Pine and cedar wood for red foot tortoise substrate is not the best choice of bedding for an indoor enclosure. It’s also not ideal for outdoor tortoise habitats either, however one can consider it slightly safer, yet still not ideal.
Pine Wood for Red Foot Tortoise
Wood shavings are commonly used with hamsters, rabbits, mice, gerbils and other mammals. They’re also often used in outdoor kennels for dogs and chicken coops. And sometimes, aspen wood shavings are used for pet snakes. However, it’s not ideal to use wood shavings, especially pine wood for red foot tortoise substrate.
Pine wood 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 red foot tortoise inside, whether in a closed chamber, large tote or large aquarium, the wood is heated, and the fumes become concentrated inside the enclosure. The tortoise does not have the means to get away.
The oils and fumes from pine shavings can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation and eye problems in tortoises.
Cedar Wood for Red Foot Tortoise
Cedar is a strong, hardy wood that can withstand long-term use, which is why it’s often used to make furniture. During construction, the leftover cedar shavings are often collected and used as landscaping mulch.
Cedar mulch is popular for flower beds and gardens, as it is a natural weed control and insect repellent. Cedar mulch is also a great substrate for seed germination. You can find cedar mulch in its natural color, as well as dyed for aesthetic landscaping. However, despite it’s benefits, cedar wood is not safe for red foot tortoises.
Like pine, cedar wood has a strong odor and emits oil that can be very toxic when heated. When outside, the oils and fumes can disperse, making it slightly safer for adult tortoises. However, when using cedar wood for red foot tortoise indoor enclosure, the fumes are concentrated and toxic.
Also, keep in mind new cedar tends to emit more toxic fumes, whereas old cedar that has already been sunbaked emit less fumes.
Safe Wood for Red Foot Tortoise Substrate
Some wood and mulch is safe for tortoise enclosures. Cypress mulch and fir bark are both safe wood substrates that you can use in a red foot tortoise enclosure.
Both Zoo Med Forest Bedding (100% cypress mulch) or Zoo Med Reptile Bark (orchard bark) are common and popular choices. Cypress mulch and orchard bark will help retain moisture to keep humidity levels high, as well as promote safe digging and natural behaviors in your tortoise.
