Calling all Substrate Experts!!

[TaraDodrill]

Please help this novice keeper! I was thrilled when the local hardware store had potting soil in already. I bought 6 big bags to fill their indoor enclosure. I dumped one in before noticing the ingredients included mulched pine bark. Isn't pine toxic to torts?

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Yes pine is toxic to torts. It has something to do with the fumes. I would not use this product...however Yvonne will come on today and tell us that the fumes have all evaporated and the product is safe for tortoises...so wait a bit...

 

[TaraDodrill]

Thank you. This was supposed to be organic, guess pine is organic. I didn't use soil from my chusband's barn dirt pile because it likely has pine in it from blowing off the trees. I'm on hold with a reptile vet now

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Just spent about 20 minutes on the phone with OSU rep vet, such a kind and patient man. I read all the soil ingredients to him and texted him photo of dirt and he gave the green light. He said processed pine is fine because of the heating process used. Said do not use pine needles etc. He said torts will occasionally ingest them when outdoors, but in small quantities which will not cause major harm. He said to turn the dirt once a week like I do with my compost pile to prevent bacteria growth from feces and to change the dirt every three months for best tort health, to prevent build-up from urine and feces.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

So, there ya go!!!

 

[TaraDodrill]

Setting up the enclosure, or redecorating as I like to call it. Hubby picking up another light and ceramic hear bulb for me today. This enclosure is a lot larger than tort table and I don't think just one set will suffice. Planted edible landscaping and put in a temp hide box. Hubby making two out of wood today since Babette doesn't like to share. They love all the space and dirt to dig in.

 

[ascott]

Babette

I love this name....fantastic tortoise name

 

[TaraDodrill]

Thank you Ascott. There was a woman who referred to herself as a brazen broad who ran a very popular speakeasy in Atlantic City in the 20's. If you watch Boardwalk Empire, there is a character slightly modeled after her. My tort's personalty definitely meshed with that of a brazen broad. My hubby keeps calling her Bobette because she bobs her head a lot when you talk to her, lol

 

[ascott]

a brazen broad who ran a very popular speakeasy in Atlantic City in the 20's.

Sounds like a fun lady!! I will have to look up that movie you referenced as well...

 

[jojay327]

Please help this novice keeper! I was thrilled when the local hardware store had potting soil in already. I bought 6 big bags to fill their indoor enclosure. I dumped one in before noticing the ingredients included mulched pine bark. Isn't pine toxic to torts?

I was using the sand and soil mix but was unhappy with the dust from the soil. I started using cypress mulch and I have been very happy. Less mess, cheaper and holds moisture great. I have a 10 x 6 enclosure for my 8" female. Good Luck

 

[TaraDodrill]

Thank you JoJay, I plan on adding cypress mulch over the soil.