Tortoise Forage Mix

The Tortoise Forage Mix is a carefully balanced blend of native warm-season grasses and cool-season turf species designed to meet the natural grazing needs of tortoises and other herbivorous reptiles. With a variety of textures, growth patterns, and nutritional profiles, this mix offers a soft, diverse, and palatable ground cover that supports healthy digestion and encourages foraging behavior.

Adapted specifically for the Southern U.S., this mix performs well in regions with hot summers, variable rainfall, and well-drained soils—making it an excellent choice for outdoor tortoise enclosures, wildlife centers, zoos, and conservation habitats.

Key Benefits:

Adapted for Southern U.S. Conditions

• Contains warm-season natives like Buffalograss, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Western Wheatgrass, and Blue Grama that thrive in heat and drought while maintaining strong soil coverage.

• Also includes Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue (endophyte-free) for heat-tolerant, lush forage in areas with consistent moisture or irrigation.

Ideal for Grazing Reptiles

• Low-growing, soft-leaf grasses are safe, non-toxic, and naturally palatable to tortoises and other grazers.

• Diverse species encourage natural foraging behavior and offer a variety of textures and nutrients for a balanced tortoise diet.

• Avoids high-sugar, non-native pasture species that may contribute to digestive issues in tortoises.

Year-Round Ground Cover

• Blend of warm-season and cool-season grasses ensures extended grazing availability through seasonal transitions.

• Grasses like Sheep Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue, and Orchardgrass offer shade tolerance and help maintain coverage in partial-sun environments.

Soil-Stabilizing and Low Maintenance

• Native grasses establish deep root systems that resist erosion and enhance soil structure.

• Once established, the mix requires minimal watering and mowing, making it ideal for naturalistic enclosures and low-input landscapes.

Ideal For:

• Outdoor tortoise pens and grazing habitats

• Reptile rescues, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries

• Southern U.S. regions with hot, dry summers and seasonal rainfall

• Eco-conscious landowners and habitat builders

With its blend of native warm-season grasses and hardy cool-season species, the Tortoise Forage Mix creates a safe, sustainable, and natural grazing space for tortoises. Whether you’re managing a pet enclosure or restoring habitat, this mix delivers resilient coverage, strong ecological value, and the diverse forage tortoises instinctively seek.

Pictures are of actual mix, courtesy of David Sewart.

Note that due to legal restrictions, Bermudagrass cannot be shipped to Utah with the exception of Washington County. Those shipping this mix to Utah will need to select the “No Bermudagrass” option.

For the contents of this seed mix by weight, please contact us to request a digital copy of the seed tag.