substrate

[James Nechvatal]

Does anyone know if alfalfa pellets are a good bedding for young sulcata tortoises

 

[cmacusa3]

No they aren't recommended.

 

[cmacusa3]

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/

 

[Cassidy Dixon]

I just changed to cypress mulch. Cheap and smells good.

 

[Yvonne G]

Does anyone know if alfalfa pellets are a good bedding for young sulcata tortoises

Hi James:

May suggest you read the care sheet pinned at the top of the Sulcata section? It is chock full of good info for you.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

no they are not good substate. baby sulcatas need moist substrate and a humid enclosure. if the pellets get wet they become moldy.

 

[lismar79]

Watch cypress mulch, I had read that they mix pine in as a filler on bags that say blend..... not sure that I have come across bags like this or how common it is.

 

[Cassidy Dixon]

Watch cypress mulch, I had read that they mix pine in as a filler on bags that say blend..... not sure that I have come across bags like this or how common it is.

Mine does say Professional blend.... bottom says CYPRESS MULCH. I can not find any thing on the bag with any other ingredients. Should I be changing it?

 

[lismar79]

You are probably fine but if you want to check you can always call the company that makes your mulch. Pine is toxic to torts.

 

[Tom]

I know! I know! {Raises hand...}

Alfalfa pellets are not good because they are far too dry and can't be moistened without causing some major problems.

Sulcatas are not a desert species. Babies hatch during the hot, humid, wet, monsoon season. THIS is what needs to be simulated for babies.

In addition to the care sheet linked above, these might help too:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-end-of-pyramiding.15137/

 

[DeanS]

This is my take...I've NEVER used anything else!

For coco coir go here...
http://www.amazon.com/General-Hydro...=1428545000&sr=8-3&keywords=coconut coir bale

For coconut bark go here...
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...na-coco-soft-coarse-chip-reptile-bedding.html

 

[Cassidy Dixon]

This is my take...I've NEVER used anything else!

For coco coir go here...
http://www.amazon.com/General-Hydro...=1428545000&sr=8-3&keywords=coconut coir bale

For coconut bark go here...
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...na-coco-soft-coarse-chip-reptile-bedding.html

If I were to pick between one of the two to order... which would be best between these two for humidity control.

 

[DeanS]

Seriously...I use an 1:1 mixture of the two! They both hold humidity extremely well. Neither is harmful if ingested...but together they are the PERFECT substrate. You can't go wrong investing in both!

 

[cmacusa3]

Agreed!