Hello and welcome to TFO, you could also try aspen, that is what I keep my russians on when they are inside, works great for them and easy to clean.

Welcome! Changing the substrate will help show if that is his problem or it it is something else. You said it's not consistent. How often does it happen? When it happens does it last for awhile or is this more just an isolate wheeze or two?

The noise will be audible for a time, then I won't hear it for awhile The substrate that I am using came recommended by a pet store owner. I assumed that she wouldn't have suggested it if it was at all problematic. I am thinking now that I might try the aspen to see if it makes a difference.

Sometimes pet shops, and even vets, don't have all the knowledge we might wish for them to have. Lucky for you, you have found a great tortoise specialty site and we love to give out thoughts and ideas. Then you get the fun of wading thru them all, deciding what might work for you and giving it a try. Might take a bit of trying before you find something that "fits" your needs and your tort's needs.

Hello Carol, welcome to the forum!

Hi Carol and welcome to the forum

Welcome to the forum