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I'm still working on my enclosure for my upcoming Redfoot purchase, and see hay as a substrate for some other species of torts. How about for the redfoot? Can't wait to finally get one. 2 weeks of building and research so far......at least another week to go.
This set of forums has been so valuable for info. Good stuff.

Hay is not a good substrate for redfoots. From what I read redfoots require humidity. Your best choice would be a mix of soil and sand. I don't have redfoots, so I am sure others will chime in soon though.

You are correct about the humidity requirements for redfoots, Jen. They require 70-80% humidity at all times to be happy and healthy. The best substrate to use for redfoots is cypress mulch and long fibered sphagnum moss. These have a tendency to hold humidity quite well

Is this something that will be difficult to obtain? The sand/soil thing I can do.
How about that coconut fiber substrate?

I have heard of people having problems with bugs in coconut fibre. If your RF is a yearling or younger, I suggest the long fiber sphagnum moss. Older I use an organic hardwood mulch or a finer shredded cypress mulch. I use the sphagnum in all their hides.

You can find the long fibered sphagnum moss any place that carries gardening supplies or a gardening center

Tortania...thank you! I have a garden center very nearby. I'm also going to get some coconut fiber substrate.

That would look really nice, but if you want to save some $$$, you can use the long fibered sphagnum moss through out the whole enclosure

I'm currently using sphagnum moss for the two baby redfoots I have for sale in the classifieds. It's great for humidity and they love to burrow and hide in it!

Long fibered sphagnum moss(Mosher Lee brand) is the best. The coconut fiber has given me some problems with fungus on their plastrons so out it went.