Fertilizer

[vangarret2000]

If you put fertilizer on your lawn how long do you have to wait before you can let your tortoise roam/graze on it? Or can you just not do it for the whole season?

[joeysgreen]

Depending on what type of fertilizer you are using, I would wait at least until after the first long, soaking rain.

[vangarret2000]

I am not sure the kind yet. It's for a place I am moving into and they bought it but want me to apply it. They said it's a kid/pet friendly brand but I figured I still shouldn't let my tort eat it.

[joeysgreen]

Good simple fertilizers are just concentrated plant food; stuff that's found in the soil anyway. A basic example is manure. As most people despise poop, manufactured fertilizers add convenience and reduce weight. Avoid any fertilizer that includes any form of pesticide. Other than that, allowing it to be diluted by rainwater and soaked into the soil will avoid any caustic or other reactions to the concentrated product.

I should note that this is my point of view. I am by no means an expert on this subject.

[Spankenstyne]

I'd give it probably 3 weeks. Enought time for a few good soakings and enough time for it to have broken down and be absorbed into the soil. Like Ian said it's mainly just concentrated plant food. You'd likely be fine before then but I usually give it 3 weeks before letting my tortoises have at it just to be safe. Remember that unlike other pets & kids, the tortoises will likely graze on it.