Fine Orchid Bark

[ChrisK1]

After reading about the fine orchid bark on here for substrate I went ahead and used that instead of the hay pellets that came with the tortoise table. Turtle the tortoise (Horsefield) seems a lot happier and is out more exploring since the bark was introduced. I posted a photo of the tortoise in a Facebook group and a lot of members went off on one saying that bark isn’t suitable as it can cause impactation and eye irritation. Is this the case or are they over reacting? Also should I use a mix of top soil and bark or if the bark is safe is it ok to use solely for substrate.

 

[Yvonne G]

They obviously don't know what they're talking about! The main reasons we use fir bark is because it DOESN'T cause impaction and it doesn't mold when moistened. And because you moisten it there's no eye irritation.

I don't ever use soil for tortoises because they eventually track it onto the food then eat it. Soil DOES cause impaction!

 

[ChrisK1]

They obviously don't know what they're talking about! The main reasons we use fir bark is because it DOESN'T cause impaction and it doesn't mold when moistened. And because you moisten it there's no eye irritation.

I don't ever use soil for tortoises because they eventually track it onto the food then eat it. Soil DOES cause impaction!

Hi Yvonne, thank you for the reply. I will still with the orchid bark now I know this extra information. Thanks again.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Facebook pages are often giving out terrible outdated advice, such as the case here.

Don’t suppose you’d mind sharing more about your tort and set up? Always nice to see with newer members

Is he an adult or baby?
What are your temperatures like all over? Ie all over day temps(basking directly under bulb, middle, cool side), night temps?
What kind of heating/basking bulb is being used specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any
Is there indoor uv? If so what kind?
What kind of monitoring do you have?
How’s humidity reading?
What kind of things are you offering diet wise?

A pic of your enclosure along with one of your tortoise would be wonderful if you’re up for sharing! Welcome to the forum

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Facebook pages are often giving out terrible outdated advice, such as the case here.

Don’t suppose you’d mind sharing more about your tort and set up? Always nice to see with newer members

Is he an adult or baby?
What are your temperatures like all over? Ie all over day temps(basking directly under bulb, middle, cool side), night temps?
What kind of heating/basking bulb is being used specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any
Is there indoor uv? If so what kind?
What kind of monitoring do you have?
How’s humidity reading?
What kind of things are you offering diet wise?

A pic of your enclosure along with one of your tortoise would be wonderful if you’re up for sharing! Welcome to the forum

I always cringe over the soil substrate recommendations on FB. Some even recommend mixing sand in with it. I actually had to leave one group because the Admin was giving terrible advice, then blocking any comments to the contrary.

 

[Tom]

After reading about the fine orchid bark on here for substrate I went ahead and used that instead of the hay pellets that came with the tortoise table. Turtle the tortoise (Horsefield) seems a lot happier and is out more exploring since the bark was introduced. I posted a photo of the tortoise in a Facebook group and a lot of members went off on one saying that bark isn’t suitable as it can cause impactation and eye irritation. Is this the case or are they over reacting? Also should I use a mix of top soil and bark or if the bark is safe is it ok to use solely for substrate.

FB is terrible. Those people are crazy.

Check this out:

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

Questions are welcome.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I always cringe over the soil substrate recommendations on FB. Some even recommend mixing sand in with it. I actually had to leave one group because the Admin was giving terrible advice, then blocking any comments to the contrary.

Yeah it’s a mess out therethe amount of dire set ups and advice I’ve seen on facebook is heartbreaking!

 

[ChrisK1]

Facebook pages are often giving out terrible outdated advice, such as the case here.

Don’t suppose you’d mind sharing more about your tort and set up? Always nice to see with newer members

Is he an adult or baby?
What are your temperatures like all over? Ie all over day temps(basking directly under bulb, middle, cool side), night temps?
What kind of heating/basking bulb is being used specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any
Is there indoor uv? If so what kind?
What kind of monitoring do you have?
How’s humidity reading?
What kind of things are you offering diet wise?

A pic of your enclosure along with one of your tortoise would be wonderful if you’re up for sharing! Welcome to the forum

FB is terrible. Those people are crazy.

Check this out:

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

Questions are welcome.

Thanks for the reply Tom. It was your post I first seen about the orchid bark and lost for new tortoise owners.