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

Danny

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

Ringo Star

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

This post was last modified: 02-12-2008 09:51 PM by Redfoot NERD.

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