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| Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by Angelina | |
We are planning on using a 50/50 mix of playsand and topsoil for our tort. Firstly, can we use any topsoil from a garden centre? And also, I understand hemp is not recommended anymore, is there any other type of bedding material we should use or just keep to the topsoil/playsand mix? Thanks again! Angelina | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by TPGDarren | |
Hi Angelina, Personally I use the Homebase topsoil without adding playsand as it seems sandy enough as it is. You can add a stone area (large enough for them not to be ingested), a shelter in the form of a roof ridge tile or a small plant pot, a piece of slate is a good platform to feed from. Just some ideas HTH | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by tpgadmin | |
Organic topsoil is OK as it doesn't have fertilisers in it. Most recommend 50:50 mix with playsand, but it does depend on the type of topsoil you purchase. I buy from B & Q and use a 60 topsoil 40 playsand mix. If I use top soil form my garden I use a 50:50 mix. If you are buying it I think you can tell from the soil when you open the bag how much sand to use. It also depends on the species of tortoise you are wanting to use the substrate for. Most med species do well on a 50:50 mix as they come from dry, arid and often sandy environments in the wild. If the substrate isfor indoors use it does dry very quickly with the heat lamps so I wet mine daily eitherwatering the surface with one of those plant sprayers that you can buy from garden centres or by watering it properly and giving the whole soil a good mix up on a regular basis. Hemp has been known to cause traumatic injuries to some tortoises so it really is no longer recommended, even though some do still use it as it hasn't caused their tortoises any problems. I think the saying better to be safe than sorry probably applies. Helen | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by JOTORTYMAD | |
Hi, i use a organic top soil from FOCUS and mix it with play sand normally i do 60/40 this i put over the whole enclosure some areas alot deeper than others about a foot deep one end then i lay two slabes of slate one end with there food on and cuttle fish and a water bowl on, but in there hide i have it filled with readi grass which they can eat as it is only dried grass, sometimes they like to burrow into this and sometimes they like to burrow down into the soil. When i turn there basking lamp off in the evening i thoughly dampen down the soil and gently turn it so to prevent it becoming dusty the next day. | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by Angelina | |
Thanks Darren, some good ideas! | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by Angelina | |
Thank you, we're looking for | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by tpgNina | |
Hi Angelina, We have several Ibera breeders on our recommended breeders list. Click on Buying a Tortoise in the left-hand column, and then on the breeder's list. We also have a good care sheet for Iberas (click on The Tortoise, then on Care Sheets, and then on the species you want). Good luck, and I hope you find a lovely tortoise to raise! You certainly seem to be going about this in the right way, and doing all your research in advance, and that is great. Nina | |
| Re: Substrate Question Posted: 19/04/2009 by TPGDarren | |
Great choice - lovely tortoises Here's a link to the care sheets if you have any trouble finding them:- http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/122.asp HTH | |
As a seasoned enthusiast with extensive knowledge in reptile care, particularly in the context of tortoises, I'd like to address the concerns raised in the TPG Members Forum regarding substrate choices for a tortoise enclosure. The evidence supporting my expertise lies in the practical experiences shared by fellow enthusiasts and experts in the forum. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the discussion.
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Substrate Composition:
- Angelina is planning a 50/50 mix of playsand and topsoil for her tortoise enclosure.
- Darren suggests using Homebase topsoil without adding playsand, as it already has a sandy texture.
- The TPG admin mentions using organic topsoil without fertilizers, recommending a 50:50 or 60:40 mix with playsand.
Key Takeaway: The choice of substrate often involves a mix of topsoil and playsand to mimic the natural environment of certain tortoise species.
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Type of Topsoil:
- Organic topsoil without fertilizers is recommended, with specific brands like Homebase and B & Q mentioned.
- The type of topsoil may vary, and it's suggested to assess the sandiness when purchasing from a garden center.
Key Takeaway: Opting for organic topsoil without fertilizers is a common recommendation, but the choice may depend on the specific brand and texture.
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Avoidance of Hemp:
- Hemp bedding is discouraged due to the risk of causing traumatic injuries to tortoises.
- The mantra "better to be safe than sorry" is emphasized in choosing substrates.
Key Takeaway: Hemp bedding is generally avoided due to safety concerns, despite some still using it without issues.
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Substrate Maintenance:
- Dampening down the soil in the evening and turning it gently to prevent dustiness is recommended.
- Regular watering is crucial for indoor enclosures, as heat lamps can lead to quick drying.
Key Takeaway: Proper substrate maintenance involves maintaining appropriate moisture levels to prevent dustiness and accommodate the tortoise's natural behaviors.
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Enclosure Enrichment:
- Suggestions include creating stone areas, shelters using roof ridge tiles or small plant pots, and using slate as a feeding platform.
- JOTORTYMAD adds diversity by having areas with varying depths and using readi grass in hides.
Key Takeaway: Enriching the enclosure with varied structures, basking spots, and edible elements enhances the tortoise's well-being.
In conclusion, the evidence-backed advice from experienced forum members emphasizes the importance of substrate choice, its composition, and maintenance in creating a suitable environment for tortoises. The collective knowledge shared in the forum serves as a valuable resource for tortoise enthusiasts like Angelina, ensuring the well-being of their reptilian companions.
