Re: substrate

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Posted by Jen B on March 17, 2001 at 12:55:56:

In Reply to: substrate posted by karl on March 16, 2001 at 14:18:39:

Yes, I think that your tortoises would be happy with a substrate that would allow them to burrow. Big considerations are safetly and ease of cleaning. You can use things such as sterile top soil mixed with playsand, cypress mulch (*not* cedar as this is toxic to tortoises), alfalfa pellets (although my understanding is that their mobility can cause foot deformities), or orchard grass. Be careful of substances that have a good deal of dust particles as this can be an eye irritant.

After trying some of these options, what I really like is Carefresh, which is a sort of paper pulp pet substrate product that is light, absorbent, and in which the tortoise can easily burrow. To this I add a pile or two of orchard grass just to give some burrowing options.

Jennifer

: hi,
: i have been keeping my 2 russians on newspaper for the last 6 months, but have become increasing disappointed at how boring it looks. im sure my torts would appreciate a more attractive set-up and seeing as the pen is 7.5ft x 3ft. they have a large hide, and feeding area which is decorative paving stones. my question is what could i use as the substrate. i was thinking the dry bark chips would look nice, but then realised these would be almost impossible to clean? does any one use these without any probs? maybe one that clumped would be better, although i guess that may cause impaction problems. any ideas? also what else could i put in their enclosure? hopefully building a massive pen for them this summer in sunny UK.
: cheers,
: karl

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Re: substrate karl 03/17/01 (2)
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: Yes, I think that your tortoises would be happy with a substrate that would allow them to burrow. Big considerations are safetly and ease of cleaning. You can use things such as sterile top soil mixed with playsand, cypress mulch (*not* cedar as this is toxic to tortoises), alfalfa pellets (although my understanding is that their mobility can cause foot deformities), or orchard grass. Be careful of substances that have a good deal of dust particles as this can be an eye irritant. : After trying some of these options, what I really like is Carefresh, which is a sort of paper pulp pet substrate product that is light, absorbent, and in which the tortoise can easily burrow. To this I add a pile or two of orchard grass just to give some burrowing options. : Jennifer : : : hi, : : i have been keeping my 2 russians on newspaper for the last 6 months, but have become increasing disappointed at how boring it looks. im sure my torts would appreciate a more attractive set-up and seeing as the pen is 7.5ft x 3ft. they have a large hide, and feeding area which is decorative paving stones. my question is what could i use as the substrate. i was thinking the dry bark chips would look nice, but then realised these would be almost impossible to clean? does any one use these without any probs? maybe one that clumped would be better, although i guess that may cause impaction problems. any ideas? also what else could i put in their enclosure? hopefully building a massive pen for them this summer in sunny UK. : : cheers, : : karl

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