Brand Orchid Bark

[tortoisecrca]

I want to mix orchid bark in with coconut coir. I saw some at Canadian tire and the brand is miricle grow which I’m wondering if it has additives. I prefer not to buy the fine orchard bark as I have lung issues so was wondering what you’d recommend . Can I use a less powdery type or is there a brand you’d recommend. Or would larger coco coir be better?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I get mine a Home Depot. An American company.
Look for pure Orchid bark. Orchid media. Not Orchid mix.
Where to get it in Canada? I have no idea. But no need to go to a pet store. I'm sure.

 

[tortoisecrca]

I get mine a Home Depot. An American company.
Look for pure Orchid bark. Orchid media. Not Orchid mix.

Thank you! What is the brand please?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Thank you! What is the brand please?

 

[tortoisecrca]

Is it called miracle grow? Sorry, I couldn’t read the name

 

[zovick]

Is it called miracle grow? Sorry, I couldn’t read the name

The bag says "Better-Gro" on the top line, then underneath that it says "Orchid Bark"

Do you have any Lowe's stores or Home Depots in Canada? It may be available at either one of them. The picture which was posted is from a Home Depot web site. Walmart might also have it if there are any of them in Canada.

 

[tortoisecrca]

The bag says "Better-Gro" on the top line, then underneath that it says "Orchid Bark"

Do you have any Lowe's stores or Home Depots in Canada? It may be available at either one of them. The picture which was posted is from a Home Depot web site. Walmart might also have it if there are any of them in Canada.

Yes we have both, thank you so much !!!

 

[wellington]

Be very careful with any potting stuff. As I said in the p.m., I have gotten fooled by miracle grow, thinking it was only orchid bark and it wasn't. It had the little white beads in it.

 

[tortoisecrca]

Be very careful with any potting stuff. As I said in the p.m., I have gotten fooled by miracle grow, thinking it was only orchid bark and it wasn't. It had the little white beads in it.

Thanks, I just looked it up and it definitely does.

 

[Tom]

I want to mix orchid bark in with coconut coir. I saw some at Canadian tire and the brand is miricle grow which I’m wondering if it has additives. I prefer not to buy the fine orchard bark as I have lung issues so was wondering what you’d recommend . Can I use a less powdery type or is there a brand you’d recommend. Or would larger coco coir be better?

Like any substrate, fine grade orchid bark will need to be kept damp, so there should be no dust to bother your lungs. No substrate should be dry and dusty. That isn't good for the tortoise or its keeper. Coco coir is good for baby Testudo, but I find it too messy for larger tortoises. If you use coco coir, keep it damp and firmly hand pack it down. I don't like coco chips for tortoises. Its hard for them to walk on it, and I worry about accidental ingestion.

For any package of orchid bark, look at the ingredients list on the back of the package. It will say everything that is in it. Don't get anything with any sort of additives. Just plain fir bark.

 

[tortoisecrca]

Like any substrate, fine grade orchid bark will need to be kept damp, so there should be no dust to bother your lungs. No substrate should be dry and dusty. That isn't good for the tortoise or its keeper. Coco coir is good for baby Testudo, but I find it too messy for larger tortoises. If you use coco coir, keep it damp and firmly hand pack it down. I don't like coco chips for tortoises. Its hard for them to walk on it, and I worry about accidental ingestion.

For any package of orchid bark, look at the ingredients list on the back of the package. It will say everything that is in it. Don't get anything with any sort of additives. Just plain fir bark.

Ok thanks very much. I went to places where I am in Canada and they only carry miracle gro orchid but it isn’t suitable. They don’t carry better gro either. I’ll keep looking

 

[zovick]

Ok thanks very much. I went to places where I am in Canada and they only carry miracle gro orchid but it isn’t suitable. They don’t carry better gro either. I’ll keep looking

I found this from LLL Reptile and Supply, but can't tell how fine the pieces are from the photo:

Galapagos Jurassic Fir Bark 8 quarts for sale

1

www.lllreptile.com

Maybe you could get a sample sent to you.

 

[Tom]

Ok thanks very much. I went to places where I am in Canada and they only carry miracle gro orchid but it isn’t suitable. They don’t carry better gro either. I’ll keep looking

You can order it online in 24 quart bags. Its called repti-bark. We use chewy.com, or petco.com, but you guys have kijiji up there, right?

 

[tortoisecrca]

You can order it online in 24 quart bags. Its called repti-bark. We use chewy.com, or petco.com, but you guys have kijiji up there, right?

You can order it online in 24 quart bags. Its called repti-bark. We use chewy.com, or petco.com, but you guys have kijiji up there, right?

Yes, I’m just running out to buy some. Thanks! Should it be quite damp?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Thank you! What is the brand please?

 

[tortoisecrca]

I found this from LLL Reptile and Supply, but can't tell how fine the pieces are from the photo:

Galapagos Jurassic Fir Bark 8 quarts for sale

1

www.lllreptile.com

Maybe you could get a sample sent to you.

Thank you!

 

[Tom]

Yes, I’m just running out to buy some. Thanks! Should it be quite damp?

For an adult Russian, lightly damp will do.

 

[MenagerieGrl]

And as far as "dust/powder" is concerned and your lung health, I would put the bark in a tub, add water & rinse it off. You will not get rid of 100% of the dust/powder, but you would greatly reduce it, and then add to your enclosure, after letting it dry out a bit so it is damp and not wet...

 

[tortoisecrca]

And as far as "dust/powder" is concerned and your lung health, I would put the bark in a tub, add water & rinse it off. You will not get rid of 100% of the dust/powder, but you would greatly reduce it, and then add to your enclosure, after letting it dry out a bit so it is damp and not wet...

Thank you! I put the bark in a big bucket and rinsed it off and did the same, . I have a mister spray bottle so can keep up with keeping it a bit damp. I also went and bought a hide, water tray and slate for her this morning so she’s all set up now. I’m not sure on her age but was told around two years

 

[Yvonne G]

See if you have Wonder Bark in Canada. Also, "fine" doesn't mean fine particles, the "fine" grade of orchid bark has particles that are just under an inch each. And, like Tom said, you keep it moist and there is not dust.