Substrates
do many things in a tortoise habitat-
Bioactive substrate systems Pioneered by Philippe de Vosjoli’s
Hardwood mulches Probably
Soil mixes Various mixes of soil components are recommended by Tortoise
Soil-less rainforest substrate mix Reptiles
Magazine had several mixes for indoor habitats with live plants. Here is the recipe for rainforest/tropical set-ups: Other substrates Sphagnum moss Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, or paper towels These are generally used mostly for ‘hospital’ or clean settings, but some experts recommend them for everyday use to maintain a cleaner habitat. Corrugated cardboard (flat on one side, corrugated on the other. Often available at craft or packing stores) is about the best compromise between cost, cleanliness and traction. Newspaper alone is so slippery that growing tortoises have problems walking on it and it can affect the development of the leg bones.
for our purposes- carpets, hard surfaces, plain sand, rabbit chow, kitty litters, paper-based litters or liners, etc. Whatever substrate you use, it should be spot IMPORTANT:
Red-footed tortoises seem very susceptible to some form of plastron rot if they remain in contact with damp substrate. Aim for substrates of a type and depth that you can keep the bottom layers wet, but let the top layer stay dry. The pH level of the substrate may affect this as well, especially things like sphagnum moss. Substrate improvements – A deep substrate (6 inches or so) helps a closed or semi-closed system regulate itself. The deeper layers hold water down deep and absorb heat. When the air above it gets cool or dry, it will ‘steal’ it from the substrate and try to equalize itself.
– Tom Barthel, (“The Hydration Equation” Reptiles, – Warming – Hermit crabs, along with earthworms and isopods – Flat landscapes are boring – Offer a variety of surfaces to walk on. Many people have luck making things like pebble walkways, seedling trays of grass, etc.
Additional Resources
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