Replacing my substrate

[OxyBen]

Hello all,

So here is my issue, right now my hatchling greek tortoise has an wooden enclosure with three kinds of substrates: alfalfa pellets and hay, and desert snow (hardwood pulp). For the most part, I have found that although alfalfa is not great to use for tortoises it isnt AWEFUL... but I still am willing to do a total overhaul with the setup. As for the desert snow... I am not a big fan of it simply because it is completely white. So my question is!

What are peoples opinions regarding a soil/sand mix. How easy is it to clean and what soil and sand do people use. Also, knowing a lot of people are going to mention aspen, what kind and how much, should I have some aspen some soil.

I was looking into live plants as well, so maybe the soil might be nice. Though I am not sure if it will end up being more trouble than its worth.

Also, has anyone used a mixture of sand and peat moss? I read that might be a good choice.

 

[tortoise lover]

Hi yeah i had them alful pellets as well and changed mine to hemp which is good for them to bury in and is safe should they manage to eat any of it,also i have sand/soil mix 30/70 and just mix it up well and i spray it lightly every other day just so it doesnt dry out. You just need childrens playsand as it is non toxic and i buy top soil from my local garden centre. Hope this is of some help,

 

[Crazy1]

Ben, I've used yard dirt and also Supersoil brand topsoil from the garden center (home Depot, lowes etc) It does not have chemicals or fertalizers in it. At first it smells rather strong. If you are using inside I would recommend yard dirt or Cocofiber (bedabeast and sand) Bed a beast can be bought in bricks I placed mine in water to hydrate then in the oven to dry it out. It worked fine. Brown is always harder to see messes then a lighter color. Just have to spray or spritz it now an then to keep the dust down. Jut remember you don't want anything that holds too much moisture as the greeks like it more on the dry side.

 

[OxyBen]

Hmm I see, do do you think it might just be better going with aspen or is the dirt/sand mixture a "must"?

 

[Crazy1]

Ben, No the dirt/sand mixture is not a "must" I think I have tried most of the substrates and none are a "MUST" it is just what you and your tort prefer. I like the Aspen as I have said before it is light and easy to clean and no dust. I am alergic to dust so that is a BIG factor for me. Outside of course I just use the dirt. But inside the Aspen is light weight, non dusty, non smelly and easy to clean up. You only need to make it deep enough for your little one to dig into. I use an inch or two for my hatchlings and spot clean it daily. I change it out when it get to be a little tortie smelling. You will know when it is time to change it or get on a routine of changing it every month or two or less depending on the size of your encosure and the amount of torts you have.

 

[OxyBen]

Thanks! I think that aspen sounds like a good choice, considering the little one will be getting outside as much as I can (probably every day). Thanks!