Substrate question

[mini_max]

New Russian tortoise. We have him on finely crushed walnut, which looks and feels like sand. Is this safe? It is the material you can see in my profile pic. Thank you.

 

[Jodie]

I have never heard of this, so i don't know if it is safe. I don't imagine it holds humidity like you need for a Russian. Coco Coir is the best. And Orchid bark. I use coir with coco husk on top.

 

[mini_max]

I have never heard of this, so i don't know if it is safe. I don't imagine it holds humidity like you need for a Russian. Coco Coir is the best. And Orchid bark. I use coir with coco husk on top.

To clarify, I use bark on one side of the enclosure, and this stuff on the other.

 

[Yvonne G]

No. Crushed walnut shell is a bad substrate. For sure it causes impaction if they accidentally eat it. Also, black walnut husks are toxic.

 

[mini_max]

Thank you, will be replacing with coco coir tomorrow!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Yes, definitely a no go! Coir is a great choice
I don't know if you've seen this yet- http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/