Pet stores commonly sell wood shavings, like pine for hamsters, rabbits and other small furry creatures. Pine wood chips are sometimes even sold for tortoises. BUT pine shavings are not a safe substrate for reptiles, tortoises included.
Why are Pine Shavings Toxic to Sulcata Tortoises?
Pine has a strong odor and emits oil that can be very toxic when heated by the sun or an indoor heat source. When housing a sulcata tortoise in an indoor enclosure, it can not get away from the fumes, which are concentrated inside the enclosure.
Pine shavings can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation and eye problems for tortoises.
Safe Substrate for Sulcata Tortoise
There are many safe substrate options to use in a baby sulcata enclosure or around adult sulcatas.
Look for a substrate that will hold humidity and is easily digestible if ingested.
Toxic Substrate for Sulcata Tortoises
When shopping around for a safe substrate for sulcata tortoise enclosure, avoid these substrates, in addition to pine shavings.
- Cedar mulch
- Cocoa Shell Mulch
- Soil with fertilizer, perlite or any additives
Other substrates to avoid using with sulcata tortoises include:
- Hay – it molds easily in a high humidity environment
- Newspaper
- Pellets – paper pellets and wood pellets can harm developing muscles and bones
- Play sand
- Walnut Shells
