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bedding for box turtle??

reptilewild Jul 09, 2004 01:28 PM

Hi im planning on housing my box indoor.I was woundering what most of you use as bedding for them.Im having trouble finding clean dirt around my way and I dont like to use mulch.If there is anything else out there you would recommend please let me know what that is and where I can buy it from.ty SHawn

Replies (5)

StephF Jul 09, 2004 02:12 PM

Is there a compelling reason for you to keep your turtle indoors?

reptilewild Jul 10, 2004 12:03 AM

I was raising my box outside but my family is currently reconstructing the whole backyard.I will have to keep him indoors for awhile until they finish which will probably take months.

StephF Jul 10, 2004 09:00 AM

I only keep hatchlings inside, and use peat moss. Topsoil from a garden center would work ok as long as it contains no fertilizers. Dirt from your yard mixed with peat (to loosen it up) would be ok. A couple of winters ago I kept a couple of adults inside over the winter and just used sphagnum moss, which worked fine.
Anything additive-free, that retains moisture well, and that a turtle can burrow into, would work fine.
Then get it back outside as soon as you can...Turtles outdoors have fewer health problems overall.
Stephanie

reptilewild Jul 10, 2004 05:32 PM

thx alot for the info.I have a huge horse trough im gonna use to keep them in temporarie.But ill try to get them back out as soon as they finish up with the yard.Shawn

golfdiva Jul 10, 2004 09:01 PM

Bed-A-Beast works very well also. You buy it in a "brick" at the pet supply store, then add water and it expands. It is shredded coconut shell.
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