Cypress mulch toxic?

Toddrickfl1

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I was one of the lucky ones who ended up in the forum before I got my Tort. I didn't venture into any other Redfoot groups or forums. I'm finding now that the information in these groups is contradictory to what I've learned in the forum. I've been using Cypress mulch as a substrate with no problem. This FB group for Redfoots says that Cypress mulch is toxic to torts and will cause all kinds of issues with tortoises. Is there any truth to this? Should I switch substrate?
 

SweetGreekTorts

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I was one of the lucky ones who ended up in the forum before I got my Tort. I didn't venture into any other Redfoot groups or forums. I'm finding now that the information in these groups is contradictory to what I've learned in the forum. I've been using Cypress mulch as a substrate with no problem. This FB group for Redfoots says that Cypress mulch is toxic to torts and will cause all kinds of issues with tortoises. Is there any truth to this? Should I switch substrate?
Which Facebook group is it? There are a series of groups that are controlled by the same person who believes they are the biggest expert in tortoise care, and most of their insight and advice is wrong, and they'll block and ban any members who disagree with them.

Cypress mulch is a safe substrate to use.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Which Facebook group is it? There are a series of groups that are controlled by the same person who believes they are the biggest expert in tortoise care, and most of their insight and advice is wrong, and they'll block and ban any members who disagree with them.

Cypress mulch is a safe substrate to use.
That's kind of what I figured. Seemed like opinions and open discussions weren't allowed on this site. I can't find it anymore seems I've been blocked lol. It was Red and yellow foot tortoises worldwide.
 

SweetGreekTorts

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That's kind of what I figured. Seemed like opinions and open discussions weren't allowed on this site. I can't find it anymore seems I've been blocked lol. It was Red and yellow foot tortoises worldwide.
Yep, all those different species "Owners World Wide" groups are the same. I was banished for recommending buying from breeders over pet stores to get healthier tortoises that are captive-bred to preserve the wild populations. That group owner is on a serious power trip, so I stay away from her and her groups.

I come here for info, advice, and questions. Facebook is okay, but so many opinions and it seems most folks want to push others to do things their way because they believe they are more experienced and correct. Also lots of unnecessary attacks (if you post a picture of your tortoise in its enclosure just to share, someone will nag about your substrate, and the lights, and the food, and make you look like a bad owner to everyone). Just drama.

I've never experienced or witnessed any of that in here. Plus this Forum has more up-to-date methods compared to outdated care on internet and what many Facebook group members practice.
 

aqualungs

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Which Facebook group is it? There are a series of groups that are controlled by the same person who believes they are the biggest expert in tortoise care, and most of their insight and advice is wrong, and they'll block and ban any members who disagree with them.

Cypress mulch is a safe substrate to use.
I got blocked the. Banned for asking for clarification soince I keep orchids, which are super sensitive to chemicals and asked him how orchid bark is toxic. And that I could find no info on google. Google is devil I am told, then I got kicked out of FB Tort Heaven. Oh wel.
 

Tom

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I don't like cypress because the pieces are too large, jagged, and not uniform, and because it is dirty and stinky due to its origin. I also don't like the destruction of our swamps and wetlands that occurs to harvest it. Having said that, it is NOT toxic, and it would be my third choice of substrate behind o bark and coir.

The person running those FB groups appears to be an irrational, controlling, lunatic.
 

aqualungs

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I don't like cypress because the pieces are too large, jagged, and not uniform, and because it is dirty and stinky due to its origin. I also don't like the destruction of our swamps and wetlands that occurs to harvest it. Having said that, it is NOT toxic, and it would be my third choice of substrate behind o bark and coir.

The person running those FB groups appears to be an irrational, controlling, lunatic.

Yikes. Yea not going to use it. Opening tilhe bag and grabbing clumps in my hand I’m not a fan either. Will stick with coir and may be use orchid bark again on top
 

Tom

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Yikes. Yea not going to use it. Opening tilhe bag and grabbing clumps in my hand I’m not a fan either. Will stick with coir and may be use orchid bark again on top
I find coir too messy for most applications. Straight orchid bark works best in most cases. I don't like mixing substates. This is a matter of preference. Its not harmful if people want to mix more than one suitable substrate, I just find it unnecessary and pointless.
 

aqualungs

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I find coir too messy for most applications. Straight orchid bark works best in most cases. I don't like mixing substates. This is a matter of preference. Its not harmful if people want to mix more than one suitable substrate, I just find it unnecessary and pointless.

I’m using Coire because it’s so cost effective. I have not found a garden store local with bulk orchid bark that is ok quality. Kellys Korner is just too expensive, but I use it for my Orchids because there are no hitchhikers.
I’m using stones around my water and food bowl, but coire, like you said is pretty messy still.
 

lilly_sand99

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The Facebook group I'm apart of highly discourages differing opinions, thoughts, ideas, or anything that could be seen as offensive and if someone feels offended they start calling for a moderator. Kinda crazy to see the differences
 

ZEROPILOT

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I use it in my outdoor pens because of the way it covers and the cost.
It also breaks down over time and makes the soil in the enclosure easier to dig and hold moisture for my plants. The soil here is very sandy and full of rocks.

From time to time some small peices get eaten. But I've never had any issues.
Sometimes a bag or two will smell very chemical like or even smell like rotted meat.

I would not use it in a small enclosure or indoors at all.

The photo is of 2 bags poured out. The darker pile was from a bag on the same pile, but was clearly contaminated with something foul. It smelled like death. I used a shovel to remove most of it.
So while it may or may not be dangerous or poisonous may come down to a bag to bag situation. With one answer not fitting.
While I can't say that the bag in the photo was poisonous....I have also found wire, plastic and other stuff in with my mulch. Usually by the company VIGARO.
Each bag of mulch is different.
Each bag must be inspected as it is poured.
Maybe there is a bag or two out there that is actually poisonous to tortoises. Anything that looks or smells unusual, I'd dump it in my flowerbeds or around some shrubs instead.
 

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