New member with first tortoise!

mrsbotero912

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Joined
Sep 29, 2019
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Northeast Ohio, USA
Hello!
I am a first time tortoise owner - just got my baby Ibera Greek, Apollo, on 9/27 - he's about 2 months old! Looking forward to being a part of this community!
72139129_2741109272568405_3467444982028173312_n.jpg
 

Blackdog1714

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PLease check the TFO care sheet. Sand is not recommended because it is an eye irritant and is not good when ingested. While adults may prefer different care most babies require a substrate that holds moisture and is safe even if eaten. Fine grade fir bark is awesome. You are going to have a long life partnership with your tort so it pays to start him well. https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-care-guide.174622/ THis care sheet comes from an awesome TFO'er. Please just read what they say about humid/warm closed enclosures. Some of the strongest supporters of it will admit that back in the day the raised the dry, which they know now to be improper. Sadly most local pet shops misled the new owner and set you up for failure. The fact that you are here shows how much you care. Questions and intelligent (or slightly) are always welcome!
 

Toddrickfl1

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PLease check the TFO care sheet. Sand is not recommended because it is an eye irritant and is not good when ingested. While adults may prefer different care most babies require a substrate that holds moisture and is safe even if eaten. Fine grade fir bark is awesome. You are going to have a long life partnership with your tort so it pays to start him well. https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-care-guide.174622/ THis care sheet comes from an awesome TFO'er. Please just read what they say about humid/warm closed enclosures. Some of the strongest supporters of it will admit that back in the day the raised the dry, which they know now to be improper. Sadly most local pet shops misled the new owner and set you up for failure. The fact that you are here shows how much you care. Questions and intelligent (or slightly) are always welcome!
I think greek tortoises are the exception to that. This is from that care sheet:

"Again, substrate is important as these animals were not meant to sit on mulch, wood shavings or just hay and straw. There are several neat substrates specifically designed for arid reptile species today and although pricey, some are fun to work with. Zoo Med Excavator Clay is one that has proven to be effective in creating a naturalistic ground. This sand/clay product is mixed with water so that it can actually be molded to your liking. This helps the keeper create mounds and other uneven areas which the tortoises will use as they move about the enclosure. It s a reddish color which closely mimics the red sand areas some Greek tortoises legitimately occur on in nature. Testudo graeca marokkensis and Testudo graeca graeca can both be found in habitats with red sand or soil, for example. The tortoises can break through it, burrow into it and move it around even though it is molded. It’s not cement-like or too abrasive and after-all, these species naturally live in harsh, rocky environments anyway. Less expensive ways of making an aesthetically pleasing indoor environment include buying regular mason/play sand, organic potting mix, peat moss and top soil and mixing it all together. The same types of gravel used in outdoor enclosures can be added to the indoor substrate mix too. Even crushed oyster shell (commonly used as substrate for Egyptian tortoises ) is a nice additive to the mix."
 

method89

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Chris Leone is all for using sand in moderation for testudos. It should make a low percentage of your total mix.
 

Blackdog1714

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For adults I wholeheartedly agree! For the babies the moisture is the key. With that said I am not even close to an expert and am willing to learn. Just search sand in the substrate and even @Yvonne G says it not good for babies.
 

mrsbotero912

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Sep 29, 2019
Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
Northeast Ohio, USA
I do have coconut substrate mixed in to help with the moisture as well! Definitely will research this more though!
For adults I wholeheartedly agree! For the babies the moisture is the key. With that said I am not even close to an expert and am willing to learn. Just search sand in the substrate and even @Yvonne G says it not good for babies.
 
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