Dirty face

[ustwoandthekids]

My sulcata keeps going though his water bowl then though the substrate (coco fibre) and ending up with it stuck all over his face, am worried it will irritate his eyes I keep washing off, as it does seem to bother him as he keeps trying to rub his face on his shell

 

[wellington]

Maybe try a different kind of substrate, like cypress mulch around the water bowl. See if that helps.

 

[Tracy Gould]

I had a similar problem with my Tortoise so I put slates around the water x

 

[ustwoandthekids]

I will see if I can get some cypress mulch and try that, I do have slate round it but he's so messy!! I have been trying to get some large flat pebbles to put down food and water end as think that would help but not found what I am looking for yet

 

[fabfourgirl1964]

This happens to my Russian tort as well. That stuff is too messy, so is the sand/coconut fiber mix! I like the coconut bark better, but it gets dusty and dry! The cypress bedding is too dangerous, so whats the best solution?

 

[Laura]

try moving the water bowl. Sometimes they follow a path, and if you move it.. it makes it better.

 

[L82lalaland]

This happens to my Russian tort as well. That stuff is too messy, so is the sand/coconut fiber mix! I like the coconut bark better, but it gets dusty and dry! The cypress bedding is too dangerous, so whats the best solution?

Why is the Cyrpess Bedding to dangerous?

 

[Yvonne G]

I've been using cypress mulch for many years and have never had a problem with it. What have you heard about the danger?

 

[fabfourgirl1964]

Maybe dangerous was the wrong word to use. But I read that it was better used for bigger tortoises instead. Russians like to burrow and sharp small sticks get stuck or might be ingested. I've heard that it molds too. But some people use it and never have a problem with it.

 

[L82lalaland]

Maybe dangerous was the wrong word to use. But I read that it was better used for bigger tortoises instead. Russians like to burrow and sharp small sticks get stuck or might be ingested. I've heard that it molds too. But some people use it and never have a problem with it.

I use it mixed half with the coco core stuff it's the only way to keep moisture in the cage longer than 15 minutes. Have not had any problems yet. What do you use?

 

[fabfourgirl1964]

I like to use the T-Rex coconut bark. It seemed dry, so I added some coconut fiber. But lately I've noticed his skin peeling under his chin. I don't know if that is okay?

 

[L82lalaland]

Peeling I think means to dry of conditions. You may want to give him extra baths and moisten the substraight more. I like the cypress mulch because it holds moisture better. The only time I had a problem with mold was when I set the dishes on top of it. I dig them to the tank bottom now and have solved that problem. I am a newbie at this so someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[fabfourgirl1964]

I'm a newbie too! I love this forum! People are so kind to help!

 

[mainey34]

I have been using mulch. I love it. It holds humidity. I never have mold. Its not in messy at all. Lots of people use it. Without any issues.