Page 1 of 1

Need substrate recs for a nesting box

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 2:01 am
by bmm1001
Turbo is about 2 1/2 years old and about 6 1/2 inches, and has been lately scratching madly to get out of her tank on and off, though she's not really basking any more or exhibiting any other differences in her behavior. I know I need to make her a nesting box, but I don't know what to put in it. The ground is still frozen here, so I can't dig up any soil. Can I use sand mixed with Eco Earth? If not, what brands of soil and sand are safe for my turtle? I'd like to be able to get this done sooner rather than later to ease my anxiety about her becoming eggbound.

Re: Need substrate recs for a nesting box

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:39 pm
by steve
Some have used a mixture of potting soil/top soil and sand. More info here: https://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/Nestsites.htm

Have you felt for any eggs?

Re: Need substrate recs for a nesting box

PostPosted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 8:19 pm
by bmm1001
Sorry for the late reply! No, I haven't, and I'm sort of scared to try in case I break them. She also hates being picked up and puts her hind legs right against where'd i'd need to feel.

Re: Need substrate recs for a nesting box

PostPosted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 2:11 am
by steve
If you have a clean area on the floor, let her roam around and when she stops, go in for a feel. You don't need to pick her up, just a gently feel. And rinse her off before she goes back into the tank.