Coco coir humidity usage

[ursula]

Hi, I'm getting ready to set up the winter residence for my Testudo and Greek tortoises. I will keep awake in their enclosure for a couple of months until they will go to sleep at the beginning of November. I plan to use a substrate of coco coir topped with orchid bark (they are all adults). It is the first time I use coco coir. I bought a block, moistened it, and broke it apart. Can I use it even if it's still humid or do I need to wait until it's dry again? I don't want mold to grow in their area.
Thanks!

 

[Tom]

Hi, I'm getting ready to set up the winter residence for my Testudo and Greek tortoises. I will keep awake in their enclosure for a couple of months until they will go to sleep at the beginning of November. I plan to use a substrate of coco coir topped with orchid bark (they are all adults). It is the first time I use coco coir. I bought a block, moistened it, and broke it apart. Can I use it even if it's still humid or do I need to wait until it's dry again? I don't want mold to grow in their area.
Thanks!

It should never be dry. No substrate should be dry because it makes it too dusty.

One of the reasons coir and orchid bark are recommended as substrates is because they inhibit mold and fungus growth.

 

[ursula]

It should never be dry. No substrate should be dry because it makes it too dusty.

One of the reasons coir and orchid bark are recommended as substrates is because they inhibit mold and fungus growth.

Perfect, thanks! So I can water it periodically even when the tortoises will be asleep and buried under it, right?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Perfect, thanks! So I can water it periodically even when the tortoises will be asleep and buried under it, right?

Yes, you can pour water in the corners, adding more around heat lamp. Usually, it's 2-4 cups every 2-3 weeks - check the hygrometer readings. And be careful not to add too much: standing water at the bottom is not good.

When you add water while tortoise is asleep, I would avoid watering its sleeping quarters.

 

[ursula]

Yes, you can pour water in the corners, adding more around heat lamp. Usually, it's 2-4 cups every 2-3 weeks - check the hygrometer readings. And be careful not to add too much: standing water at the bottom is not good.

When you add water while tortoise is asleep, I would avoid watering its sleeping quarters.

Thank you, that makes perfect sense!