Substrate

[BorisTort]

I just got my russian tortoise, and I'm so confused about what substrate is best! I started with repti bark, but I didn't think it was very good for my tortoise to dig in. I also wondered if it was healthy, since it seemed dusty. SO, I went to Petco and asked what to use (mistake?).
They said wood bedding (like what guinea pigs use). That seems to be good for my Boris, but I still think I'm doing it wrong!
Any suggestions????

 

[wellington]

99.9% of the time the stuff that Petco or petsmart tells you will be wrong. Use coconut coir, cypress mulch or fertilizer and pesticide free dirt. Even leaf matter if you have any.

 

[BorisTort]

Thanks! I've been reading a lot about coconut coir, so I'll try that next!

 

[Flash2013]

[THUMBS UP SIGN]Wellington. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

 

[BorisTort]

I changed the substrate today. I used a mix of organic soil and coconut fiber. Is this okay?????? It seems really, well, dirty and gets all over his food. Is it safe for him to ingest?

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Pure coco coir is my favorite because it hold moisture, resists fungi and insects, and is "diggable." Soil without artificial chemicals, perlite, or vermiculite is okay, too, although I've noticed it tends to allow the growth of fungi and insects more easily. You can mix the two together if you wish. Remember to keep the substrate moist by pouring water right into it every few days to weeks and mixing it up as needed.

As for how "dirty" it is, that's why I prefer coco coir over soil. Soil consists of organic matter, sand, silt, and clay in varying proportions, so depending on the type of soil you have, you wouldn't want your tortoise eating it because it can cause gut impaction (blockage). Coco coir is usually safer, because unless they swallow gobs of the stuff, it passes through them safely. Some of it is inevitably going to get dragged into the water and food dishes, but that's okay as long as it's a safe substrate. To minimize that, just don't wedge the dishes quite so deep into the substrate.

 

[BorisTort]

Do you think this looks okay for his enclosure (it's way bigger than it looks). I think as long as it's not a huge health risk for him, I'll use the coconut fiber this time, but I'll try to find coir after this.
I'm a real worrier, so I want to make sure his home is safe!!!!!

 

[EchoTheLeoTort]

I think coconut fiber and coco coir is the same thing. You don't need the soil just use the coconut coir, save yourself the money. Also that kind of water bowl isn't good, I would get a plant saucer for cheap at walmart, the terra cotta (clay) Saucer. It's cheap, and easy for torts to get in and out of. For now your enclosure is okay, but if you ever have the chance to get or make a bigger one I'd definitely do so. It doesn't seem that big even though you say it's small. With the size of the tort shown compared to other things its a little cramped. Also you could add some real/fake plants to make it look neater and provide hiding spots for your little tort. These are just suggestions, you make the call. But your tort would be happier if you got a new water dish, a bigger enclosure, and plants. But if you can't do the bigger enclosure just try and get him out every day to walk around or to play with him. He needs to stretch his legs just like humans too

 

[mike taylor]

I would take out that water bowl. Put in a plant plate. You can get them from Home Depot for 5/10 dollars it looks like this. Other than
That I think you are on the right track.
Sent from my C771 using TortForum mobile app

 

[BorisTort]

Thanks guys! I've noticed that the water dish isn't really working.

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I think coconut fiber and coco coir is the same thing.

Not quite the same. They're both from coconut husk, of course, but the coir is broken down into even smaller particles than the fiber. They're both quality substrates, but because coco coir is smaller, I think it can hold moisture even better.

 

[BorisTort]

I think coconut fiber and coco coir is the same thing.

Not quite the same. They're both from coconut husk, of course, but the coir is broken down into even smaller particles than the fiber. They're both quality substrates, but because coco coir is smaller, I think it can hold moisture even better.

Okay, so coconut fiber is perfectly fine/safe??? I want to make sure it's okay to ingest.

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Okay, so coconut fiber is perfectly fine/safe??? I want to make sure it's okay to ingest.

Well, lignified (woody) fibers are not part of a tortoise's natural diet, but they do sometimes eat slightly lignified material, like fallen tree leaves, so they can handle it much better than sand grains. I use coco coir, and I love it. Coco fiber is also good. They're both safe to use as substrate, and I prefer them over soil or cypress mulch, although they can be used, too. However, as I've said, it seems soil gets fouled more easily, and cypress mulch can harbor shell fungi, so I consider them less desirable.

 

[BorisTort]

Okay, so coconut fiber is perfectly fine/safe??? I want to make sure it's okay to ingest.

Well, lignified (woody) fibers are not part of a tortoise's natural diet, but they do sometimes eat slightly lignified material, like fallen tree leaves, so they can handle it much better than sand grains. I use coco coir, and I love it. Coco fiber is also good. They're both safe to use as substrate, and I prefer them over soil or cypress mulch, although they can be used, too. However, as I've said, it seems soil gets fouled more easily, and cypress mulch can harbor shell fungi, so I consider them less desirable.

Where can you find coco coir???

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Where can you find coco coir???

Here in the US, you can find it at most pet stores, and at many gardening stores. You can also order it online. Are you in the US?

 

[Flash2013]

I'm a visual person myself so thought I would share a photo. This is what I use... 3 bricks. They expand when you put them in a bucket of water (one at a time) about $6 for 3. Hope this helps. My Flash (Russian Tort) loves it!

 

[BorisTort]

Where can you find coco coir???

Here in the US, you can find it at most pet stores, and at many gardening stores. You can also order it online. Are you in the US?

Yes, I'm sure it's out there... I just haven't looked too hard yet! I'll check gardening stores next.

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I'm a visual person myself so thought I would share a photo. This is what I use... 3 bricks. They expand when you put them in a bucket of water (one at a time) about $6 for 3. Hope this helps. My Flash (Russian Tort) loves it!

That's a nice bulk rate for a name brand pet product. You can get the same thing, i.e compressed coco coir bricks ("just add water"), only not in brand name for even cheaper and in bigger bulk at gardening stores.

 

[Flash2013]

I learn something new from this forum everyday. [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND SMILING EYES]

 

[J REED]

I bought this at the local feed store today.4 brick package for 9.99

Jeremy

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Jeremy