Substrate

[Tab]

What kind of substrate do you use? I have heard differing opinions about sand, rabbit pellets and hay...I have seen sand recommended but understand that it can cause impaction. Just curious about what most people use (I have a Russian).

 

[AnnaSFA]

I use 50/50 sand and soil mixture.

 

[Jentortmom]

I have two Russians and they are on a sand/ top soil/ bed a beast mix with Timothy ahy at one end to hide under. But do less sand more soil, if you do just sand and soil go for a 30/70 mix instead. I would not go for the pellets though, they like to bury plus I have heard problems in using the pellets but I can't remember right now what it was.

 

[Josh]

what is the bed a breast stuff made of? is it very expensive?

 

[Jentortmom]

It is coconut husk, there are other names for it to, eco earth. If you buy the blocks and soak it yourselve it is about 3 bucks a block, you can find it in 3 blocks which is cheaper. Good stuff and it holds moisture well and does not smell.

 

[T-P]

Right this second i am using Easibed (google it if you dunno what it is). However in a week or so ill be using Hemcore (google it again) and a small section of the enclosure will be filled with soil and playsand mixed 50/50.
=]

 

[atoccy]

i use sand and soil...60/40

I used to use hempcore but after reading about probs with lights and impactation I have changed. I use hemp in the bedding corner only!

Wendy

 

[atoccy]

sorry thats soil 60 and sand 40

wendy

 

[Bansh88]

You don't want anything too soft. Their muscles will get weak. I'd just go grab some buckets of dirt from outside.

Outdoor Tortoises prefer it 4 to 1 over the leading store bought brand!