Cypress Mulch?

[Tortimer]

Hey, I was just wondering would cypress mulch be the new substrate to use for my "Russian" Tortoise? (Still need to determine Russian/desert) I went out and bought alfalfa pellets because the care sheet I was given recommended that. After I came home, I researched it. Probably should've done so before, but now I know alfalfa pellets are not so good, and I'll return it soon.

So my question is, should I use cypress mulch or is there anything anyone else prefers? Thanks!

 

[Minority1]

Yes return the pellets. Cypress mulch is a good substrate, some prefer coconut coir as well.

You should post "more" pictures of your new tortoise full views, both sides of the carapace. I believe the forum members can probably answer your question once and for all.

 

[Tortimer]

Thank you, minority1! I'll buy the mulch maybe tomorrow. Another question though, would you happen to know a good place to buy this?

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I don't know if the picture of him is showing -- I'm doing this on my phone and I'm still new here. If it doesn't show, I'll repo tomorrow

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Here's another

 

[Yvonne G]

He's a russian tortoise - Testudo horsfieldii. They like to dig into their substrate, so maybe the coco coir would be a better choice.

 

[Tortimer]

Coco coir? My sisters and I also checked that out but where can we buy it?

 

[Minority1]

I purchased mines online, couldn't find any at the local gardening stores.

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I use pure coco coir for my Russians. It retains moisture well, is easy to clean, resists pests, and as Yvonne said, the Russians love to dig into it. I recommend it for your Russian, too.

 

[sueb4653]

coconut coir is cheaper to buy in a garden center than buying it in a pet store as is cypress mulch

 

[Tortimer]

I'd love to buy Tortimer some cypress mulch but I'd have to ask my parents to order it for him online. I don't think they'd want to though... I'll check around for cypress mulch. As for coco coir, do you mean a garden center such as maybe Lowe's garden part?

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Is this the right type of coconut coir everyone else uses? It says compressed coconut fiber

http://www.petco.com/product/10813/...le-Substrate.aspx?CoreCat=Accessories_Product