Substrate

[bumblebee51]

Hi, I just changed my tortoises substrate for the first time, he used to be on quite a dry sandy substrate but I now put him on a quite moist soil-like substrate. Is this ok?

 

[GBtortoises]

What is the substrate material made of that you're using now?

 

[bumblebee51]

It just says its soil, it has stones in as well, think it's for calcium

 

[Tom]

I prefer damp substrates for all my species, but someone with Hermanns experience should tell you whether its okay for them. I will say watch your temps. The evaporation from the damp substrate can cause the temps to drop significantly. You may need to lower your bulbs or increase your wattage.

 

[bumblebee51]

Thanks, I will keep an eye on things, was just a bit worried that's all. I haven't cleaned him out properly before as I only got him about a week or 2 ago.

 

[GBtortoises]

Are the "stones" that you are referring to white and smaller than a pea? If so it might be perlite, used in bagged soils for moisture retention. Perlite is crushed volcanic rock which is very pourous. It is also abrasive and can be easily ingested by tortoises but not digested. It is harmless in terms of any chemicals so very small amounts present in the soil shouldn't be a problem. Larger quantities would be. You may want to look the bag over a little better and see if it contains fertilizers too. Unless it's marked as organic top or potting soil it may contain chemical fertilizers for plant growth. Something that should be avoided as tortoise substrate. Organic soils contain fertilizers too, in the form of ground poultry droppings. While it may be "poop" it is organic and the amount contained in a bag of organic soil is very likely harmless to tortoises.

 

[coreyc]

Can you post a pic of the bag?

 

[Isa]

I agree with the others, it would be good if you could post a pic

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Pictures say so much.