Stone desert?

[Tori67]

How does everyone feel about the newer substrate from exo terra stone desert? Just saw a video from Garden State Tortoise — and he says it’s one of the closest natural substrates out there for Greeks. Wanted to see if anyone has used it, or had any input. Thanks!

 

[Tom]

How does everyone feel about the newer substrate from exo terra stone desert? Just saw a video from Garden State Tortoise — and he says it’s one of the closest natural substrates out there for Greeks. Wanted to see if anyone has used it, or had any input. Thanks!

"Natural", or our perceived idea of "natural" usually results in poor results and sometimes death. Garden state tortoise is way off base on this topic and their advice ignores all the tortoises every year that get impacted with sand or gravel. It doesn't matter what they survive on in the wild. Your backyard and your enclosure is not the wild. We have decades of experience to tell us what works in captive conditions and what doesn't. Ignore that experience at your own peril.

 

[Tori67]

Interesting — from what I’ve heard he’s always been a good example. There’s a care guide on here about Greek Tortoises which describes a mix of play sand and potting soil. Is that not an impaction risk? What substrate do you recommend? There is so many people with varying ideas of what’s “right” it’s difficult to even figure out what is species appropriate

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Interesting — from what I’ve heard he’s always been a good example. There’s a care guide on here about Greek Tortoises which describes a mix of play sand and potting soil. Is that not an impaction risk? What substrate do you recommend? There is so many people with varying ideas of what’s “right” it’s difficult to even figure out what is species appropriate

It’s possible that’s an old care thread, that would indeed be an impaction risk, everyone on here recommends damp coco coir, orchid bark or cypress much, for species across the board

 

[Tori67]

It’s possible that’s an old care thread, that would indeed be an impaction risk, everyone on here recommends damp coco coir, orchid bark or cypress much, for species across the board

That is true! I didn't even check the date lol good idea. Cypress mulch is okay to use? From studies I have seen cypress was toxic due to the fumes it gives off when heated

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

That is true! I didn't even check the date lol good idea. Cypress mulch is okay to use? From studies I have seen cypress was toxic due to the fumes it gives off when heated

Yeah it’s also known as ‘forest floor’, pine is what you want to avoid when dealing with fumes. Personally I don’t really like the mulch, I think some of the bits in it feel a little sharp, but I know some folks struggle to get orchid bark so it’s still a safe alternative

 

[Tori67]

I can get orchid bark so I will try that! Thank you so much!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I can get orchid bark so I will try that! Thank you so much!

No problem! If getting from a garden centre, be sure to read the small print that it’s 100% pure natural fir bark with no added fertiliser, pesticides or perlite

 

[Tori67]

Okay perfect, will do! Does it matter what size? Looking at orchid bark and seeing all sorts of sizes now

 

[Tori67]

Okay perfect, will do! Does it matter what size? Looking at orchid bark and seeing all sorts of sizes now

Size of the actual pieces I mean

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Size of the actual pieces I mean

Most go for fine because it’s easiest for tortoise to walk onit can also hold humidity a bit better

 

[Tom]

Interesting — from what I’ve heard he’s always been a good example. There’s a care guide on here about Greek Tortoises which describes a mix of play sand and potting soil. Is that not an impaction risk? What substrate do you recommend? There is so many people with varying ideas of what’s “right” it’s difficult to even figure out what is species appropriate

He's better than most people at some things, but he's way off on a few points like the sand thing. He's a bad example for some things and has taken to mocking the people who disagree with his opinions based on their own first hand personal experience with failures due to what he is recommending. He also doesn't start babies correctly and says he thinks they don't eat for two weeks. This is totally and completely wrong.

Yes any sand and soil mix is an impaction risk and should not be used.

This thread lists what I recommend and why. Its points 4, 5 and 6 if you don't want to read the whole thing:

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