I'm not yet sure if this is an impaction (it would be his third). However, his behavior indicates it is likely. The last two eventually passed after approx two weeks. Both were from ingesting substrate. One was a large piece of cypress mulch the other a also some kind of stick. It has been three days since he last passed anything. I will increase his soaks and monitor. Last time it took approx two weeks to pass the stick. Hopefully he is able to do so this time.
My question is: I need a viable alternative substrate for his indoor enclosure. He is a five year old Greek tort. Currently he has a mixture of coco coir and cypress mulch. I have tried just the coco coir and it was a complete mess so I added the mulch for stability (it's still pretty darn messy). I have also made his eating area very large so he doesn't drag food around and try to eat it off the substrate. I'm temped to go completely fake with eco carpet, except in his hide/ sleeping area where I would keep the coco coir for burying. Or would a sand/dirt mixture be better? I need some ideas as worrying about him being impacted is very stressful - I have seen the impactions after they pass. I am surprised he was able to do so and worry that the next time will be the last.
My question is: I need a viable alternative substrate for his indoor enclosure. He is a five year old Greek tort. Currently he has a mixture of coco coir and cypress mulch. I have tried just the coco coir and it was a complete mess so I added the mulch for stability (it's still pretty darn messy). I have also made his eating area very large so he doesn't drag food around and try to eat it off the substrate. I'm temped to go completely fake with eco carpet, except in his hide/ sleeping area where I would keep the coco coir for burying. Or would a sand/dirt mixture be better? I need some ideas as worrying about him being impacted is very stressful - I have seen the impactions after they pass. I am surprised he was able to do so and worry that the next time will be the last.