultimately gets more bugs in it. If the rubber mulch was sifted to eliminate the smaller (ingestible) pieces and I knew the colorant used on it wouldn't leach out from prolonged exposure to the elements, it might be a feasible bedding.
>>
>>Unless, of course, someone knows what chemicals are used in the stuff and advises against it--"non-toxic" might mean only for children.
>>-----
>>Chris McMartin
>>www.mcmartinville.com
>>I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet
-----
Homepage
My BLOG
2010 European Shows

I have only used it around plant beds and removed it all. My plants after few rains and hot days began to look ill which they never did before.

I live in Florida thus down pours and heat is not new to them but days after adding this I noticed downhill spiral for the bushes and papayrus,etc.

Removed it and in the garbage it went.