First time tort owner. Need some advice.

[ajared77]

What is a good bedding for my Russian tortoise?
I heard that bed a beast is a good choice, but also heard that ppl can't stand the smell of it. I have also heard that coconut coir mixed with play sand is a good option as well.(this is also the choice I'm leaning towards because i heard it doesn't stink.) I'm really trying to improve my torotise's living conditions so any tips on a good habbit set up would be helpful. Thank you.
Also whatever bedding mix is suggested, it would be helpful if you could inform me on how to mix it. 50/50 60/40. Also how to mix it. Like put it together and toss it around to mix everything together or layer it onto each. Thank you again.

 

[Missy]

I use 50% plain dirt in a bag for $1.25 a bag and 50% coconut coir. Sand can impact a tort if they eat it. For my larger tort I use cypress mulch.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi ajared77:

Welcome to the forum!!

My personal choice is cypress mulch or orchid bark (fine grade). The cypress is kind of hard to find on the west coast (USA), but you can get it in pet stores sold as Zoo Med's Jungle Bed or T-Rex Forest Floor.

As soon as the weather is good the best place for your little russian is outside!

 

[Perseus]

I, too, use cypress mulch now. If you purchase it, make sure it is untreated when purchasing from non-pet store sources.

If you look through the "Enclosure" forums on here, you can see all the neat set-ups people have created.

I provide a slate rock (for basking under the lamp in the "hot spot") and a cuttle bone. Both allow my torty to wear down her beak and claws. Cuttle bones are a great way to supplement calcium, as well.

Do you have a nice hiding spot near the cooler end of your habitat? If there is enough substrate to burrow in, that works. I use a big pile of hay. Pre-made ones are available (like "Hidey Logs"). Just make sure your tort will fit in it and that it won't crash down and injure the tort. I had a log but my tort climbed on top and tried pulling a "Steve McQueen" and flipped herself over in a botched escape attempt. So, no more log until she goes into her outdoor habitat (which has much higher walls!!)

 

[dolfanjack]

I use plain dirt wifh some sand 60/40. work great for me.

 

[tortoisenerd]

Welcome to the group! I love shredded aspen, the snake bedding type. Its pretty expensive in pet stores but I pick it up by the 45 lb bag for $20. The rodent aspen bedding works fine too. Don't get a wood mix that doesn't say what type of wood, as it could have pine or cedar, which are both toxic. Many people like to use moist substrates, but dry works best for me and my tort (and the only reason I recommend this is because Russians don't need as much humidity as other species, so sometimes a dry substrate is a good choice). Yes, outdoor with real dirt and sun is best.

 

[ajared77]

Well im getting a lot mulch comments so maybe ill just go with that. It seems safe enough from all the research. And thanks everyone for the help. Any other good advice would be great i just want to make sure my little guy gets the best care.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

cypress mulch is best but hard to find. Next best is orchid bark grade fine...so they can walk on the stuff...