Enclosed Habitat Soils

[mossnix]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Greek Tort. who is in an enclosed habitat for the winter
I was wondering if you can use other terrarium mixes... Right now I have been using Plantation soil. Just curious on what everyone else uses and if it is ok to mix things up a bit and try other bases. I was thinking about making a sand area for my guy but I wasn't sure if he could be in sand.
If anyone has info on this please let me know. Thank you

 

[ewam]

I use 1/4 peat moss and 3/4 cypress mulch. I like this because the peat moss keeps down the little tiny cypress mulch pieces that gets stuck to food, and the little amount of peat moss to more cypress mulch keeps the peat moss more compact so it doesn't get everywhere. Where the plants are I use 3/4 peat moss and 1/4 cypress.

 

[MatrixDJ]

Ewam, can you get your peat moss at any store?

 

[ewam]

They come in big bags at home depot or something for about seven dollars. I have never used coco coir but I think it is close to it.

 

[HipsterTorts]

No sand! It can cause impaction if your tortoise accidentally eats it. For both my Greeks I use 2/3 coco coir and 1/3 mix of sphagnum moss & dried leaves. It's all mixed together and has so far worked out nicely.

 

[mossnix]

Oh good to know I'm happy I never put any in!!! The plantation soil I got from the pet store it's what they recommended... The coco coir do you order or can you get at a pet store too? How moist do you keep it?

 

[kimber_lee_314]

I use coconut coir, sometimes mixed with coconut husk, or peat moss (the cheaper option.) I like coconut coir better. You can get the coir at PetCo ... etc. I keep it moist underneath but fairly dry on top.

 

[HipsterTorts]

Oh good to know I'm happy I never put any in!!! The plantation soil I got from the pet store it's what they recommended... The coco coir do you order or can you get at a pet store too? How moist do you keep it?

I buy coco coir bricks called Eco Earth. They sell it in pet stores or you can order it.
Moisture really depends on the age/size of your tort. I have babies, both under a year, so I like to keep it pretty moist(not soaking wet) so that the humidity stays up. I mist it 3 times a day. I pour water and mix it up once a week.