Hi. I was told rabbit pellet is a good substrate for sulcatas. I was also told that alfalfa that is fed to rabbits are also good for them. However, I have read that alfalfa is not preferable by some breeders. What is your opinion on this. Thanks.-Elvy
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Rabbit Pellets And Alfafa For Sulcatas
bxherp
Apr 03, 2004 08:42 PM
Replies (4)
mike884
Apr 04, 2004 04:29 PM
hi,i have tried both.i use aspen now"kaytee brand"its located in the small pet isle in any pet store.much better for there muscles in there legs and they can burrow down in it.its also alot cheaper,when they get big they can really go to the bathroom,so its more cost effective.my two cents.
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later,mike
cwilder
Apr 05, 2004 11:28 AM
I wouldn't use pellets myself. If you check the tortoise trust website or World Chelonian website they recommend different substrates. I personally use 2/3 chopped very fine hay, 1/3 sand/peat moss with mulch. I think this offers different microclimates to burrow in or move about. Most tortoises I've seen raised on pellets tend to pyramid. It's been discussed on here before to also offer a more humid area/hide spot but you can decide on that one. Also you need to provide plenty of heat. Hope that helps.
CW
bxherp
Apr 05, 2004 07:18 PM
Hey thanks for the response. This weekend I happened to acquire a sulcata unexpectedly. I received some suggestions on how to keep it but I am still learning. Right now I actually have the sucata on soil as a substrate. I just orderdd today from Oxbow hay some Tomothy hay and Orchard grass. I am going to use then as substrate and food. Thanks again. -ELvy
princesslisa88
Apr 09, 2004 02:11 PM
This is true about the pyramiding. I heard that if the tortoise is consuming the rabbit pellets that they tend to have shell problems. I bought my leopard tort and he has slight pyramiding at 7 months of age. He has always been on rabbit pellets. I changed his substrate today to chopped hay but also a mixture of topsoil, peat moss and sand. I think the rabbit pellets also made it very awkward for him to get around. He seems to be enjoying it much better and it is also much easier for him to settle into when he sleeps.
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Lisa 
1 Mali Uro - Matilda
1 Leopard Tort - Herman
1 Shih Tzu - Jake
lisasmith@optonline.net
Monroe, NY
