Need a new substrate.

[Tortoisegirl97]

Hello,

I have had a 1 year old tortoise since the 5th of August and he came with Hemp Bedding. I feel like I want to change it but I don't want to use play sand and coir mix. What other substrates do you suggest for a Horsefield tortoise? Could I use regular top soil and nothing else?

Thank you.

 

[Reptilelove]

Don't ever use sand but I would definitely recommend coco coir bricks, they are really cheap and easy to use

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Yes sand is a nono. You could also use organic topsoil, or compost. Lots of people here like using orchid bark (fir bark, repti bark)

 

[wellington]

Yes, plain black dirt is a great substrate.

 

[Jabuticaba]

Yes, plain black dirt is a great substrate.

I use peat moss and plain black dirt; 50-50 mix.




May, Aussies, & THBs
IG: @AUSSOMEAUSSIES

 

[Doreen S.]

Don't ever use sand but I would definitely recommend coco coir bricks, they are really cheap and easy to use

This might sound stupid but how do I mix coconut coir with the topsoil you have to wet the coconut brick right

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

This might sound stupid but how do I mix coconut coir with the topsoil you have to wet the coconut brick right

Yes, you have to soak the brick in the recommended amount of water for a set time.
Then it's fine to be used on its own or mixed with something else.

 

[Doreen S.]

Yes, you have to soak the brick in the recommended amount of water for a set time.
Then it's fine to be used on its own or mixed with something else.

THX my friend

 

[BrianWI]

The best part of coco is how clean it is. Doesn't smell. Doesn't get muddy.

 

[itiswhatitis]

So what would be the difference in using the brick versus the already eco earth bagged up kind. Just the amount you can make with a brick ?
I use the bags. So was curious if there is a difference.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Price per cubic feet

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Eco earth is comparable to orchid bark, but orchid bark is much cheaper. Anything from the petshop with a picture of a tortoise will cost more than its counterpart at the garden center of your hardware store.
You'll save money by never again visiting the pet shop.

 

[lisa127]

I don't have a Russian but for my box turtles I use just peat moss, the one someone posted a photo of above. And for my redfoot I use cypress mulch from lowes.