I use shredded coconut fiber which can be bought in bricks labeled as potting soil. It's sterlized and dehydated, so you have to soak it before you can use it. Fiborus when new, it grinds down to a fine powder as the tort digs thru it. Holds moisture well, I use it when hibernating him too. When it's time to change it out I save the old for potting soil, pre fertilized.

I live in the high desert, very much like their natural habitat. Russians are notorious non drinkers, getting most of their water from food but I do try soak him weekly. And he loves to run thru the sprinklers on a hot summer day.

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