Substrate

[redfootraider]

I was wondering if it would b ok to put organic soil as a substrate for a hatchling mixed with moss. I have a red foot tortoise n well I thought maybe with the soil the humidity would rise a little n also stay a little more moist let me know wat u think so I can change my substrate thanks in advance

 

[Redstrike]

I use ~2 inches of organic soil as my substrate base, then have ~2 inches of cypress mulch on top. Nothing wrong with organic topsoil!

I've probably mentioned this far too much, but I run a heat rope under my substrate to boost humidity and have the top enclosed (Acrylic plexiglass) to seal it in.

Heat rope:
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Flexible-Heat-Ropes

 

[dmarcus]

I also see no problem with it. I use it with my box turtles and my Hermann's...

 

[MatrixDJ]

Just make sure it does not have any kind of fertilizer in it. Look on the back of the bag and it will tell you.

 

[redfootraider]

Well I don't think it has any chemicals but is it ok if it's potting soil or does it have to be organic ground soil?

 

[MatrixDJ]

Needs to be organic. Potting soil usually has additives that are good for plants but not for torts. I put miracle grow peat moss thinking it was just peat moss. It was not, it had other stuff in it and I suspect that is why she passed away. Believe me, you don't want that feeling that you failed your tort... At any rate, just straight up dirt is good

 

[dmarcus]

The problem with potting soil is that most of them have perlite in them.

 

[redfootraider]

So what kind of soil should I use? N does it have to b organic or can it b just regular soil?

 

[GBtortoises]

For young tortoises I use a mix of about 60-70% organic potting or top soil with 20-30% coconut coir and the rest ground leaves and sphagnum moss. This combination retains moisture well without having to be wet. At about 2" deep it also provides a fairly solid surface for good footing but can also be dug into by babies. I spray it twice daily and once a week saturate and churn it well. If spot cleaned regularly (as any should be), this substrate will last many, many years without having to be replaced too.

 

[MatrixDJ]

The problem with potting soil is that most of them have perlite in them.

Thank you Dmarcus, I could not think of what the chemical was called. Just look for it on the bag.. It will tell you.

 

[redfootraider]

Ok thanks I think I will change the substrate to like 70% soil n 30% moss u think that would b ok