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Soil and sand
Posted: 16/02/2013 by gsymms

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

Re: Soil and sand
Posted: 18/02/2013 by TPGDarren

Hi,

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.

Kindest Regards
Darren

Re: Soil and sand
Posted: 19/02/2013 by tortoise7

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

Re: Soil and sand
Posted: 19/02/2013 by TPGDarren

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:-)

 

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