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Yes it's the shredded aspen you want Misty. As long as you find something that works for your tortoises thats all that matters. Big Grin

Danny

AWAaviatrix Wrote:

Redfoot NERD Wrote:

How about good ole hay?

It has worked for me.. since 10/04! They live on/in it and like to nibble it too!

Terry

Thanks for replying Terry. I really value your opinion since you have been keeping Star's so long.

When I first got Lyra & Orion I had them on half coir/sand and half hay. I can't remember what kind. I had months of repeated runny noses and had them to the vet's several times. They would bury themselves in the hay so at that time felt it might be to dusty for them so I removed it and went to full coir/sand mix. I used the coir mix for a long time but got tired of always having dirt in their food and water. That is why I decided to try the coconut bark in December. No idea if it was the hay back then or just the torts adjusting to a new life as I haven't tried it again.

I have a ton of Orchard Grass hay on hand so can have my husband switch the table to that tonight unless you think that isn't the best hay choice. Process of elimination for this guy and I'll see how Lyra and Orion react to it again.

Misty

I checked with my source Misty and it's Orchard and Timithy.. a light green in color.

Terry

Update:

My husband just called and said the swelling has gone down and Ringo's eyes are almost back to normal size. He changed the table over to hay in case it was the new coconut bark that caused the reaction. I'll see how all the torts react to the Orchard Grass and go from there.

Thank you all for your quick reply's and assistance.

For you folks that use hay do you place any absorbant material under the hay to soak up urine?

Misty

Ringo Star

Wow, Misty: Those eyes look SO much better than when you first got the tortoise! What a pretty tortoise.

Yvonne

emysemys@pacbell.net Wrote:

Wow, Misty: Those eyes look SO much better than when you first got the tortoise! What a pretty tortoise.

Yvonne

Thanks Yvonne. That's why I was so concerned hearing the lids had swollen up again. His left eye had healed so nicely that I wasn't expecting it. Amazing how well these lil guys can heal so quickly.

Misty

It's a matter of just removing and replacing the hay as it becomes wet. Daily maintenance it's called...

Terry

Misty, so glad Ringo is doing better. He looks great. I do not have stars but when I use hay as substrate I just clean it daily and completely change it over every week or so. I used Orchard or Timothy hay.
I have tried quiet a few substrates including coco fiber/sand mixture, sand/soil mixture, hay, critter country litter 'n Bedding (pellets) and now shaved aspen.
Some have worked fine for the torts. Some have not. Some don't work with my allergies. I currently have them on a base of sand/soil mixture with aspen on top for the baby Greek this is working out wonderful. Hay on top of sand/soil for the Sulcata and I put some pellets in one little section. She promptly rearranged it so it is all over her enclosure now, as is the hay (which is killing my allergies but she’s worth it). I say what ever works for the torts and you is what is best. I say "Keep experimenting until you find your best substrate".

Update

Ringo Star is doing well. His sensitivity doesn't seem to be caused from the coconut bark substrate or Zoomed's natural grassland tortoise food. I'e reintroduced both and no flair ups.
He is active, eating & pooping so I'll keep doing what I have been and keep my fingers crossed.

Here's a picture of Ringo's eyes taken tonight.

Misty

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egyptiandan

Redfoot NERD

AWAaviatrix

emysemys

AWAaviatrix

Redfoot NERD

Crazy1

AWAaviatrix