Box turtle substrate

[Bear2023]

Hey! What is the best (inexpensive) substrate for a three toed box turtle? I am currently using this organic potting soil for her, is that okay?

Any advice welcome!

 

[Bear2023]

Hey! What is the best (inexpensive) substrate for a three toed box turtle? I am currently using this organic potting soil for her, is that okay?

Any advice welcome! View attachment 368139

It looks like this:

 

[SinLA]

Orchid Bark or Coco Coir. Topsoil is not good to use. You should be able to buy Orchard Bark in bullk at places like home depot. Coco Coir you can get in condensed bricks online

 

[Bear2023]

Orchid Bark or Coco Coir. Topsoil is not good to use. You should be able to buy Orchard Bark in bullk at places like home depot. Coco Coir you can get in condensed bricks online

Thank you! We

Orchid Bark or Coco Coir. Topsoil is not good to use. You should be able to buy Orchard Bark in bullk at places like home depot. Coco Coir you can get in condensed bricks online

Thank you! I live in a small town with pretty much just a Walmart, is there something I could get there? Thank you!

 

[Bear2023]

I have looked into the bricks, and they are a bit pricey.

 

[SinLA]

I would be surprised if Walmart has, but unfortunately I don't know. I am going to suspect online may be your only option but hopefully someone else can help

 

[zovick]

I have looked into the bricks, and they are a bit pricey.

You could buy a bag of cypress mulch for under $4.00 and use that. It works quite well.

 

[Bear2023]

I would be surprised if Walmart has, but unfortunately I don't know. I am going to suspect online may be your only option but hopefully someone else can help

Okay! Thank You!

 

[Bear2023]

You could buy a bag of cypress mulch for under $4.00 and use that. It works quite well.

Okay! Thank you! What is the problem with soil? Do you think it would be hard for her to adjust to the new stuff because she has had soil her whole life?

 

[Bear2023]

Okay! Thank you! What is the problem with soil? Do you think it would be hard for her to adjust to the new stuff because she has had soil her whole life?

 

[TammyJ]

The soil has all kinds of stuff mixed into it that is not meant to be ingested by any animal. Not advised as a tortoise substrate.

 

[zovick]

Okay! Thank you! What is the problem with soil? Do you think it would be hard for her to adjust to the new stuff because she has had soil her whole life?

The soil you have been using might be acceptable if it has no vermiculite, perlite, or small pebbles in it which could be ingested either accidentally or purposely by your turtle and give it an intestinal blockage. If you've been using the same stuff for three years with no troubles, there is probably no reason to stop using it (assuming you know the possible problems some soils have caused other owners).