Using sand as bedding?

[UMDRunner]

I have been using Eco earth for the past two years for my two Russian torts. I have two enclosures that they can walk back and forth to using a ramp. Im thinking about putting some sand from my local beach (very fine white sand) into the smaller enclosure as an alternate substrate for them to move around in (I have brought them to the beach before and they were extremely active and playful in it). Would this be a good idea?

Thanks

 

[tortoisenerd]

Pure sand is usually a no-no due to the risk of impaction. If mixed in with substrate such as eco earth, that is acceptable (I think some say 50-50 by weight, or less, of sand). Some think the sand makes the eco earth easier for the tort to burrow through. Some sand is tasty to the tort, so you'd want to beware of that. It's your personal choice though, but pure sand would usually not be advisable in captivity.

 

[UMDRunner]

Pure sand is usually a no-no due to the risk of impaction. If mixed in with substrate such as eco earth, that is acceptable (I think some say 50-50 by weight, or less, of sand). Some think the sand makes the eco earth easier for the tort to burrow through. Some sand is tasty to the tort, so you'd want to beware of that. It's your personal choice though, but pure sand would usually not be advisable in captivity.

Thanks for the tip. Ill make that mixture then.

 

[K9KidsLove]

Hi...I wouldn't use sand from the beach. Dogs and birds and maybe humans have pottied on it. There is salt & bacteria in it. Cleaned sand from Home Depot is safe and isn't expensive...and definitely safer/healthier.
Good luck
Patsy

 

[tortoisenerd]

I agree with that too. The "play sand" they sell is also larger particles. I think their huge bag is about $6.