Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, i used aspen bedding for my boxies. They love digging in it. I saw that ceder and pine are bad for them. So i ran out and checked the box, but didnt say the materials. Is aspen ok to use?

I wouldn't say that it is a good substrate, but it wont hurt them like pine or cedar. If they are kept on aspen for a long time it will make them dry out. I recommend good old potting soil, or top soil. The cheap dirt you get from the hardware store. That is much better.

Hi, i have a big water bowl for them to soak in. I could also soak them about every other day.

Aspen wood shaving is not a good substrate for box turtles.
You don't say which species you have, but none live in wood shavings in the wild A combination of 1/3 top soil and 2/3 spaghnum moss or peat moss is a good bedding to use. Do not use potting soil as it often contains perlite. You think your turtle likes the aspen. Wait to you see it in the moss mixture, lol!
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

Hi, thanks i will set them up a new cage tomorrow, i have three toeds, ornates, and deserts. So maybe 1/3 moss, 2/3 soil because they live in dryer areas.

I just changed the cage. Since they liked the aspen, i left 1/3 of it in. And about 2/3 is that compact bedding (like eco earth, and forest bed). THEY LOVE IT. I also put a pile of sphagnum moss in there in some dug under it. I will send pics if people want to see. My email is hauntedcreature6@aol.com, and just request pics of the boxie cages.