Another one of my amazing substrate ideas! please help?

[tyler0912]

Is it possible i can use a whole leaf litter substrate!
They would be dry leaves that i would spray but is this a good idea?
Thankyou?

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I have alot of leaf litter around my home!

 

[Kristina]

Yes, but I suggest using plain soil under the leaf litter, because it gets broken down pretty quickly from them crawling all over it. Plus, without some dirt, the leaves dry out pretty quickly, but they do help keep the dirt moist for longer.

This is what I do for my adult Redfoots.

 

[tyler0912]

Can i use a bark like forest floor substrate under it?

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Instead of soil?

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would this be any good?
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.j...ionsSpecificProductType=multi_purpose_compost

 

[Kristina]

I personally don't like the bark. It just doesn't hold enough humidity.

Is the stuff you posted organic or does it have chemicals in it? As long as there are no chemicals, it should be fine. But I don't think it is organic - usually stuff that is, says so on the bag.

 

[tyler0912]

Okay thankyou!

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I have some organic soil in the garden but its been out there awhile and will have bugs and worms in it does this matter?

 

[Kristina]

Nope, actually the bugs and worms are a good thing. They eat left over bits of food and even the tortoises poop and keep the substrate clean, plus, Redfoots like to eat those little bugs and things. I purposefully add worms and isopods and slugs and other crawlies when I set up a new enclosure.

 

[yagyujubei]

I think that leaves are excellent, however, I have always been afraid to use too many because of fire hazard. Even if they're sprayed often, under the light they will be very flamable. Just be aware.

 

[blafiriravt]

I use maple leaves for a hide. I spray them every day, and I have a layer of loose top soil underneath to help with humidity, and to promote burrowing. They are not underneath any heat lamps though, I agree with the above post.