What is the best substrate for red foots inside. I keep hearing all kinds of different things. Right now I am using zoo Med forest floor and I need to reorder, I was wondering if something is better?
Best indoor substrate for red foot tortoises
- Thread starter Kothy
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Fine grade orchid bark. A 3-4 inch layer is best. Its best because you can keep the lower levels damp for humidity, while the upper layers remain dry-ish to prevent shell rot.
Where do you purchase it? Amazon?
You can also use Cypress mulch. You should be able to find big bags of it at home Depot or Lowes
I went to check on that and they are all out.
I buy it in bulk at local nurseries. Its also called fir bark.
I you can't find it, you can get it from Chewy or Petco online. Its called Repti-Bark.
I am in Connecticut as well. I learned to stock up on a few bags of cypress mulch in the spring before they're gone. You won't find appropriate mulch in larger quantities at a local garden/ hardware supplier this time of year.
Thanks, Good to know I have another CT person
tpence1991
Member
I use a mix of cypress mulch and coconut fiber.
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I use a mixture of zoo meds Forest floor and Eco earth. I use 2 parts eco earth to 1 part Forest floor. I also use spaghum moss in parts of the enclosure. This mixture holds humidity quite well.
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These are the actual bags I purchase from the Home Depot out in the area where the potted orchids are.
It's cheaper and better than any pet shop product.
You pay double for the same bag with a picture of a tortoise on it!
Make sure you get the plain "potting media" and not the "potting mix". The mix contains other things.
It's cheaper and better than any pet shop product.
You pay double for the same bag with a picture of a tortoise on it!
Make sure you get the plain "potting media" and not the "potting mix". The mix contains other things.
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I would not. That serves no purpose and makes a terrible mess. Orchid bark is better at maintaining a dry surface while the lower layers remain damp for that all important humidity that this species needs. The dry surface helps prevent the shell rot that this species is so prone to. Adding coco coir would bring more dampness to the surface which might be enough to bring about a case of shell rot/fungal infection, and it won't do anything beneficial.
Would a small layer of the coco coir underneath all the orchid bark help with humidity and eliminate mess of mixing it? Or is all that pointless? I wanna do whatever is best for my Dave and if 100% Bark is the way to go then that is what I will do
Coir doesn't increase humidity any more than any other substrate. If you do a layer of coir underneath, it will eventually work its way to the surface and become mixed.
Sounds good, I appreciate yours and ZEROPILOTS information very much and yall have been my digital sherpas on this journey! Any reservations on using smart plugs instead of manual timers? They would be in addition to my thermostats. As an addendum lol
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Hi!
I use smart plugs to control the lights and they are working great so far. One thing to consider and to test is how timers and schedule work without an internet connection - some smart sockets rely on external servers to send commands and some have embedded clocks. Those I have (TP-Link Tapo) at least have timers working when offline (I have yet to test if scheduled on/off work).
Also, I have thermostats plugged into smart sockets to be able to switch them off remotely in emergency case (if the thermostat stucks in "on" state).
Don't rely on automation routines between smart sensors and smart sockets for controlling temperatures - thermostats are more reliable for that. All the "smart home" things aren't designed for "life support" systems.
I use both and both work.
I saw you recommend this in another thread and I've been using it ever since.
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- South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
What do you think about it?
