Hi

Would anyone be able to advise if B & Q topsoil is ok to use as part of my sand / soil substrate? It doesn't seem to have any fertilizer in it but just want to be absolutely sure!

Thanks

Hi Katie

This is what I use and have never had any problems with it!

atb

Arlene TPG

Hi Arlene,

Thanks for that. Could you possibly advise what depth of sand / topsoil I should have to allow burrying. Also how often should I spray it?

The remainder of the enclosure is part corn cob pellets (away from food and water bowl to avoid ingestion - I've put them on newspaper), bits of slate and some stones to clamber over. I also have some straw under their little shelter. Does that sound ok?

Also (sorry I know this is not under the correct heading) but can you possibly recommed any other foods to feed them over winter - whilst the availability of grasses etc is sparse. At the min I give them a range of different types of lettuce mostly (not iceberg), very occasional carrott, cucumber, marrow, buttersquash etc. I have Tlady's seeds which I'll plant so I have them for next winter but I'm just keen to expand their diet just now. Also they're greedy guts and happily munch what I give them! Any pointers as to how much to feed them? I keep reading about pyramiding etc and don't want to risk this.

Sorry for all the questions - any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

Katie

Hi Katie,

Best to make it at least 2x the depth of your tortoise, so it can dig down easily. I’ve not heard of cob pellets being used before, I would be more inclined to sick with a sand/soil, slate and stone substrate. Straw has share edges and may pierce the eye – soil will be fine:-)

Here are some ideas for winter feeding:-

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/enews/

They should consume roughly the area of their shell each day.

May I ask what species your tortoise is please?

TC
Darren