Could I use this grass for turtles or tortoises?

PlanetGio

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I want to you these seeds for my turtles and tortoises when I get them, but the seeds have this certain green powder. The seed is covered with something green, its so bacteria wont enter the seeds, but is it harmful for turtles or tortoises?
 

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Lyn W

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I want to you these seeds for my turtles and tortoises when I get them, but the seeds have this certain green powder. The seed is covered with something green, its so bacteria wont enter the seeds, but is it harmful for turtles or tortoises?

Hi,
I don't know for sure as I've never used grass seed, but I would think that if it contains any fertiliser or chemicals then it could be harmful.
I know it is recommended to re pot any shop bought plants and give them up to a year for the chemicals to grow out but not sure about grass seeds.
There may be members who can give you a better answer than me.
 

Ray--Opo

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It says protected with a special coating to protect seedlings from diseases.
I would wonder what that coating is. Don't know if it goes into detail on the bag but there might be a number to call for the info. If you have a local feed and seed store you might be able to get fescue without a coating.Good luck
 

Maro2Bear

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Here’s an article on what the coating is all about. Id think that once you plant the seed, and it germinates and sprouts and grows that the new grown grass is safe for a tortoise BUT, you wouldn't want to throw a ton of the seed in an enclosure. There are some “active chemicals” present...and you wouldn't want a hatchling muching on the coated grass seed.

Read on:

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/penkoted-grass-seed-toxic-mice-103147.html


Penkote Precautions
Though hazards are low, Penkote contains a powerful chemical. What causes skin irritation on contact is another matter when ingested. Consumed at high levels, Mefenoxam has been proven to cause liver damage in mice and other animals, including dogs. Risks to birds, bees and fish are minimal. Always store Penkoted seed and other lawn and garden chemicals safely beyond the reach of children, domestic pets and wildlife. If seed spills, indoors or out, clean it up promptly and thoroughly. Never leave a pile of treated seed untended or a bag where curious mice or other creatures may feed.
 

PlanetGio

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Here’s an article on what the coating is all about. Id think that once you plant the seed, and it germinates and sprouts and grows that the new grown grass is safe for a tortoise BUT, you wouldn't want to throw a ton of the seed in an enclosure. There are some “active chemicals” present...and you wouldn't want a hatchling muching on the coated grass seed.

Read on:

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/penkoted-grass-seed-toxic-mice-103147.html


Penkote Precautions
Though hazards are low, Penkote contains a powerful chemical. What causes skin irritation on contact is another matter when ingested. Consumed at high levels, Mefenoxam has been proven to cause liver damage in mice and other animals, including dogs. Risks to birds, bees and fish are minimal. Always store Penkoted seed and other lawn and garden chemicals safely beyond the reach of children, domestic pets and wildlife. If seed spills, indoors or out, clean it up promptly and thoroughly. Never leave a pile of treated seed untended or a bag where curious mice or other creatures may feed.
Thank you
 

PlanetGio

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It says protected with a special coating to protect seedlings from diseases.
I would wonder what that coating is. Don't know if it goes into detail on the bag but there might be a number to call for the info. If you have a local feed and seed store you might be able to get fescue without a coating.Good luck
Thank you
 

PlanetGio

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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
Atlanta, Ga
Hi,
I don't know for sure as I've never used grass seed, but I would think that if it contains any fertiliser or chemicals then it could be harmful.
I know it is recommended to re pot any shop bought plants and give them up to a year for the chemicals to grow out but not sure about grass seeds.
There may be members who can give you a better answer than me.
Thank you
 

Tom

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No. I would not trust anything bought at a hardware store or made for lawns. They put all sorts of weird stuff in those seeds, because it is intended to look pretty and be walked on, not eaten.

By your seed from a place that sells seed for horse or cattle pastures. These seeds are intended to be eaten by animals and are safe.

I've been using this mixture for years and in side-by-side trials, it out performs any other grass seed mix by a lot:
https://www.groworganic.com/premium-horse-pasture-mix-irrigation.html
 

PlanetGio

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No. I would not trust anything bought at a hardware store or made for lawns. They put all sorts of weird stuff in those seeds, because it is intended to look pretty and be walked on, not eaten.

By your seed from a place that sells seed for horse or cattle pastures. These seeds are intended to be eaten by animals and are safe.

I've been using this mixture for years and in side-by-side trials, it out performs any other grass seed mix by a lot:
https://www.groworganic.com/premium-horse-pasture-mix-irrigation.html
Thank you Tom;)
 

surfergirl

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Did u spend much time in a golf cart Tom. :)

Planetgio, I always look for the ingredients and the bulk seed will have ......ingredients... OF JUST SEED % BY TYPE, plus it will be plain Ole brown seed heads, no coatings and no color dyes for masking the seed from birds. I usually reseed in the fall when the torts are chilling in their winter homes, the seed is good and grown in by the time they move back into their enclosures in late spring.
 

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