What substrate for baby russian?

[Raqib Farid]

Can I use common sand for substrate? Or old alfalfa leaves for my Russian baby tortoise?

 

[Yvonne G]

Can I use common sand for substrate? Or old alfalfa leaves for my Russian baby tortoise?

No. With sand you run the risk of impaction. They traipse through the food with sand on their feet, getting it all over the food, then they eat it. It gobs up inside the stomach and blocks all the exits from the stomach to the intestines. You want to use something you can moisten.

 

[Raqib Farid]

No. With sand you run the risk of impaction. They traipse through the food with sand on their feet, getting it all over the food, then they eat it. It gobs up inside the stomach and blocks all the exits from the stomach to the intestines. You want to use something you can moisten.

Then what should I do?
What about alfalfa old leaves?

 

[Raqib Farid]

We don't have any company substrate here in Pakistan. What should I use?

 

[TechnoCheese]

Can you buy organic top soil anywhere? Orchid bark/fir bark, cypress mulch, peat moss, and coconut coir are all good options. Is there any way you can order these online?

 

[Raqib Farid]

Can you buy organic top soil anywhere? Orchid bark/fir bark, cypress mulch, peat moss, and coconut coir are all good options. Is there any way you can order these online?

No nothing available here for tortoise

Clay, topsoil (Dirt), alfalfa leaves are all i can get.

 

[TechnoCheese]

No nothing available here for tortoise

Clay, topsoil (Dirt), alfalfa leaves are all i can get.

It doesn’t have to be from pet stores. You can buy all of these from hardware stores.

 

[TechnoCheese]

The topsoil might work, as long as it’s organic, but if it’s from your yard, be sure that it is not chemicals treated.

 

[Raqib Farid]

Ok I will check stores out. But here not many people keep tortoises. But I'll search tomorrow.

 

[TechnoCheese]

Ok I will check stores out. But here not many people keep tortoises. But I'll search tomorrow.

Just remember, it doesn’t have to be labeled for tortoises. Also, make sure it’s organic.

 

[Raqib Farid]

Just remember, it doesn’t have to be labeled for tortoises. Also, make sure it’s organic.

Ok. I'll check these things, whether they are available or not. Then I'll tell you tomorrow.

 

[Yvonne G]

Do you have garden stores there? If anyone there grows orchids, then you should be able to find orchid bark. And at home improvement stores or garden stores you should be able to find pebble bark.

 

[Raqib Farid]

Do you have garden stores there? If anyone there grows orchids, then you should be able to find orchid bark. And at home improvement stores or garden stores you should be able to find pebble bark.

We don't have stores here, they are called nursery, and all they provide are soil, fertilizer, sand and plants.

 

[Raqib Farid]

I ordered coconut peat. Is that alright?

 

[RosemaryDW]

Yes, it’s fine.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

I use coco coir myself, it's great.
I understand where you're coming from with the not being able to get any tortoise products, no herp vets, difficulty of finding suitable food in the summer etc.
Don't be afraid to ask or PM me if you have any queries, i've probably been through the same myself.

 

[Raqib Farid]

I use coco coir myself, it's great.
I understand where you're coming from with the not being able to get any tortoise products, no herp vets, difficulty of finding suitable food in the summer etc.
Don't be afraid to ask or PM me if you have any queries, i've probably been through the same myself.

Thanks alot.
Here only coco peat is available so I ordered it. I hope it will work..

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Thanks alot.
Here only coco peat is available so I ordered it. I hope it will work..

Coco coir should be fine.
Just keep it nice and moist (not wet) and packed down, or it tends to get a bit messy.
Put a few inches in as Russian's love to dig.