The tortoises are known for their docile nature and also can be easily handled if you know how to deal with them. The tortoise is an amazing pet that is also low maintenance if you take proper care of them. When you bring home the tortoise you should know what they need and what is important for them so that they can stay happily and comfortably inside the terrarium.
You should provide everything best to your tortoise so that no issue is created. In this article, we will discuss the best 6 substrates for the tortoises that are available in the market.
The substrates are a very important part of the captivity of the tortoise and you need to get the best substrate for your tortoise in order to give them comfort so that they can live their life in a healthy environment and also so that they do not have any problem while staying inside the captivity.
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What type of substrate is best for the tortoise?
You should be aware of the fact that the substrate that you will be choosing for the tortoise should be the best one that is available in the market or that is easily available at home. The substrate should be safe and comfortable for the tortoise so that they can stay healthy and also so that they do not have to face any sort of issue when they are using the substrate. The substrate is an important part of the enclosure for the tortoise so choosing the right substrate is a must for the tortoise. The best type of substrate for the tortoise should have the following features:-
- Safe for the tortoise
- Should not be skin- irritant
- Also the price should be affordable if you are buying from the market
- The availability should be easy enough so that you can find it without any sort of hassle
- Comfortable for the tortoise
- Non- toxic in nature so that when the tortoise will by mistake eat it there are no adverse effects
- Should be organic and natural and no chemically treated substrates should be used
- Easy to clean and maintain
These are some of the features that tells us whether the substrate that we are using for the tortoise is best type or not.
The 6 Best Substrates For Tortoises
The best 6 substrates for the tortoises that are available in the market with all the features that are mentioned above and that makes the tortoise comfortable are listed as below:-
1. Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss
The Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss is one of the best substrates for the tortoise because it is the best-reviewed moss substrate that is used for the tortoise. The reason for its popularity is that it holds lots of moisture and also the moisture that it holds stays in the substrate for a long time, than any other type of moss. There are natural compounds present in this moss that prevents decomposing due to the humid environment.
The Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss is an amazing substrate for the tortoise because they are comfortable in it and also this is a natural substrate. Another important feature of this substrate is that it has a good drainage system and also it is harvested sustainably and also there is no sort of chemicals, dyes, or additives used in these substrates. You can also do daily misting as it has a high capacity of holding humidity. Another thing is that they possess anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and that is why they do not decompose in the humid habitat.
The Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss has a long-lasting capability and is organic in nature. Also, this substrate is apt for the digging purpose for the tortoises as they love digging. The reviews as we know regarding this substrate are positive as both the owners and the tortoise are happy with this substrate because of the various features that it offers to the tortoise.
Pros:
- Free of chemicals and dyes
- Soft texture
- Sustainably harvested
- Organic or natural substrate
- Washable and reusable
- High moisture retaining capacity
- Lasts longer
Cons:
- Not so affordable
2. Reptile Carpet
The reptile carpet is one of the best substrate for the tortoise because it is easily available in the market and that also at an affordable price. The reptile carpet is also popular because it is not only easy available but also because the reptile carpet is easy to clean and maintain.
The reptile carpet is available in various colours and textures and you can choose according to your needs and interests. The plus point of reptile carpet is that it is completely safe for the tortoise and also the tortoise do not try to eat it which makes it completely non- toxic for the tortoise.
The tortoise is comfortable on this reptile carpet and they do not face any sort of discomfort or problem while using this reptile carpet. The reptile carpet has high absorbency of moisture which keeps it dry even when there is lots of moisture in the environment. The reviews regarding the reptile carpet are positive because of the reason that it has so much features to offer, but if it is not cleaned and maintained properly it can cause various issues for the tortoise.
Pros:-
- Easy to use and maintain
- Can be easily washed and replaced
- Easily available in the market
- Comes in various colours, size and textures
- High absorbency
- Tortoise friendly material
Cons:-
- Bacterial growth can take place if not washed regularly
3. Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Substrate
The Zoo Med Eco earth compressed coconut fibre substrate is one of the best substrate for the tortoise and even experts says that because it is highly natural and do not have any type of chemicals in it that can be dangerous or toxic for the tortoise.
You can use this Zoo Med Eco earth compressed coconut fibre substrate easily and also do not have to face any hassle while maintaining or cleaning it. The Zoo Med Eco earth compressed coconut fibre substrate is made up of coconut husk which is comfortable and safe for the tortoise and this substrate also helps in retaining the humidity inside the enclosure of the tortoise because the humidity is one of the most important factor for the tortoise.
The Zoo Med Eco earth compressed coconut fibre substrate also helps in breaking down all the waste products of the tortoise and remove the odour from the enclosure of the tortoise.
The reviews are positive for this Zoo Med Eco earth compressed coconut fibre substrate because it has so much to offer to the tortoise a safe environment but you need to keep it clean for better usage otherwise it can be harmful for the tortoise.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Natural substrate
- Easy to clean
- Retain humidity
- Breaks down odor and even waste products
- Naturally compostable
Cons:
- Sometimes they smell really bad if not cleaned properly
4. Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Soil
The Mountain valley seed company minute soil is also one of the best substrate for the tortoise because it is an organic substrate that is made up of coconut coir which is best for absorbing humidity and maintaining appropriate levels of humidity inside the enclosure of the tortoise.
You will also notice that there is no use of unwanted or the harsh chemicals on this substrate which is toxic for the tortoise and due this the Mountain valley seed company minute soil is safe for the tortoise and do not face any sort of problem while using this substrate.
Another important thing about this substrate is that it is budget- friendly which makes it a popular substrate among its users. The substrate can be easily used, cleaned and maintained without much hassle.
The negative point about this Mountain valley seed company minute soil is that it does not last long and you need to change it when it starts going bad as it can be harmful for the tortoise if not changed in time. The reviews are positive regarding this Mountain valley seed company minute soil because of the fact that it is natural and also because it comes at an affordable price and the tortoise is also comfortable in this substrate.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- The substrate is budget-friendly
- Retains humidity
- Naturally compostable
- No chemicals used
- Organic substrate
Cons:
- Does not last long
5. Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss
The Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss is one of the best substrate for the tortoise because it is natural, sustainable and an ecologically regulated substrate. There are lots of features that the Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss has to offer to its users and the most important one is that it is a long lasting substrate.
The Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss gives the natural look to the enclosure of the tortoise and that is why it is highly used as a substrate and another reason is that it comes at an affordable price which makes it perfect for the tortoise.
The Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss also retains lots of humidity for the tortoise which is needed by the tortoise and it helps in maintaining the humidity inside the terrarium of the tortoise. The Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss is non- toxic in nature and also it is safe and non- irritant for them.
The dye is non- toxic and safe for the tortoise, but that dye sometimes get stick to the body of the tortoise. The reviews are positive regarding this Galapagos Terrarium Sphagnum Moss as it is natural and safe for the tortoise and also has lots of features to offer to the tortoise and its owners.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Ecologically regulated
- Absorbs high level of humidity
- Non- toxic substrate
- Long-lasting substrate
Cons:
- The dye sometimes sticks to the body of the tortoise
6. Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Substrate
The Reptile Prime coconut fibre substrate is also one of the bets substrate for the tortoise because it is a dust- free substrate and also because it has so many features to offer to the tortoise.
The Reptile Prime coconut fibre substrate is natural and completely safe for the tortoise and there are no harsh chemicals used on it. The Reptile Prime coconut fibre substrate is also known for its soft and sandy texture which makes the tortoise comfortable and also they do not have any sort of skin problems in this.
The Reptile Prime coconut fibre substrate is easy to use and is compostable in nature. The Reptile Prime coconut fibre substrate has features like high moisture absorbing capacity, controls odour inside the enclosure of the tortoise, easy to clean, etc. which makes it perfect substrate for the tortoise.
With so many amazing features it also comes at an affordable price which makes it also a popular choice among users. But you can find mites in it if the substrate is not cleaned and maintained properly. The overall reviews are positive regarding this Reptile Prime coconut fibre substrate and the reason is it is a natural, safe and an amazing substrate that has so much to offer to the tortoise and its owner and that too at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Retains and promotes humidity
- Soft and dust-free texture
- Compostable nature
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
- Easy to clean
- Natural substrate
Cons:
- There are the presence of mites sometimes inside these substrates if not cleaned properly
Final thoughts:
If you want that your tortoise should live a happy and comfortable life you should provide them with everything that they need there should not be anything that should bother the tortoise. The tortoise and the owner should have a bonding between them so that they can live happily with each other and also there should be an understanding between the two.
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