New substrate!

[Reptilelove]

I have just bought my hermanns this substrate to try next week when I start (and finish!) building a new tort table! Has anyone tried this stuff before? (I was on tort life and repti sand before)

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Are those pellets meant to be used dry? If so, it's not suitable.

 

[Reptilelove]

Are those pellets meant to be used dry? If so, it's not suitable.

OK well what would you suggest because I'm definitely not using sand again after the stories it heard and I hate those awful sharp wood chips people have

 

[pfara]

I personally wouldn't use that stuff. I think I've read somewhere that pelleted substrates can 1) mold; 2) not provide enough humidity; 3) cause walking issues. Not sure, but just sayin there are better options out there (coco coir, hardwood mulches, additive free top soil or soilless mixes). They might be "messier" but torts are kinda messy

 

[naturalman91]

you just got duped into buying rabbit pellets basically.

don't feel bad we've all been duped before tho

 

[Reptilelove]

I personally wouldn't use that stuff. I think I've read somewhere that pelleted substrates can 1) mold; 2) not provide enough humidity; 3) cause walking issues. Not sure, but just sayin there are better options out there (coco coir, hardwood mulches, additive free top soil or soilless mixes). They might be "messier" but torts are kinda messy

Well I'm going to try it for a week and then when I change them I will try something else like the soil

 

[Reptilelove]

you just got duped into buying rabbit pellets basically.

don't feel bad we've all been duped before tho

Dude, rabbits have wood chips....

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Have you already opened the bag? If not, take it back.

Use coconut coir. I like it best with compost mixed in.

What kind if tortoise?

 

[naturalman91]

Dude, rabbits have wood chips....

not all rabbits some use pellets just like that petco and petsmart around here do.

 

[Reptilelove]

Have you already opened the bag? If not, take it back.

Use coconut coir. I like it best with compost mixed in.

What kind if tortoise?

Not yet and OK but I have no idea what coconut coir is.....and hermann

 

[Reptilelove]

not all rabbits some use pellets just like that petco and petsmart around here do.

Ah I see, in Britain we usually just use wood shavings

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Google it. It's available there. Much better than wood shavings. Holds moisture & doesn't rot or grow mold.

 

[jeffjeff]

its often called coco fibre or coco peat over here.

 

[WillTort2]

I like to use a mix of coco coir and plain top soil (no additives, the cheap stuff). I even put a few pill bugs in the substrate to aid in cleanup.

 

[Reptilelove]

Thanks for all the advice! I will definitely try it!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

No, pellets are not good. They are very drying, and can choke a tortoise if they swallow one to big. Try coco coir

 

[Copper]

I have a Hermann baby tort and I agree with everyone coco coir is the way to go, just make sure you lightly mist it with water once a day to keep it moist it's pretty dry.

 

[Reptilelove]

Thankyou for all the great advice everyone! I regret not researching thoroughly enough as i had no idea about humidity, i am going to buy the coco coir asap

 

[johnsonnboswell]

You did great by bringing your question here. Your tortoise will thank you.

 

[Reptilelove]

You did great by bringing your question here. Your tortoise will thank you.

I have taken back the substrate and am buying the coir tomorrow