Russian tortoise habitat substrate

[Mys]

I'm looking for recommendations for tortoise habitat and substrate. I was told sand or soil, does that mean any old sand or soil? Also, any brand recommendations for tortoise home or tables?

 

[Souptugo]

Hello. You will hear many things from many people. Depending on your tortoise species, most if not all at a young age will require a substrate that can hold on to moisture. I personally use coco coir. I am not sure if sand is a good option because your tort can swallow it and get impacted. As for soil, many have additives like perlite etc... which are no good for your tort. There is no sure way of knowing what is inside the soil so this can be hit and miss.

You can purchase coco coir out of large bags (usually 24 quartz at Petsmart) or out of pressurized/vacuformed bricks which you can rehydrate.

Many people use orchid bark as well.