What temporary substrate can I use instead of coconut coir?

[Robbie Denby]

Hello! Hoping somebody can give me abit of advise.

My 5 year old leopard tort has always had coconut coir as a big substrate. I’m currently in the process of selling my flat (mostly as my tort is getting big and I want to create an outdoor area for him so I’m looking at a house with a garden)

As he’s gotten older he kicks the coconut coir everywhere and it falls out of his viv and he’s very messy with it.

I want the flat to be spotless - including my leopard torts viv, for buyers.

If I was to change his substrate it would only be temporary and wondered if there’s anything that doesn’t create too much mess as an alternative?

Thanks in advance!
(Pics of my tort Uhtred just for jokes)

 

[Tom]

Fine grade orchid bark is a much better substrate and far less messy. Any substrate should be kept damp, and this will also help reduce dust and mess.

 

[Robbie Denby]

Fine grade orchid bark is a much better substrate and far less messy. Any substrate should be kept damp, and this will also help reduce dust and mess.

Thanks for your reply Tom. I do spray the soil down daily, but the heat tends to still cause some drying and mess. When my tort was abit younger I’d make sure the soil was properly soaked in places, but this has caused the viv to expand and look tatty. I really just need a temporary solution until I create an outdoor enclosure for him. I’ll definitely look into orchid bark - thanks!

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Any sort of chunky bark, like the orchid bark mentioned above, should do the trick. Especially if it's a shallow layer for the time being. I get wanting to make the viv look nice while showing the house. Hopefully you find that this does the trick.