Russian Tortoise?

Question

What kind of substrate/bedding do you use in your indoor Russian tortoise habitat?
I dont know what is best. I know that Russian tortoises are natural diggers/burrowers, so what kind of substrate is easiest for them to be dig in and be comfortable in? I don't want to use sand, as that could scratch the shell. I've read online that some people use rabbit pellets for the bedding, but that really doesnt make sense to me because what if they try to eat it?
should it be a dirt type of substrate? what about carefresh bedding?

i would like as much info as you can give. could you be specific as to why carefresh is a bad choice? i am just curious.

Answer 1

The substrate that is the closest to natural would be a mix of bed a beast and playsand. I use a 70/30 mix but you can use whatever you like the best as long as there is more bed a beast than sand. Keep it moist enough to make a ball of it in your hand but not squeeze any water out of it.
Rabbit pellets are to high in protien if eaten and are prone to be dusty and grow mold. Carefresh is a bad choice because it is too dry and not safe to eat. Stick with the bed a beast/playsand mix, your tortoise will thank you for it. ;)
For excellent Russian tortoise advice visit...
http://www.russiantortoise.org/index.htm

Answer 2

Sand does not scratch shells, and rabbit pellets can develop some nasty conditions (but being eaten is actually OK). Carefresh bedding is a woodpulp product that is not going to support burrowing, humidity control, etc. Good beddings for mammals are rarely good for reptiles.

http://www.russiantortoise.org and other sources like a mix of about 50/50 (by weight) of clean soft sand (playbox sand) and coconut coir (Bed-a-Beast). I have found that many other soft shredded woody products work as well. The mix is great for humidity control and burrowing, is easy to clean, etc.

Good clean potting or other soil can also be used in a mix- as long as the soil does not contain manures (smell, germs), any chemical enhancements, perilite, small white pellets, etc. Mix clean soil with sand and shredded woody products to your satisfaction. Sand promotes drainage and prevents compaction, organics hold moisture and allows live plants if desired, and the woody shreds help hold everything together.

Some people will claim sand causes impactions, which does not seem to be a problem if the diet, humidity, and overall health are good.

Another good site to try is http://www.tortoisetrust.org

Answer 3

Russian tortoises is a great tortoise to choose from. The bedding that I would use is bed a beast. Its a great dirt/soil that would be great for him. I work at the zoo and thats what we use. Now they are burrowers but they dont do it that much unless they were going in brumation. Which is hibernation for reptiles. Good luck with the little guy!

Answer 4

Try bed a beast with sand mixed in . It is a really good with the russian tort. You can get it at any major pet store. NO CARE FRESH. lol

Answer 5

have a look at the tortoise trust website, especially these 3 articles:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/substrates.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/horsfield_habitat.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/horsfield.html

my tortoise lives in a mix of compost and play sand and has a little house to hide in.

Answer 6

hello!
i have a Hermanns tortoise and she likes to dig as well, i use wood chippings and compost (bought from garden stores).
hope this helps
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