Substrate changes!

DezAndBowser

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Joined
Feb 14, 2018
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12
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London
Hi guys, so I’m quite new to all of this, but since having my baby Horsfield (9 months) for over a month now, I’ve seriously found this forum SO useful so thank you everyone! :)
For the past month I’ve been using the hemp (softish wood chips) as Bowsers bedding..he seems to have loved it and enjoyed all the digging, however after reading articles about the hazards and the risk of getting splinters etc, I wanted to change it straight away.
Today I bought tortoise terrain (sterilised top soil, sand & limestone grit) from pets at home.
It’s been set in his table for 2 hours now and I can really notice a change in his behaviour already.
He’s so much more active, but I’m not sure if this might be him loving the new bedding or not being settled!
I’ll see how he gets on though.
I was just wondering what your reviews are on this substrate, as again, I’ve heard a mix of opinions regarding health and safety.
Thanks a lot! :)IMG_1518814620.369594.jpg
 

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TechnoCheese

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Feb 20, 2016
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Lewisville, Texas
Remove it. That substrate is very dangerous, as it contains sand and encourages them to eat it by adding bits of limestone. It also holds no moisture, which Russians need to create their own micro climate when they burrow.
Stick with-
Fine grade orchid bark(personal favorite)
Coco coir
Cypress mulch
Peat moss(cheap and effective)
And there are probably a few more that I can’t think of.
Have you read our care sheets?
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/
Beginner Mistakes
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
Welcome to the forum!
 

DezAndBowser

New Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2018
Messages
12
Location (City and/or State)
London
Remove it. That substrate is very dangerous, as it contains sand and encourages them to eat it by adding bits of limestone. It also holds no moisture, which Russians need to create their own micro climate when they burrow.
Stick with-
Fine grade orchid bark(personal favorite)
Coco coir
Cypress mulch
Peat moss(cheap and effective)
And there are probably a few more that I can’t think of.
Have you read our care sheets?
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/
Beginner Mistakes
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
Welcome to the forum!


Thank you! Had a feeling it wasn’t a good move.
I’ll buy a Coco coir fibre brick tomorrow.
Thanks a lot!
 
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