Tortoise terrain

[Lilysulcata]

hi there.
I was recently given a tortoise that was bought from a reptile shop (awful I know) and wasn’t being looked after properly. I’ve just got her insured and booked in for a vets check up soon.
For tortoise terrain I would like to know what are the best options. In emergency I’ve ran to Pets at home where they sell ‘tortoise terrain’ and coco fibre blocks. I have bought a few of each and steered clear from Calci sand. But wanted to know if either of these are suitable for my sulcata? Thank you

 

[Yvonne G]

I wouldn't use the T. Terrain stuff. With the limestone pieces it encourages the tortoise to eat his substrate - not a good thing.

The coco coir is what quite a few folks use, however, I prefer fir bark, or more explicitly, orchid bark. Orchids, being sensitive plants, have to have a "clean" growing medium, hence, orchid bark is a very clean product and quite suitable for tortoise substrate.

I didn't like the coco coir because of the strings and it's quite messy. But many people use and like it.

 

[LaLaP]

Welcome to the forum!
The coco coir is good but that Tortoise Terrain stuff says that it has sand and limestone grit. I think that could be a problem if your tort eats it. Sand and little rocks can cause blockages and impaction in their guts.
How old or big is your Sulcata? Because he may need high humidity if he's young which will determine what type of substrate is best and will also change lots of other things about your set-up. Post a pic of your new friend and your set up and we can help.
Also have you read these caresheets? They are super helpful.

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/african-spurred-tortoise-sulcata-care-sheet.52524/

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Miscally]

Welcome. It's great to have another UK sulcata mum on board. Read the care sheets and ask add many questions as you need to. Everyone here is so helpful and there's so much knowledge in this forum. Heat and humidity are important for a young sulcata. Orchid bark is easy to get hold of in good pet stores or garden centres or online.
Enjoy your new family member.

 

[Changa]

hi there.
I was recently given a tortoise that was bought from a reptile shop (awful I know) and wasn’t being looked after properly. I’ve just got her insured and booked in for a vets check up soon.
For tortoise terrain I would like to know what are the best options. In emergency I’ve ran to Pets at home where they sell ‘tortoise terrain’ and coco fibre blocks. I have bought a few of each and steered clear from Calci sand. But wanted to know if either of these are suitable for my sulcata? Thank you

View attachment 255079 View attachment 255080

I am so sorry I cant
help I am new as well just apoted two (1 yr 2 yrSulcata) the members on this forum are very helpful. I have been helped with my two little ones
You’ll be fine and don’t be afraid to ask the forum

 

[EllieMay]

The coco fiber is great but messy! You may want to cover it with a layer of cypress mulch..either way, it’s safe. I don’t know any thing about the tortoise terrain but I see it contains topsoil so I would steer clear of it due to risk of impaction..