Leopard bedding recommendation?

siamoose

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I have two small leopard tortoise that I have in a 20 gallon tank, with heat lamp and sunlight lamp. I am wondering if I am using the correct bedding for them. I have been using like pine chips that I buy from Walmart. Should I be using something else? I have read quite a bit on here but am still not sure since there are so many recommendations! We are planning on getting a much larger tank for them soon, just trying to find a good deal on one.

I call them Lady and The Tramp! They both will start on the same piece of lettuce, start eating until their noses touch!

Thank you for any suggestions!
 

TechnoCheese

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Welcome to the forum!

Change it ASAP! Pine is very toxic for them, and does not hold humidity well.

It seems that a lot of aspects of your care need to be changed. Give this a read, and come back with questions-
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php...ealthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/
For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/
Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

You need to separate them, and get them each bigger enclosures. I would never keep a hatchling in less than a 40 gallon, but 4x2 feet would be better. Tortoises are solitary animals, and cannot make friends. In pairs, there is always a dominant and a subordinate. Both are constantly stressed, especially in such a small enclosure.

Your substrate needs to be orchid bark, cypress mulch, coco coir, or peat moss, preferably orchid bark.

Could we see pictures of your tortoises and enclosures?
 

siamoose

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Oct 20, 2017
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Tucson, AZ
Welcome to the forum!

Change it ASAP! Pine is very toxic for them, and does not hold humidity well.

It seems that a lot of aspects of your care need to be changed. Give this a read, and come back with questions-
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/How-To-Raise-A-Healthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/
For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/
Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

You need to separate them, and get them each bigger enclosures. I would never keep a hatchling in less than a 40 gallon, but 4x2 feet would be better. Tortoises are solitary animals, and cannot make friends. In pairs, there is always a dominant and a subordinate. Both are constantly stressed, especially in such a small enclosure.

Your substrate needs to be orchid bark, cypress mulch, coco coir, or peat moss, preferably orchid bark.

Could we see pictures of your tortoises and enclosures?

Thank you so much for your reply! I am going right now to get some orchid bark and as soon as I change it I will post a picture for you. I will also read the links you posted for me.
 

siamoose

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I got some orchid bark, and on the way home I stopped at a pet store to see what they had for tanks, and got a larger tank for them. I will also read those links you suggested. Thank you for your help!Cage 2.jpg Turtles 1.jpg
 

Bronbowie

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Jun 23, 2018
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Garden Grove, California
Welcome to the forum!

Change it ASAP! Pine is very toxic for them, and does not hold humidity well.

It seems that a lot of aspects of your care need to be changed. Give this a read, and come back with questions-
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php...ealthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/
For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/
Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

You need to separate them, and get them each bigger enclosures. I would never keep a hatchling in less than a 40 gallon, but 4x2 feet would be better. Tortoises are solitary animals, and cannot make friends. In pairs, there is always a dominant and a subordinate. Both are constantly stressed, especially in such a small enclosure.

Your substrate needs to be orchid bark, cypress mulch, coco coir, or peat moss, preferably orchid bark.

Could we see pictures of your tortoises and enclosures?
Oh good, i have coir in mine. [emoji5] . Am currently open to other safe alternatives, just in case coir is out of stock.
 

TammyJ

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Another poisonous substrate is cedar. I think it's used for pet rodents.
Cedar is even worse than pine, for any reptiles. Especially if it is wet or gets into their drinking or soaking water. Deadly. Long ago, I had a little ball python and there was a piece of cedar wood in its enclosure. The wood ended up in the water, and I ended up with a totally insane and sick snake. Luckily, it eventually recovered after a long, anxious and guilty time for me. You live and learn!
 

Lyn W

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I got some orchid bark, and on the way home I stopped at a pet store to see what they had for tanks, and got a larger tank for them. I will also read those links you suggested. Thank you for your help!View attachment 241541 View attachment 241543
It's a nice tank but still a bit small and you will need a second one because one tort will bully the other and the stress could result in illness, injury or even death for one especially in a small enclosed space. Bullying is not always physical such as pushing and barging - it can be following and staring and/or hogging the food and heat space. Torts don't cuddle or show affection to each other, they just see the other as a threat. So please don't put your torts through that. My leopard has his own room and he will try to barge me out of it when I go into his territory.
You don't seem to have any hides in your tank or somewhere the torts can feel secure. you also need a larger plant saucer so that the tort can self soak in it when needed. Have a look at the Enclosures thread to find some good ideas on how to make sure your torts are happy and healthy but the first step is to separate them.
What sort of uvb source do you have for them and do you have any night heat? I use a Ceramic heat emitter run through a thermostat to keep the temps even and it just gives heat as torts need darkness to sleep. The caresheets will help you get it right.
 
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