Hi everyone, I have brought a wooden tortoise table and I'm planning on putting a mixture of play sand and top soil for it but I think it may rot the wood so should I put anything down on the wood before I put the soil on it. Also does it matter I the sand is wet and dry and (sorry about all the questions) i have a house at one end for her to sleep in what should I use for bedding in that?? Thankyou
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The soil will dry out soon enough and the wood should be fine bare. I would merely put the same substrate in the bedding area as in the base (sand/soil). If you need any further advice, please don't hesitate to get back to us.
Hi I used to put a piece of plastic sheeting underneath the substarte, mainly because of the water bowl being constantly tipped over, and it also makes it easier when you are cleaning the pen out. I have recently read that using just top soil is better as the sand can cause impaction. It does makes sense as the little ones do eat it, and when I think back my little ones poo was sometimes very hard and sandy like. Have you heard anything about that Darren? Jane
Hi Jane, Yes I have heard of it, though I would imagine it would have to be in pretty large quantities for a tortoises body to not be able to cope with it. That said, to be honest I tend to just use the Homebase Topsoil and haven't added play sand to our substrates here for many years. You really only need to add sand if the soil has a high clay content, or the likes, to break it down Good to hear from you Jane:-)
