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- Thread starter jray417
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Nope its too dry . Coco coir, cypress mulch work way better .
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welcome to the forum! tortoises need moist substrate. what species?
A Carson
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I would recommend orchid bark or cypress mulch. I used to use a 50/50 mix of coconut coir and play sand, by weight, so it was very little play sand, sand makes me nervous with risk of impaction and i personally am not fond of the coconut coir. Others love it. How old is your Greek? If it's an adult you could use forest floor which is cypress mulch but it's not good for the little guys to walk on. Good luck!!
sand can cause impaction!
Hi Jray, and welcome to the Forum!
We mostly use a substrate that can be moistened. Chopped alfalfa will mold if you moisten it. In the wild baby tortoises...well all tortoises, really...dig down into the earth to rest, and it's a bit more humid down there. This (the humidity) helps their shells to grow smoothly.
We mostly use a substrate that can be moistened. Chopped alfalfa will mold if you moisten it. In the wild baby tortoises...well all tortoises, really...dig down into the earth to rest, and it's a bit more humid down there. This (the humidity) helps their shells to grow smoothly.
Hello and Welcome. We all kind and loving person here in the forum. Soon you will find out this is a great place to learn and sgare.
Good to have you here and Welcome! ! ! !
Good to have you here and Welcome! ! ! !
Hi and welcome =)
The three best substrates for housing Greek tortoises indoors are cypress mulch, coconut husk, or top soil. These 3 are my personal favorite because they can maintain the proper humidity. I really dont like the use of any sand. They will accidentally consume them and this can cause an impact in their stomach causing harm to the tortoise. Moss can also be used for hatchlings to raise the humidity but I do not recommend it for adults. Too high of a humidity can cause respiratory issues for your tortoise and can be very dangerous if not treated properly. Rabbit pellets are not OK, they do not retain humidity well and mold will grow quickly in soiled areas. Cedar and pine beddings absolutely must be avoided, as they are toxic to tortoises. Use barks with extreme care. It is an ideal base for mites and similar parasites to live in. Often fatal if ingested. Some bark chippings may include pine or cedar, both of which are toxic. Check carefully before use.
The three best substrates for housing Greek tortoises indoors are cypress mulch, coconut husk, or top soil. These 3 are my personal favorite because they can maintain the proper humidity. I really dont like the use of any sand. They will accidentally consume them and this can cause an impact in their stomach causing harm to the tortoise. Moss can also be used for hatchlings to raise the humidity but I do not recommend it for adults. Too high of a humidity can cause respiratory issues for your tortoise and can be very dangerous if not treated properly. Rabbit pellets are not OK, they do not retain humidity well and mold will grow quickly in soiled areas. Cedar and pine beddings absolutely must be avoided, as they are toxic to tortoises. Use barks with extreme care. It is an ideal base for mites and similar parasites to live in. Often fatal if ingested. Some bark chippings may include pine or cedar, both of which are toxic. Check carefully before use.
Earth type substrate.
If you are going to moisten the soil, please do so only if you are keeping proper temps...a moist cool substrate is a recipe for a sick tortoise.
...also, moist soil is NOT the only/most important factor for a smooth shell...also, a smooth shell as the primary concern allows so much overlook for other health factors....a warm humid hide is a much better choice...
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