Leopard tort - indoor substrate

[Mich]

Is it OK to use Timothy hay as a substrate in an indoor enclosure? I had soil/sand mix in the old enclosure but in my new one for ease of cleaning her massive pops (which is almost always done IN her hide *sigh*) I'd rather use hay and grasses if I could. She has a large shallow water dish that I've seen her drink from and soak in many times, would that provide enough moisture without having a dirt type substrate?

 

[jesst]

I would use coco coir that's what I use. It keeps the moisture in and humidity up.

 

[leonardo the tmnt]

I would use coco coir that's what I use. It keeps the moisture in and humidity up.

Agreed I have used hay and it smells strong and molds whit even a drop of water. It's also dusty so I wouldn't recommend it. It does keep a tort warm so maybe you could put it in the hide. But I recommend coco coir

 

[Mich]

I used coco coir as well before I switched to soil/sand mix. I found it got dry and dusty faster then the soil and more expensive given the rate I had to clean it out at. I do have dried timothy and bermuda grass in 2 of her hides .. I originally planned on making her enclosure half hay and half soil/sand but right now with just the thick plastic covering on the bottom and the hay it's SOOOOOO much easier to clean lol I actually didn't realise how watery her poo was until now, shockingly far worse then even my iguana and that's saying a lot And the amount that gets soaked up in the soil is disgusting and requires constant changing. Guess I'll stick with my original plan and make her enclsoure half soil so I will know her humidity is ok. Thanks for the advise guys

 

[jesst]

You shouldn't have to clean it that often. I have had it in my leopard and sulcata enclosures for over 6 months and with some spot cleaning it stays clean. I would be worried about the sand and your tort eating it. Sand can cause impaction. I also wouldn't use hay, it molds really easily.

 

[Eweezyfosheezy]

My preferred choice for indoor substrates is orchid bark. Not messy whatsoever, holds humidity well, and smells good.

 

[Mich]

I'm actually starting to think she has runny stool .. with the dirt substarte I couldn't tell because it mostly got absorbed I guess (eww, hence why I don't want dirt if I could avoid it, so not clean) .. in her new encl before I had substarte down I could really see her bowel movements and was shocked!! She poos in her hide and then lays in the puddle of yuck. I'll need to make a vet appointment andf maybe taken in a stool sample to check for worms etc