Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the recommended substate for arid tortoise species. I read that a compost/playsand mixture is ideal, but I am curious what brands of compost are recommended. Are there any other appropriate substrates? Thanks for any insight!

I keep two species of torts: Russians & Leopards

The leopards don't like to dig, and they are very small (about 4" ) so I keep them on newspaper. They are sometimes messy poopers and I find it easier to switch out the newspaper. Newspaper doesn't hold humidity well (it's either soaking wet or bone dry) so I soak the leopards a couple times a week.
I've tried to make a humid hide for them, but they are reluctant to enter.

My adult russians (who love to dig) are outdoors for most of the time they are awake, where they live on the local, clay-based soil with lots of sand mixed in. They sometimes dig into the soil at night, but most of the time they go into a wooden hidebox that sits on a layer of bricks. I use bricks to keep them off of overly damp soil. My hatchlings spend the first year indoors, where I've had good luck keeping them on a topsoil&playsand or straight playsand substrate. These guys like to dig, especially at bedtime, and the soil/sand will hold some moisture which helps prevent dehydration. I spray the substrate under they hide box every day or so to keep the humidity up.

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