Seeing as Russian tortoises are commonly found in dry regions, they have a preference for substrates that mimic desert like environments. So, what substrate brands are best for them?
The beautiful and docile Russian tortoise is a reptile that is native to the larger Middle East and Asian region, and it is most commonly found in dry and hot areas. For this reason, it is important to find substrate that makes them feel as though they are in their natural habitat. Something worth noting is that it is not just important to give them the right substrate for their comfort, it also contributes a huge deal to their health, especially as far as their shells are concerned. Below are a few high quality substrates that are ideal for Russian Tortoises and other reptiles.
The Best Substrate for Russian Tortoise Comparison Table
Substrate Name | Material | Quantity | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding | Cypress mulch | 24 quarts | |
ReptiChip Premium Coconut Substrate | Coconut chip | 72 quarts | |
Zoo Med - Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate | Coconut fiber | 8 quarts | |
Reptile Prime – Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate | Coconut fiber | 24 quarts | |
Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding | Bark fir | 8 quarts |
The Best Substrate for Russian Tortoise Products Review
- Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding – Made using cypress mulch
This all natural product is highly recommended for most reptiles, including the Russian Tortoise since it is a dry mulch that is both comfortable and practical, and it helps the tortoise keep dry.
Key features
- Made using dry cypress mulch
- Comes in a 24 quart pack
- Superior moisture retention
- Has a natural look
- Can be used for multiple reptiles
As earlier mentioned, one of the characteristics most considered when purchasing substrate for Russian Tortoises is its ability to mimic the natural habitat in which the reptile lives and thrives. With the Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding, you can be certain that your docile reptile will have the feeling that it is in an environment that is as close to home as possible.
This substrate is made entirely of cypress mulch, and it is very comfortable to the animal. Seeing as a tortoise should ore often than not be in a dry environment, this mulch works to provide these conditions, especially since it comes with a high level of moisture retention. This feature makes sure that the shell of your tortoise remains protected and intact since excess moisture results in degradation, and eve rotting in extreme cases.
The 24 quarts pack proves ideal for several tortoises, but you may have to buy more in case the population of your reptiles is a bit on the higher side. The best thing about it is that it can be used for other reptiles which include lizards, snakes, tarantulas, salamanders and even amphibians such as frogs.
Since Russian Tortoises like to burrow a good deal of the time, it is recommended that you add a good amount of the helping so that you make room for them to burrow when they need to. A thin layer of the substrate may not support this practice, and that is why you need to use what would ideally be enough.
Be certain to change it every couple weeks to make sure that the environment is healthy for your Russian Tortoise. In addition, change it immediately if it gets exceedingly wet.
Pros
- It is an all natural product
- Bears superior moisture retention characteristics
- Can be used for multiple reptile and amphibian pet species
- Affordable
Cons
- You might have to use a lot for Russian Tortoises
Verdict
To make sure that your reptile gets the best quality of substrate, you have to purchase one from a reputable company that is focused on perfection. Zoo Med has been one of the most reputable producers of exotic pet products, and this particular one does not fall short of expectation.
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- ReptiChip Premium Coconut Substrate – Made using all natural coconut chips
If you are looking for a high quality substrate that is all natural and that can be used for multiple pets, this is the one for you.
Key features
- Made using coconut chips
- It is all natural
- Can be used for multiple reptiles and pets
- Has a high moisture retention capacity
- Great for odor control
Coconut substrates are easily the most reliable, and even most commonly used when it comes to Russian Tortoise bedding. This is largely because it is easy to access and cheap, and it is also pretty comfortable to the animals. In addition, it is friendly to the environment, and it does not degrade as fast.
This particular brand, the ReptiChip Premium Coconut Substrate is an ideal choice of bedding for people that have Russian Tortoises as well as other reptile species. This is because the chips are of incredible quality, and unlike most other brands that present overly large chips, this one comes with medium sized chunks that are easy to walk in, and that allow for the Russian Tortoises to burrow when they feel they need to.
As expected, coconut chippings come with a good deal of moisture retention. They come in handy when there is an accidental spill, and even when the air is really humid in a way that could affect the tortoises negatively. As earlier mentioned, tortoise shells degrade in quality, and even rot, when the moisture around them is in excess.
Another advantage to this brand of substrate for Russian Tortoises is that it is a completely natural product. It is devoid of harmful chemicals, and it bears no need for preservatives since it is able to maintain its integrity for a good deal of time without requiring chemical aid.
Aside from providing an ideal environment for your tortoise to thrive in, it also keeps all odors away since it has superior odor absorption characteristics. This way, you can be sure that your pet is comfortable, dry and that the environment in which it lives stays fresh all day.
Pros
- It is an all natural product
- Has superior moisture absorption capabilities
- Has the tendency to absorb bad odors
- Allows tortoises to burrow when they need to
Cons
- A bit on the pricey side
Verdict
This professional grade substrate is definitely bound to get your Russian tortoise comfortable, and it is also going to have no trouble maintaining the ideal moisture needed. The best thing is that it can be used for other reptiles as well, and it is also an all natural product.
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- Zoo Med – Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate – Made using coconut fiber
If you would like to provide your tortoise with a softer substrate than chippings offer, you might want to grab a fiber-based substrate since it is finer and cheaper.
Key features
- Made using coconut fiber
- Comes in an 8 quarts pack
- All natural product
- Ideal for multiple reptile and amphibian species
- Great moisture retention
- Great anti-odor properties
Coconut chippings are a favorite among people that have a preference for chunky substrates. However, there are those who lean more towards softer and finer substrates, especially when their pets are smaller. With the Zoo Med – Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate, you can be sure that your pet will enjoy softer and finer bedding every time.
As the name suggests, this substrate brand is made using coconut fiber, and this comes as a big advantage since you will find that it is entirely natural, with almost no traces of chemicals and other non-biodegradable material. This is to mean that there are no preservatives, dyes or fragrances added into the substrate.
As an added advantage, this substrate comes with the ability to get rid of odors that could be in and around the environment where your Russian Tortoise and other reptiles and amphibian species live. This way, the air stays fresh, even where there are droppings and other excreted matter within the enclosure.
In addition, it tends to absorb excess moisture, making sure that your Russian Tortoise does not get exposed to high levels of moisture that could potentially lead to shell degradation and even rotting, and that it does not suffer other potentially harmful conditions from being exposed to high moisture concentrations. Also, you can use it for multiple types of reptiles and amphibians, and not just for tortoises alone.
Pros
- Made from coconut fiver which is finer and softer than chippings
- Can be used for multiple reptile and amphibian species
- High moisture retention properties
- Ade from all natural raw materials
- Great for odor control
Cons
- The 8 quarts pack may be a bit small if you have many pets, and a large enclosure
Verdict
Zoo Med has been at the front line when it comes to high quality pet products, and the best thing about them is that they offer a good variety from which to choose. This fiber substrate is of high quality, and it makes certain that your pets are comfortable and that they feel as though they are in their natural environment.
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- Reptile Prime – Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate – Made using coconut fiber
This product that features completely natural raw materials makes for an incredible substrate for Russian Tortoises and other reptiles as well as amphibians and invertebrates.
Key features
- Made using coconut fiber
- Made from all natural raw materials
- Ideal for multiple reptiles, amphibian and invertebrates
- High moisture retention features
- Ideal for odor control
The best environment for a reptile in captivity is one that closely mimics the natural habitat to which the animal is accustomed. For this reason, it is recommended that you choose a substrate that closely resembles (visually and in the sensory aspect) its home environment. This is one of the mot important features of coconut fiber substrate. It resembles pretty closely what a Russian Tortoise is used to in the wild, and this is what makes them very comfortable.
On top of this, coconut fiber is finer and softer than coconut chippings, and this makes it a more comfortable form of bedding, especially for smaller pets. One of the features that makes this product quite ideal is its ability to keep away excess moisture that could potentially harm the tortoise and its shell. However, when used for tropical pets, you can actually moisten it a bit to achieve the desired moisture content.
Moreover, you can be certain that your home or office will not be filled with odor emanating from the terrarium, especially because this product works to absorb odors and keep the air fresh. Also, it works together with plants pretty well, and if you hope to plant several, this substrate will work just fine, allowing for the plants to grow and thrive in their environment.
Seeing as it is largely a dry product, it actually does not degrade fast, and it will serve you a good deal of time, but this is also dependent on the number of tortoises you have within the same terrarium. More tend to degrade it faster, but with a population of 2 or 3 Russian Tortoises, you are guaranteed a lifetime of two to three months if you keep from wetting it.
Pros
- It is fine and soft
- Great for moisture retention
- Bears superior odor control features
- Lasts a good deal of time
- Ideal for multiple reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species
Cons
- You may find it a little dusty and messy
Verdict
Even though it may be a little messy and even dirty, this substrate proves quite ideal for Russian Tortoises since it allows them the opportunity to feel at home, and to burrow every now and then when they feel the need to. It is also pretty economical since it lasts a decent length of time.
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- Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding – Made using bark fir
This substrate proves essentially ideal for all reptiles, amphibians and even invertebrates, and this makes it quite economical, especially for persons with multiple pet types.
Key features
- Made using bark fir
- It is re-usable
- Can last up to one year
- High moisture retention
- Rids the air of odor
- Ideal for multiple reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species
More often than not, when buying substrate for Russian Tortoises and for other animals as well, we tend to go for products that have a life-span of 2 to three months, and that is discarded immediately after use. With the Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding, you are guaranteed that it will last you up to one year. Apart from being pretty hardy, it is also re-usable, and it does not lose its integrity as quickly as most others.
Interestingly, it is made using bark fir which is natural and soft, and it also tends to mimic the home environment that Russian Tortoises are accustomed to, both in consistency and even in color. One of the characteristics about it that stands out a good deal is the fact that it is able to absorb and retain excess moisture, keeping the environment devoid of humidity that could potentially harm your tortoise’s health and degrade its shell in the process.
In addition, it has the tendency to absorb odors that emanate from the terrarium that ideally comes from droppings and other excretions. This feature ensures that the environment stays fresh at all times, no matter the kind of population you are dealing with.
Being that it is made from natural tree bark fir, this product is al natural, and it does not come with traces of chemicals, preservatives or dyes that could potentially harm your pet. This also means that it is bio-degradable, and that it is safe to incorporate into an aquarium where you intend to add a few plants for greenery and beauty.
In addition, it is an excellent insulator, keeping the temperature at an ideal constant. This means that even during the hottest seasons, your reptile will not suffer too much heat, or get exceedingly cold in the colder seasons. However, it is recommended that you find an external source of heat for your reptile during this time since tortoises are cold blooded and lack the mechanisms for thermo-regulation.
Pros
- It is an all-natural product
- Ideal for multiple species of pets
- Lasts a good deal of time
- It is reusable
Cons
- Being so small, it could make its way into your pet’s food
Verdict
This product is ideal for making sure that your pet enjoys as homely an environment as possible, and the best thing about it is that it is reusable, and you may not have to use an exceeding amount of money to keep the terrarium in good shape.
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Buying Substrate for your Russian Tortoise – What to consider
Natural Raw Materials
It is recommended that you choose an all-natural product that is bio-degradable to allow the environment to thrive and to guarantee the safety of your pets.
Moisture retention
While many reptile species prefer that their environments stay humid, Russian Turtles have a liking for drier habitats, and this is why it is important to find a substrate that will help to maintain the proper moisture level.
Usability
If you are a keeper of different reptile species, go for a substrate that will work for most, if not all, of them so that you do not have to spend too much money.
Final Verdict
Russian Tortoises are known to spend their lives in hot and dry environments, particularly those that are somewhat desert-like. In captivity, it is recommended that you try as much as possible to maintain these same characteristics and one of the places to start is with the substrate. When choosing one for regular use, go for that which is ideal, and that allows them to practice instinctive behavior such as periodic burrowing. Natural plant-based substrates are the best, and they are also pretty economical!
