Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.  Reptile and amphibian keepers are fortunate to have at our disposal a huge array of substrates, many of which are formulated for specific animals (burrowing frogs, large snakes).  However, there are still a few situations, usually involving especially sensitive species, where we may need to improvise.  Today I’d like to relate my experiences using “alternative” substrates for desert-dwelling reptiles and hatchling tortoises.  I have long used both while working with animals in zoos, but have noticed that neither is well-known in the pet trade.

The Immune Systems of Desert Dwellers  

Reptiles hailing from desert and semi-desert habitats are often very sensitive to molds and fungi.  Having evolved in unique, relatively pathogen-free environments, their immune systems are usually unable to adapt to attack by microorganisms commonly encountered in captivity.

Potential Problems with Sand

Many of the substrates traditionally used for such creatures, including most types of sand, harbor molds and fungi when damp.  Although not a problem (in limited-contact situations) for all desert animals, some are especially sensitive and quickly succumb to skin and respiratory infections.  

Chief among these in my experience are Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleimanni), padloper tortoises (Homopus signatus, the world’s smallest tortoise) and several of the whip-tailed lizards (Cnemidophorus spp.).

Using Oyster Shell

Oyster shell (available at garden and poultry supply stores) does not support the growth of fungi or mold, is benign when swallowed in small amounts, and can be easily spot-cleaned and discarded when fouled.  I cannot recall any skin or respiratory problems in desert-dwelling reptiles maintained on oyster shell.

Next time we’ll explore rabbit pellets, another alternative substrate that is useful in several specific situations.  Until then, please write in with your questions and comments.  Thanks, Frank Indiviglio.

Further Reading

You can read more about fungal and other respiratory ailments in tortoises at: http://www.azeah.com/Care-Sheets.asp?id=125

Tortoise photo referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by Stefano Alcini.

Related Posts:

Alternative Substrates: Rabbit and Alfalfa Pellets for Lizards and Tortoises – Part 2

The Russian or Horsefield’s Tortoise: an Ideal “First Tortoise”?

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