Soil substrate - is this okay?

James9811

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Newcastle upon Tyne
Hi all!

Part of the outdoor enclosure for my horsefield will have topsoil, is this stuff any good? This is literally all that is written (image attached)

Thanks!
 

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Tom

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No. Soil should never be used as tortoise substrate. It is made from composted yard waste and all sorts of other weird stuff that should not be under a live animal's feet. It could be toxic or mechanically dangerous, and there is no way to know what is in it. The people making it do not intend for animals to be living on it.

The stuff sold in pet shops over there is even worse. They mix in sand and limestone bits which will encourage a tortoise to eat sandy soil to satisfy its calcium cravings. That is a positively stupid idea.

Damp, hand packed coco coir is best for babies, and fine grade orchid bark works best for adults.

More here:
 

James9811

Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2021
Messages
63
Location (City and/or State)
Newcastle upon Tyne
No. Soil should never be used as tortoise substrate. It is made from composted yard waste and all sorts of other weird stuff that should not be under a live animal's feet. It could be toxic or mechanically dangerous, and there is no way to know what is in it. The people making it do not intend for animals to be living on it.

The stuff sold in pet shops over there is even worse. They mix in sand and limestone bits which will encourage a tortoise to eat sandy soil to satisfy its calcium cravings. That is a positively stupid idea.

Damp, hand packed coco coir is best for babies, and fine grade orchid bark works best for adults.

More here:
@Tom phew, tom to the rescue again! Thank goodness you replied as I’m just getting it set up. Will the coco coir be okay in the rain and not mould or deteriorate? I’m planning on purchasing it in bricks that I just need to water down if that’s something you think would be okay?
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,264
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
@Tom phew, tom to the rescue again! Thank goodness you replied as I’m just getting it set up. Will the coco coir be okay in the rain and not mould or deteriorate? I’m planning on purchasing it in bricks that I just need to water down if that’s something you think would be okay?
Rain? If this is an outdoor enclosure, can it be made on the ground? Any substrate in an outdoor enclosure is going to get soaked in the rain. As long as the water can drain, it should be fine. If it is a raised table, or something like that, coco coir blocks should be fine. Coco coir doesn't mold. All organic substrates deteriorate with time and weather. Coco coir needs to be kept damp and hand packed firmly.
 

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