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What substrate has worked for people that keep emys who live in States that dont sell cypres mulch. Needs to be damp without molding up. Thanks Vic M (east coast)

Hey Vic,

You could use Eucalyptus Mulch which is readily available down in FL. I have to go to JAX to buy it. Lowe's and Home Depot stores should have it. I call the main offices of Aaction Mulch, the manufacturer, to find out which store has received the most recent shipment so I can get the freshest product. They are in Miami and phone number is 800-426-8524.

Wal-Mart has begun carrying less costly Eucalptus mulch from another supplier now, but I like the stuff from Aaction Mulch better.

Bill Z

Bill, Thanks,I was checking for someone in CT.that cant get cypres there. I wasnt sure what else works as good that wont mold up when damp. If you come all the way to Jax,then you must come to St.Aug to visit me and my collection. I'd be honered to have you. We can catch the St.Aug.Gator farm too. They are walking around in 60F weather after being out in 32F the night before. They appear to be even tuffer than I ever thought. Even after weeks and weeks on end of 28F to 38F some were breeding yesterday after a little rain. Their pre-programed for globel cooling! Vic

Thanks for the invite, Vic. Will let you know when I am making another trip, though it might not be till Daytona time in August.

Hi, your friend in CT can get Cypress at Ellington Agway. Its up to about $20 for 3 bags but worth it. I just got some there last weekend so I know they have it. They actually keep it in stock for us "reptile folks".

Carole
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www.reptilecare.com

does the eucalyptus not have any sort of oil/fumes to it? i would have guessed that, like cedar, it'd be quite "smelly." i tried cypress mulch once, but after prying a few pieces out of my curious tort's mouth, i was so scared she'd swallow it that i gave up on the idea...

Yes, the Eucalyptus does have an aroma. I think it smells very fragrant and I like it. Additionally, insects are repelled by it, so it helps cut down on those.

Tortoises can eat it accidentally without getting poisoned, but it can penetrate the gut if a sharp piece happens to get hung up somehow. I have had one Star Tortoise die from a perforated gut related to swallowing this mulch in 40 plus years. That seems like a pretty low probability of trouble to me. I also believe that wild tortoises eat loads of sticks, twigs, stones, and other items by accident and it doesn't seem to cause widespread death, so I just take my chances.

I have never tried to keep so-called "poisonous" plants out of my tortoises' enclosures, either. I figure if they eat the plants voluntarily, they aren't really bad for them. I have never had one die from ingesting plant leaves, flowers, fruits, etc.

maybe it's because she lives indoors, but my tortoise tries to eat *everything* when i take her out: sticks, rocks, cigarette butts, et cetera, et cetera. feels like taking a walk with a little kid, i have to keep such an eye on her... well, maybe i don't *have* to, but i certainly feel like i do!

Posting this a second time so Vic sees it. I posted too far into the thread to be useful the first time I think...

Hi, your friend in CT can get Cypress at Ellington Agway. Its up to about $20 for 3 bags but worth it. I just got some there last weekend so I know they have it. They actually keep it in stock for us "reptile folks".

Carole
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www.reptilecare.com

THANKS,That will be a big help! Vic

Hey Vic! I use coconut fiber/husk for my Mtn Tort. I've been using it for a few years now and love it. It has never grown mold, and I will make a swamp out of it at least once a week.

I don't worry about my tort eating it, the pieces are tiny shredded fibers. It will dry out nicely and rewet easily. The cypress mulch and reptile bark were both a huge pain, and both molded really bad for me. I've also noticed way less smell with the coconut.

-Kory