Which Substrate?

Do you think it is safe to use garden bark ( bought from garden centre ) as a substrate for a tortoise table

Which Substrate?
dirt
Reply:you can get a special substrate especially for tortoises and reptiles from most pet stores or try the tortoise shop on the Internet these are a great supplier of all tortoise needs i wouldn't used sand as this could get on the food and be ingested by the tortoise, your best bet is to order the correct substrate from a reputable dealer.
Reply:I'd say no because it isnt made for that purpose. IT should be clean and sterile and free from any beasties that could harm your tortoise
Reply:A mixture of peat moss (non treated) and sterile playground sand (Home Depot, Lowes) makes a nice substrate for most tortoises. No garden bark.
Reply:No simply put most all varieties of garden bark are treated to keep bugs away This of course is not safe
Reply:yeah probably seeing that newspaper isnt very good since there is ink all over it.


i woudl say that should be normal for the turtle after all they live in the wild.
Reply:Only if it lists the EXACT types of wood being used. If cedar or pine is in there, don't use it.
Reply:No:


There are bugs and mites in garden bark as the substrate is not clean plus there are microscopic parasites in the oils of cedar wood %26amp; when the scales of the snake get wet this parasite can penetrate through the scales %26amp; causes scale rot.





If you are going to use something from a general DIY store then I would sagest microwaving it to kill any parasite that may be in there but personally I would get something from the pet store.