Advice/question about coco coir

[Augustus1508]

Yesterday I changed my lil torts substrate to coco coir and he seems to be loving it. I followed all instructions online in regards to wringing it out so its not soaking but it said to leave it damp which I did and how it needs to stay a dark brown colour.

Is there a way so he can't make a lot of mess with the substrate? He absolutely loves digging/burrowing in it but when it comes to wanting food or exploring he gets it all in his water bowl and food dish.

His humidity is doing A LOT better now staying above 84 and temps are now 35 in basking area and he has his cooler side.

Is there any other tips anyone has in regards to coco coir substrate? I want to make sure im getting this all correct!

 

[_The_Beast_]

Yesterday I changed my lil torts substrate to coco coir and he seems to be loving it. I followed all instructions online in regards to wringing it out so its not soaking but it said to leave it damp which I did and how it needs to stay a dark brown colour.

Is there a way so he can't make a lot of mess with the substrate? He absolutely loves digging/burrowing in it but when it comes to wanting food or exploring he gets it all in his water bowl and food dish.

His humidity is doing A LOT better now staying above 84 and temps are now 35 in basking area and he has his cooler side.

Is there any other tips anyone has in regards to coco coir substrate? I want to make sure im getting this all correct!

I put orchid bark or repti bark on top of the coir. I find it provides a good buffer layer that keeps moisture in and keeps my tortoise less covered in coir (he is a mighty digger ). It also helps prevent the top layer of coir from drying out and getting dusty.

Eventually the bark will get mixed in and that's fine. I just add more to the top when it's needed.

 

[wellington]

I put orchid bark or repti bark on top of the coir. I find it provides a good buffer layer that keeps moisture in and keeps my tortoise less covered in coir (he is a mighty digger ). It also helps prevent the top layer of coir from drying out and getting dusty.

Eventually the bark will get mixed in and that's fine. I just add more to the top when it's needed.

Agree with this. Best way to use coconut coir.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Either way you need to pack down the coco coir significantly. It should help a little with the mess.