What is the best substrate to mix with cypress mulch?

Jessica5

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Hello,

The current substrate in my Golden Greek tortoise's enclosure is half cypress mulch and half play sand. Recently, I've noticed that his cage has been dry and was wondering what product would be the best to mix with my current substrate out of coco coir, Eco Earth compressed coconut fiber brick, or Eco Earth loose coconut fiber substrate to create a little more humidity.

Thanks!
Jessica
 

TriciaStringer

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Hi! Sand is dangerous for any tort. It can cause impact ion if eaten. I’d suggest completely taking out all substrate and redoing it. Coco coir does a great job holding moisture. Hopefully someone that has a Greek can give you their opinion.
 

TriciaStringer

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Hello,

The current substrate in my Golden Greek tortoise's enclosure is half cypress mulch and half play sand. Recently, I've noticed that his cage has been dry and was wondering what product would be the best to mix with my current substrate out of coco coir, Eco Earth compressed coconut fiber brick, or Eco Earth loose coconut fiber substrate to create a little more humidity.

Thanks!
Jessica
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-testudo-graeca-care-sheet-overview.87146/

This mentions substrate and sand is on it so maybe I spoke wrong. Check it out and see what others it recommends.
 

Minority2

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https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-testudo-graeca-care-sheet-overview.87146/

This mentions substrate and sand is on it so maybe I spoke wrong. Check it out and see what others it recommends.

No you are correct, sand is a potentially dangerous substrate. I have sent a report a while ago about that particular care sheet but have never gotten a reply back. I just remind people to completely ignore the sand section whenever I link it in a new thread.

Coco coir and orchid/fir bark are the most recommended substrates. I myself have found bulk generic garden variety versions to be of a higher quality than the overpriced pet branded versions.
 

Brit G

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No you are correct, sand is a potentially dangerous substrate. I have sent a report a while ago about that particular care sheet but have never gotten a reply back. I just remind people to completely ignore the sand section whenever I link it in a new thread.

Coco coir and orchid/fir bark are the most recommended substrates. I myself have found bulk generic garden variety versions to be of a higher quality than the overpriced pet branded versions.
Where did you buy the bulk orchid/fir bark? I've tried SO MANY STORES. Calloways, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, local garden stores, etc.
 

TriciaStringer

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Where did you buy the bulk orchid/fir bark? I've tried SO MANY STORES. Calloways, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, local garden stores, etc.
I ordered mine from OSH, but I tried finding it for you to provide the link, but the website wasn’t working. Do you have a nursery near you? I heard you can ask them to order you some. Make sure it is fine grade.
 

Minority2

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Where did you buy the bulk orchid/fir bark? I've tried SO MANY STORES. Calloways, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, local garden stores, etc.

You'll have more luck finding them at local gardening centers and nurseries. These establishments are able to order it for you if you unable to find it in their stores. That's the cheapest source I've found for orchid/fir bark. I must say, even at that, it's still not as cheap or easily accessible as farm processed coco coir.
 

Brit G

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I ordered mine from OSH, but I tried finding it for you to provide the link, but the website wasn’t working. Do you have a nursery near you? I heard you can ask them to order you some. Make sure it is fine grade.
You'll have more luck finding them at local gardening centers and nurseries. These establishments are able to order it for you if you unable to find it in their stores. That's the cheapest source I've found for orchid/fir bark. I must say, even at that, it's still not as cheap or easily accessible as farm processed coco coir.

Thank you both! Will try until finding a solution!
 

Tom

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Hello,

The current substrate in my Golden Greek tortoise's enclosure is half cypress mulch and half play sand. Recently, I've noticed that his cage has been dry and was wondering what product would be the best to mix with my current substrate out of coco coir, Eco Earth compressed coconut fiber brick, or Eco Earth loose coconut fiber substrate to create a little more humidity.

Thanks!
Jessica
No need to mix in anything. Cypress works fine all alone. I prefer fine grade orchid bark.

All the ones you mentioned above are the same thing with different names. That stuff is goof for baby Testudo, but too messy for older ones in my experience.

Many people have been using and recommending sand for decades. I've seen it cause too many problems. Eye infection or irritations, skin irritation or infection, impaction and death. While some people do still use it and recommend it, I think its a big mistake and that that old info should not be promoted anymore. I can't stop anyone from writing a care sheet and putting whatever they want in it.
 

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