substrate question, please help!

[waitmanff]

What is the best type of substrate to use for my Greek tortoises?I've read so many conflicting articles! Right now I have Cyprus mulch. But would sand topsoil or miss be better?

 

[wellington]

Any you mentioned it fine except sand. Sand can cause impaction. You can mix sand with any of the substrates you mentioned, but make the sand only about 20% of the mix.

 

[MasterOogway]

I use cypress mulch with my adult Greek and it works well .

 

[waitmanff]

Thank you both very much! This is my first tortoise and I'm just wanting to do this right! MasterOogay what all do you feed your Greek? I've been feeding him kale, collard greens, parsley in Caesar lettuce and just got some zoo med tortoise good today. Any suggestions? Or any suggestions on good books I can buy?

 

[MasterOogway]

Thank you both very much! This is my first tortoise and I'm just wanting to do this right! MasterOogay what all do you feed your Greek? I've been feeding him kale, collard greens, parsley in Caesar lettuce and just got some zoo med tortoise good today. Any suggestions? Or any suggestions on good books I can buy?

I am trying to track all the books I can on Greek Torts but the one I have found educational is Mediterranean Tortoises by Lance Jepson. I purchased it on Amazon. I wish it went in more detail about what to feed but it is a good book on Med. tortoises and it seems to be current 2010 reprint.Great read and understanding of tortoises.

My guys do not like the pellets even though I faithfully offer them hoping they will eat it. I have ground them up and sprinkle it on thier food but only a very little or they won't eat thier greens.

I don't offer fruit at all or if I do it will be rare. Maybe a carrot as a once a month treat the rest is leafy greens and will offer flowers when available. So far I have just tried roses. I change things up weekly spring mixes which include: a variety of leaves..I have found some spring mixes will only have a few while others will have a large variety of leaf types. I like the organic blends with large variety..You can read the ingrediant labels to compare.I also purchase dandelions leaves, collard greens and other dark green large leaves.I avoid spinach. I offer spinless cactus 4 times a week and TNT supplement 3 times a week. Have given Aloe Vera & will be trying more succulents as treats & flowers as spring comes and the flowers are more available. Always refer to a safe plant list until you get the hang of what is safe.I am still learning right with you I hope that helps.

 

[morloch]

I like mixing cypress and melluca. Melluca makes the substrate a little softer! I get it for 11.99 a bag and last for months! And no bugs !

 

[waitmanff]

Thanks everyone this helps a lot! MasterOogay im going to.buy that book !