Can I use this as a Substrate?

[Sky2Mina]

Hello Everyone

Today I found something at my local supermarket and I was wondering If I could use it as a substrate for my tortoise.

It only says "chopped Coconut" on the Bag. (So, is it right to assume it's Coconut Bark?)

If I can use it, it would be great, cause I can buy it nearby and it's quite cheap (Good Substrates are hard to find in Thailand). If I can't use it, I will use it for my plants.

Thank you for your opinions!
Mina

 

[Laura]

i think Ive seen people who use that.. just have to be careful they dont eat it..
You dont have potting soil there?

 

[DeanS]

That's excellent...Soak it for an hour or so...then drain it and add to your enclosure. Keep it moist but not soggy...I add a half gallon warm water every three days!

 

[SILVERSTAR]

i usually take sumthing like that and mix it with grass and other substrate.

 

[Sky2Mina]

Mh, Interesting! Thanks for you responses. I'm just going to try it and see how it works. My other option would probably be Orchid Bark which seems to be quite similar anyways.

@Laura - I'm not sure where to get potting soil. Sure they'll have it, but not sure if they put fertilizer etc. But, are you saying potting soil would be better? Is that was you use?

@Dean - Thanks for the advice. But it sounds pretty wet. Should the substrate be wet everywhere? I'm worried my little torty would catch a cold.

 

[SnakeyeZ]

I wouldn't use that alone myself as a substrate - however mixed in with other substrates like potting soil, EcoEarth or cypress mulch will give it a good texture.

 

[Peacebone]

Yeah you should be able to use it. This guy uses it and he is very successful star tortoise keeper. Here is the link to his webpage and also shows him using this same substrate a little ways down the page. You just have to watch for it being too dusty.

http://startortoises.net/substrates.html