In “humid hides”, sphagnum moss is often recommended. Tortoises shouldn’t eat it, but it’s fine if they don’t eat too much.
Check your local nursery for organic peat moss. It may be costly. My young tort used regular topsoil. She now lives in the mud. Avoid substrates with strong odors or grainy textures, such as sand. Eating sand can cause compaction (from what I have been told.)
Is Sphagnum Moss good for Tortoise?
Yes, as long as it’s non-colored, organic, and not used for flower decorations. In fact, I use moistened sphagnum moss for my young tortoises’ hide boxes. I don’t mind if it eats some because it passes through them (organic). Just feed it and it should be fine.
ALSO SEE: Can Tortoises eat Runner Beans?
What if my Turtle or Tortoise eats Sphagnum?
Ingesting a few small pieces of sphagnum shouldn’t cause any issues. Sphagnum gets soft when wet but retains its size and length, so a few small strands shouldn’t cause a blockage.
Not unless he eats mouthfuls. In the wild, boxies eat a lot of grass and dirt. The only issue is coconut fiber substrate, which swells when wet, whereas moss is more grass/vegetative and can pass through more easily. In any case, feed on a surface other than the substrate.
I don’t feed in enclosures to avoid any issues and to avoid fruit flies or any insects that may get stuck or left in the substrate.
Is Sphagnum Moss Safe for Tortoises
Sphagnum Moss has no known hazards and is commonly used to increase humidity in tortoise hides. If your tortoise finds some in the enclosure, it shouldn’t hurt them.
Found in wet areas and lawns. Lines hanging baskets.