Hermann's eating sand

[Luvmytortoise]

Hello.

I just placed my Hermann's outside in their play pen and I noticed one of them eating grains of sand. Is this ok?
Their substrate is a play sand soil mix.
Just concerned.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[JoesMum]

Sand isn't recommended for substrate because it can cause impaction in the gut. Can you replace it?

 

[Luvmytortoise]

I read in many different places that a 50% sand and 50% top soil was ideal for hermann's.

 

[JoesMum]

I read in many different places that a 50% sand and 50% top soil was ideal for hermann's.

But not if they insist on eating it,

 

[ascott]

Sand in an enclosure should not be more than 20-25% of the mix...I personally would not use it at all...as I have treated an adult tortoise that had become impacted solid---took a long time to help him pass it and thankfully it did instead of him dying.....keep your tort well hydrated and that will help to aid the passing of items consumed...but sand acts differently in the gut...it lingers then builds up upon itself until an impaction occurs...

 

[Luvmytortoise]

Thanks for the advice.