What grasses are safe for my tortoise?

[DallysW]

Is Saint Augustine grass safe for my Sulcatas tortoise to eat? I’m about to get him from my dad, and that’s what’s in my backyard. Thanks!! [emoji4]

 

[Yvonne G]

It is quite common to use St. Augustine grass for cattle pastures, so I would have to assume it's ok for tortoises.

 

[DallysW]

It is quite common to use St. Augustine grass for cattle pastures, so I would have to assume it's ok for tortoises.

Thank you!! I have a hibiscus plant growing for him! What are some good other plants to grow inside his enclosure?!

 

[Yvonne G]

Wandering Jew, any squash plant, rose of sharon. . .

 

[DallysW]

Wandering Jew, any squash plant, rose of sharon. . .

Thank you!

 

[DallysW]

I also wonder what’s the best materials to use where they can’t dig out of the enclosure?

 

[Big Charlie]

I also wonder what’s the best materials to use where they can’t dig out of the enclosure?

They don't dig to get out of an enclosure. They dig to make a burrow if they are too hot or cold. When they dig, they don't come back up on the other side. Make sure he can't see over the top of the walls of the enclosure. If he doesn't know there is someplace else, he won't try to get there.

 

[Tom]

St. Augustine is great tortoise food! Just make sure that none of the grass or other plants has been treated with any chemicals like a "weed n feed" or pesticides to keep the bugs off of the hibiscus.

At the end of this thread are links to the best growing grass mix I've found:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

What size sulcata are we talking about?

 

[DallysW]

St. Augustine is great tortoise food! Just make sure that none of the grass or other plants has been treated with any chemicals like a "weed n feed" or pesticides to keep the bugs off of the hibiscus.

At the end of this thread are links to the best growing grass mix I've found:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

What size sulcata are we talking about?

Todd is about 7/8 years old & I think he’s around 30 pounds!

 

[DallysW]

Can Todd eat mammoth elephant ears?!?

 

[Yvonne G]

Can Todd eat mammoth elephant ears?!?

No. No grass-eating species should be allowed to eat elephant ear, as it contains certain alkaloids that would be harmful to them. Seems like forest tortoises can eat them without harmful effects though.