substrate

I’ve been trying to find a local source for orchid bark in west Michigan and have had zero luck. Anybody know of anything in Michigan that sells it in bulk? Would like to buy the 2 cubic foot bags if possible before buying smaller 24 qt bags online for 15 each

Hello all! I got a smol sulcata hatchling comin in this weekend and I was setting my enclosure up when I was kinda put off my the substrate I bought. I saw the recommended was orchid bark, so I went to my local lowes and they didnt have the specific one I was looking for, but they said this was...

Hi! I’m wanting to get my mulch from Lowes this time around to save money like I’ve seen recommended on here a few times, but what I’m seeing come up is just a 60% cypress “mix”. I’ve seen some people still using the same one but was wondering if that sounds safe? I added a pic of the one I’m...

Hi guys, just hoping for some advice. My horse field currently has top soil for his substrate, but we’ve got a serious issue with tiny fungus gnats, so I was wondering if anyone knows of any other substrate we can use to avoid this problem! Also he seems a bit bored, is there anything I can do...

Hi I have two marginated tortoises and was wondering what substrate I should use that‘s as close to the soil in their native habitat. Thanks!

You guys ever catch your Torti in a compromising position? Well now and then I'll walk by or check my camera to see what Heidi is doing. Today I caught this girl stuck in a tight spot. It's funny because you can literally see her pausing to figure out how she's going to maneuver her way out of...

Hi all, First of all, apologies my first post is not a positive one - but in need of some advice! My three year old Spur Thighed called Speckles fell ill around a week ago, his appetite had dropped, no pooping, and very lazy and lethargic which is the complete opposite to his usual self. I...

This is the ReptiBark This is the coco coir After prepping my outdoor area for Beans I've been thinking about how I can get some clean fill dirt in his enclosure... but it would be a lot of labor to move that amount of dirt on my own and I would also have to purchase a wheelbarrow and something...

I'm very seriously considering a Russian Tortoise as a new addition to my family. Right now I have a 55 gallon aquarium that I'm a bit lost on how to best set up for my unaquired new friend. Due to the climate that I live in I'll be able to set up a small outdoor "playpen" but the large and main...

I have a redfoot tortoise hatchling coming on wednesday, I have read some people saying that they need finer substrate like cypress mulch or something and that repti bark isn’t good enough for them. My temporary set up looks like this so far (still missing the uvb strip) should I add more...

Hi all! I'm new here but decided to make an account because I'm worried about my Russian tort, Arnie. I built him a new outdoor enclosure (8 ft long, 3.5 ft wide, 3 ft high) with a lid on top. I introduced Arnie to it (with supervision) for a short periods for a few days because he's never had...

Hi I was just wondering if anyone had any recommendations on substrate to go under the orchid bark so the tortoise can burrow. I use tortoise terrain but realise it’s not good for them. cheers

Hi All we have in the last 24hours unexpectedly inherited this beautiful girl. She hasn’t had the best living conditions so we want to make that right for her future so would therefore appreciate any help/advice from those who know rather than the conflicting advice I seem to be getting from...

Hey there guys ! I’m this is Normies my 1 year old sulcata. I’m just sharing this for some ideas ! I’m in California and we are in the mid 70’s rn . He also has a enclosure inside our home for the night time. I would like to decorate his outside enclosure with some eatable plants , any...

Does anyone have experience with the Lucky Reptile Tortoise Bedding? https://www.avonturiashop.nl/lucky-reptile-tortoise-bedding-20l.html We now use Lucky Reptile Humus Brick on advise of the store we bought our Russian Tortoise...

Hi all! I have been doing some looking for orchid bark and I can’t find any that have a ton for the money. I noticed that the Zoo Med Reptile Bark is 100% fir and was curious if it would be beneficial to use? If not, what are the brands of orchid bark that y’all use? Thank you in advance!!

Hello everyone! My tortoise (tortellini, age 6-9 months (my guess!), weight 79g, scl 7cm) is living in a vivarium at the moment. I thought this was best because he's really young and I got him when he was a hatchling 4 months ago - it's super dry where I am in the winter and I can't dedicate an...

Hi all, I've kept redfoots (4) in the northeastern US for about 9 years. I see a lot of recommendations for cypress and hardwood mulch and coconut coir for our tortoises. I've used both and I have to say I'm concerned with the level of dust present in each. Occasionally I turn-over my mulch...

Hello anyone who reads this, What I would like to know is how can I make his substrate more burrow friendly? I've allotted about 6 inches of ground to him, but I've noticed it A. dries out fairly fast, and B. when dried does not retain it's shape. I have purely coco coir in there, with a bit...

Hello everyone, I just bought some Zoo Med eco earth loose coconut fiber substrate but i’m worried about having a mite infestation. I wanna know if others have had pleasant experiences with this substrate, or how I should clean it before adding it into the enclosure. - Thanks in advance!