Is this type of orchid bark okay as substrate?

Yvonne G

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No, you want bark that's made from fir trees. Pine has aromatic oils that are not good for tortoises to live on. (You don't have to 'bump' your posts. I read them all, but I'm not always online.)
 

JaySparks

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No, you want bark that's made from fir trees. Pine has aromatic oils that are not good for tortoises to live on. (You don't have to 'bump' your posts. I read them all, but I'm not always online.)
I can't seem to find fir bark over here in the UK. Everything is made from pines including the commercial reptile brand which worries me. Any other alternatives?
 

jsheffield

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Fir is in the pine family ... I think the oils people worry about come from shredded pulp of pine and cedar woods.

Orchid bark = fir bark = fine

Jamie
 

JaySparks

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Fir is in the pine family ... I think the oils people worry about come from shredded pulp of pine and cedar woods.

Orchid bark = fir bark = fine

Jamie
this orchid bark is made from pine trees. From my understanding fir looks like pine but is not of the same family apparently.
 

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