When choosing the best bedding for a sulcata tortoise, there are many options you may want to choose. You’ll find safe choices ranging from coconut coir to orchard bark to organic top soil for sulcata tortoises.
You’ll find many different brands of organic top soil. You want to find an option that does not have any perlite, miracle grow or any other additives. You also want to be careful to find a top soil that does not have any fertilizers. Many organic top soils include chicken poo fertilizer, which can be a little strong for a sulcata tortoise and the indoor tortoise enclosures.
Benefits of Organic Top Soil for Sulcata
Organic top soil holds humidity well, creating a good environment to reduce the risk of pyramiding. When kept hydrated, the soil will not create dust that can irritate a tortoise’s eyes.
When using organic top soil, you don’t have to worry about additives that are unsafe for your tortoise.
Alternatives to Organic Top Soil
If you can’t find an organic top soil for sulcata tortoise enclosure that doesn’t include additives, there are alternatives that you can use.
- Non-organic top soil
- Peat moss
- Coconut coir
- Cypress mulch
- Orchard bark
Substrates to Avoid
When setting up an enclosure for a sulcata tortoise, you do not want to use cedar or pine based substrate. These wood substrates can emit oil and aromatic compounds that can cause skin irritations, respiratory tract problems and a lower reproductive success rate.
