Sand

[VinceB23]

I started with the sand that isn't bad for him if he ingests a little bit but I still have my worries. I keep his food out of it the best I can. Is the tiny amount that he gets going to hurt? Should I change to something else? Any advice will do, I want my lil guy to be perfect. Send me messages please.

 

[dmmj]

Here is the problem with sand, it does not digest, so when they eat they eat bits of their substrate (natural) that is why you want something that they can digest upon accidental digestion. Also it is hard to maintain humidity with sand. A little bit of sand ingestion won't hurt, it is a problem when they eat lots and then it does not pass and then blockages occur. Personally I just avoid the problem all together and don't use it.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

Ditto.

Most tortoises do not live on straight sand (in fact, I'm not sure any do). Try coconut coir instead.

 

[VinceB23]

Ditto.

Most tortoises do not live on straight sand (in fact, I'm not sure any do). Try coconut coir instead.

What is coconut coir? Sounds fancy and expensive. I live In AZ the pet store here didn't really have much. Just sand and fake carpet. Lol I refuse to let my lil guy mob around on some fake dirt like carpet.

 

[mainey34]

Sand eventually will cause a problem so with that said, my opinion I would not waist the time or money.

 

[VinceB23]

Sand eventually will cause a problem so with that said, my opinion I would not waist the time or money.

Yes I'll reconsider. I wouldn't want that crap gettin in my skin or shell crevices anyhow if I were him.

 

[Biff Malibu]

Sand eventually will cause a problem so with that said, my opinion I would not waist the time or money.

Yes I'll reconsider. I wouldn't want that crap gettin in my skin or shell crevices anyhow if I were him.

You have to get rid of the sand brother ( I made the same mistake too for a day). It's really bad for them, its the exact opposite of what type of environment they should be in. The goal is to keep them warm and HUMID. Check out articles on the forum about Sulcata care and diet.

Coco Coir isn't that expensive. You can get a three pack of expandable bricks for $8-10.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F998AS/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[Tortoise Hub]

Substrates that work well for me and others with baby sulcatas includes orchid bark, cypress mulch, coco coir, sphagnum peat moss, and organic potting soil. What part of AZ are you in? I am in Peoria. Have you by chance been in the sulcata secition of the forum and read up on the sulcata care sheets? If not heres a couple that will help you out.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-AFRICAN-SPURRED-TORTOISE-SULCATA-CARE-SHEET#axzz281fzV0fB

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-How-To-Raise-Sulcata-Hatchlings-and-Babies#axzz281fzV0fB

 

[VinceB23]

Substrates that work well for me and others with baby sulcatas includes orchid bark, cypress mulch, coco coir, sphagnum peat moss, and organic potting soil. What part of AZ are you in? I am in Peoria. Have you by chance been in the sulcata secition of the forum and read up on the sulcata care sheets? If not heres a couple that will help you out.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-AFRICAN-SPURRED-TORTOISE-SULCATA-CARE-SHEET#axzz281fzV0fB

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-How-To-Raise-Sulcata-Hatchlings-and-Babies#axzz281fzV0fB

I live in buckeye and I am pretty new to the area. Thanks for all the input