Horsfield and sand??

[garon]

I Have just cleaned all my table out and changed the soiley stuff to sand (fort it would perfer it as she's a desert tortoise but she won't go on it she is just staying on the chipings. Any one got any ideas why?

Thanks

 

[Tom]

Sand is not a good substrate and your tortoise is NOT a desert animal. Sand can cause impactions and skin and eye irritation. I recommend you remove it right away.

 

[garon]

Can I have my head back now?
I will remove it now

 

[Jacqui]

Can I have my head back now?
I will remove it now

You don't have to remove all of it (if it's like children's playsand) just get some coir bricks (like Bed-a-Beast) and mix it in until the sand is down to about 20% of less of the total substrate mixture, then you will be fine.

 

[garon]

I have already been and removed it all.
What should as use instead?

 

[lynnedit]

Just don't use pure sand. It is confusing, because some pics of Russians in the wild will show sand. however, they will more likely be in rocky, well drained soil.

So use organic topsoil and/or coir and/or fine orchid bark. As Jacqui mentioned, some add a small portion of sand to the rest of the substrate for drainage. Others don't use it.
The important part is having something mostly soil-like. Put down some newpaper for now, and since you are in the UK, head over to B & Q and get some organic topsoil or garden soil w/o fertilizer or perlite/vermiculite. Use that for your substrate.

 

[kanalomele]

I use a combination of coco coir (bed a beast type) and either sphagnum moss or organic topsoil with no perlite. I also would have told you to get rid of the sand completely. Russians are notorious substrate eaters so I don't want sand anywhere near mine. Why run the risk of an impacted bowel when it is not necessary.

 

[garon]

Thank you all. I did not know if would hurt her I was just trying to make it more homely for her
But it's all out now and will go to bnq tomorrow for some top soil. Shall I just cover the entire tabel in soil or get some thin els as well?
Thanks all

 

[Moozillion]

It sounds like you care a whole lot about your tort. I think she's very lucky to have a human companion who's so willing to do the best for her!

 

[Tom]

Can I have my head back now?
I will remove it now

Yes. Now that you've removed the sand, you can have your head back.

Sorry. I was in a hurry. Didn't take the time to sugar coat it... I'll try harder next time.

 

[garon]

It sounds like you care a whole lot about your tort. I think she's very lucky to have a human companion who's so willing to do the best for her!

Thank you and yes I do try my best

---

Yes. Now that you've removed the sand, you can have your head back.

Sorry. I was in a hurry. Didn't take the time to sugar coat it... I'll try harder next time.

Hahaha thanks for that

 

[Jacqui]

Garon, your going to find you do many changes of how you do things and what you use. Nothing is set in stone and everything is changable to fit the current needs of you, your tortoise, where you live, and how you keep your tortoise. What works so well for Peter Perfectnot, you may find is not going to work for you. Besides those constant tweakings make thing more interesting for both you and your tortoise, I think.

 

[garon]

Garon, your going to find you do many changes of how you do things and what you use. Nothing is set in stone and everything is changable to fit the current needs of you, your tortoise, where you live, and how you keep your tortoise. What works so well for Peter Perfectnot, you may find is not going to work for you. Besides those constant tweakings make thing more interesting for both you and your tortoise, I think.

Yeah I guess. I am just going to have to learn and hopefully I will be helping others out when they nee it (I know I won't be able to give no one advice for a long while) lol

 

[lynnedit]

Shall I just cover the entire tabel in soil or get some thin els as well?

Yes, you can cover the entire enclosure. You can make some mounds, perhaps thicker in the area of the hide.
You can surround the water dish with some large stones to try to keep the water a bit cleaner.

 

[garon]

Yes, you can cover the entire enclosure. You can make some mounds, perhaps thicker in the area of the hide.
You can surround the water dish with some large stones to try to keep the water a bit cleaner.

Okay thank you I will try and get some stones tomorrow.