Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, there.

I've been thinking of designing some additional hide spots with plants (relatively higher humidity) at the cool end of a desert-type terrarium (quite hot & dry) for an Egyptian Tort and a gardener in a nursery suggested to go the artificial/silk plant route. She was concerned that the intense heat of the 150 watt basking bulb within a couple of feet any desert succulents would scorch them regularly and would require near constant re-planting.

Anyway, will torts try to eat silk/poly-blend terrarium plants in their enclosure? Can they get ill from this behavior?

Thanks, anyone.

It probably depends on the tort. I have one that might take a few bites to see if it was tasty but she would probaly get the clue and stop...now my other one would munch away all day if he could even if it wasn't good to eat. Go figure! You could always get a cheapy one and put it in there and watch them to see what happens. I would figure if they got a good enough chunk that is wouldn't be good but I'm not a professional so I don't know. Good luck!
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Becki

1 Husband
4 kids
2 Hermans
1 Dog
2 Finches
2 Betta
1 Cat

NO...not unless they are o' inferior materials or small enough to slip through that throat...on the other hand, all that heat will stress them out eventually if yer not careful...

>>Hi, there.
>>
>>I've been thinking of designing some additional hide spots with plants (relatively higher humidity) at the cool end of a desert-type terrarium (quite hot & dry) for an Egyptian Tort and a gardener in a nursery suggested to go the artificial/silk plant route. She was concerned that the intense heat of the 150 watt basking bulb within a couple of feet any desert succulents would scorch them regularly and would require near constant re-planting.
>>
>>Anyway, will torts try to eat silk/poly-blend terrarium plants in their enclosure? Can they get ill from this behavior?
>>
>>Thanks, anyone.