New Tortoise Owner Seeking Advice!

[yuna1971]

Wouldn't using topsoil help with hydration? Not sure how woodchips or shavings would do that..also what if any of it was eaten albeit accidently, would it cause impaction? xx

[EJ]

I pay 13 USD for 1 one cubic yard.

It's cleaner... easier to clean... the tortoises like to burrow into it... I think it's more natural...

Originally Posted by caledonia

yep. all that kind of stuff from a pet shop is somewhat overpriced. £10 worth of topsoil from a DIY shop could do a whole year in some cases

[pixie-egg]

Yeah. I agree with Rach. I went for top soil as I deemed it easier to keep dampish without going mouldy. Never understood the mixing with sand though. So I didn't bother.

[EJ]

Unless you spray it... it is probably more dehydrating.

There is no more risk of impaction with shavings then there is with soil.

Originally Posted by yuna1971

Wouldn't using topsoil help with hydration? Not sure how woodchips or shavings would do that..also what if any of it was eaten albeit accidently, would it cause impaction? xx

[pixie-egg]

I use a small watering can to dampen it. It does dry out fast under the heat.
Can you spray the wood chips the same way then?

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by pixie-egg

I use a small watering can to dampen it. It does dry out fast under the heat.
Can you spray the wood chips the same way then?

I have a pressure sprayer only £3 from Asda. they are still selling them this year, I saw them only last night. they hold 3 litres, just pump and spray

[EJ]

no need to... it normally has a higher moisture content than dirt.

Originally Posted by pixie-egg

I use a small watering can to dampen it. It does dry out fast under the heat.
Can you spray the wood chips the same way then?

[pixie-egg]

Originally Posted by caledonia

I have a pressure sprayer only £3 from Asda. they are still selling them this year, I saw them only last night. they hold 3 litres, just pump and spray

Ooh I do like a good pump and spray
Might have to have a look at 'em. Would be useful for the garden.

I'm surprised that Ed. You learn something new everyday eh? I do like the fact I can chuck the soil onto my garden though.

[Anita Sayles]

Originally Posted by EJ

no need to... it normally has a higher moisture content than dirt.

Why?
Because wood absorbs moisture... how would it do that on an indoor table?

Thanks

[Alan1]

woodchips are pretty expensive, we used to supply Caberboard with peeled S/W chips and it was £40 per tonne 20 years ago. H/W would be at least 50% on top. soil is cheapest for me anyway