Re: Russian subtrate & other questions

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Posted by Wesley on May 12, 2000 at 19:28:48:

In Reply to: Russian subtrate & other questions posted by Kyla on May 11, 2000 at 18:49:52:

: I just got a Russian tortoise. He is in a mini-swimming pool in my room. The problem is, the subtrate we're using is called Kaytee reptile bedding and litter (made of alfalfa) mixed with corncob bedding, which makes the room all stuffy. There isn't any other place to keep him, and outside the weather isn't suitable. My mom says that if we can't find a way to make the cage not smell, we'll have to take him back. Please help!! What are other inexpensive options for bedding? I've heard that bark holds too much moisture and makes it too humid. Also, he seems to be a bit shy. We thought we'd gotten another one, but this one isn't as outgoing. Unlike the others, he doesn't like his neck rubbed at all and pulls his head in at any approaching fingers. Will this wear off once he gets used to us? One more question- when he ducks his head in, you can hear him "gasp" a little, but other than that his breathing is fine and you can't hear it. Is it normal for them to make this sound when they're startled? Thanks so much! Your help is greatly appreciated!

Kyla, I just got a Russian Tortoise too. When it goes in its shell and gasps, that is normal. I have 2 turtles and a tortoise and they all do that. About the smell of the cage, we have ours in the rabbit pellets. That works good. My tortoise, Bud, is shy also. Is yours eating? Mine isn't. It's been one week today since he has eaten. I've called the pet shop a lot and they just say he's nervous and scared of being in a new environment--he's making me nervous now. Any ideas? Wesley

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Re: Russian subtrate & other questions Kyla 06/07/00 (0)
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: : I just got a Russian tortoise. He is in a mini-swimming pool in my room. The problem is, the subtrate we're using is called Kaytee reptile bedding and litter (made of alfalfa) mixed with corncob bedding, which makes the room all stuffy. There isn't any other place to keep him, and outside the weather isn't suitable. My mom says that if we can't find a way to make the cage not smell, we'll have to take him back. Please help!! What are other inexpensive options for bedding? I've heard that bark holds too much moisture and makes it too humid. Also, he seems to be a bit shy. We thought we'd gotten another one, but this one isn't as outgoing. Unlike the others, he doesn't like his neck rubbed at all and pulls his head in at any approaching fingers. Will this wear off once he gets used to us? One more question- when he ducks his head in, you can hear him "gasp" a little, but other than that his breathing is fine and you can't hear it. Is it normal for them to make this sound when they're startled? Thanks so much! Your help is greatly appreciated! : : Kyla, I just got a Russian Tortoise too. When it goes in its shell and gasps, that is normal. I have 2 turtles and a tortoise and they all do that. About the smell of the cage, we have ours in the rabbit pellets. That works good. My tortoise, Bud, is shy also. Is yours eating? Mine isn't. It's been one week today since he has eaten. I've called the pet shop a lot and they just say he's nervous and scared of being in a new environment--he's making me nervous now. Any ideas? Wesley

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