Hello all,
New to forum. Just purchased a hatchling Sulcata Tortoise. Was given rabbit pellets to use as substrate. Is this a good idea or bad idea? Please advise.
Thanks,
BOSS2020
Most of the care info and natural history info for this species is wrong. That care sheet will get you moving in the right direction. Questions are welcome.
My substrate of choice is fine grade orchid (fir) bark. Since orchids are sensitive to additives, orchid bark is a fairly pure pruduct and doesn't cause impaction if accidently ingested. It is easy to clean and easy for the little guys to navigate.
I've raised many, many tortoises on alfalfa pellets, but that's old school. All of those tortoises ended up stunted and bumpy. These days, since becoming more enlightened, I use a substrate that can be moistened, and my babies are lookin' pretty darned good, if I do say so myself!