Any special notes on cyprus mulch?

[Kogo]

I'm getting ready to use cyprus mulch with my Red Foot Tortoise. I've had him for eight + years and have kept him outside (mostly) on natural substrate, so I dont want to make any mistakes now that he is indoors.

Is there anything special to do with the mulch other than remove it from the bag? Are there brands to avoid? Any tips or experiances are appreciated.

Thanks,
Kogo

 

[Louie]

I have never used it but know of someone who uses it for his monitor the UNdyed type not the type sold which had added dye to make redder .

They sell it in same place they sell dyed common brand so look for it. IMO having only seen it never used it so keep that in mind .It looks like something that could have splinters .

 

[Jfitz]

no, just make sure to give it a good rinse before hand

 

[Mike D]

no, just make sure to give it a good rinse before hand

i just hosed mine off. worked great.

 

[reptech]

i use it at work but im not a huge fan of it

 

[Kogo]

is there something you prefer for tortoises?

 

[duke33]

I've read not to use cedar....would'nt cypress be similar?, being coniferous?

 

[CTU2fan]

Cedar has some kind of oil that's bad for them (their lungs I think). Cypress IMO is great, I've used it on all my herps and love it. As above avoid the "red mulch" as it's either cedar based or dyed, neither of which you want. It's not all that dusty either, and it's decent for burrowing (do redfoots burrow?).

One thing to watch for when buying, by all means avoid holey bags as ants love to set up shop in mulch bags.

 

[Kogo]

Thanks all for the quick info and comments!