Options for substrate?

[Augustus1508]

I changed my lil guys substrate to a base layer of coco coir with orchid bark chips ontop to give him room to burrow. However I found the coco coir dried out way too fast even with spraying and redamping it again and the humidity dropped pretty low and I like to keep it above 85 degrees.

Ive also found he doesn't seem to "like" the coco as much and basically moves it so hes laying on the vivarium floor

I want to keep it with twi different substrates and he for sure loves his orchid bark but was wondering what I could use as an alternative for the base layer so it gives him a good dig/burrow?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
1. Orchid bark on its own allows burrowing.

2. What is thickness of coir and bark layers? 4" of coir under 1-2" of bark usually stays damp for weeks (in a "closed chamber" enclosure, of course). Coco coir should be packed down for better moisture retention (to 1/2 - 2/3s of initial volume).

 

[Augustus1508]

Hello!
1. Orchid bark on its own allows burrowing.

2. What is thickness of coir and bark layers? 4" of coir under 1-2" of bark usually stays damp for weeks (in a "closed chamber" enclosure, of course). Coco coir should be packed down for better moisture retention (to 1/2 - 2/3s of initial volume).

The coco coir was roughly 3.5inches and then bark chips 1 inches. I packed it down so many times and it was just not working out and no idea why!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

The coco coir was roughly 3.5inches and then bark chips 1 inches. I packed it down so many times and it was just not working out and no idea why!

I think it can sometimes take a little practice to keep the consistency right with coir, but if you wanted to use orchid bark on its own, that would be fine like Alex said

 

[COmtnLady]

It sounds as though your original base layer wasn't wet enough to start with, or you didn't watch it closely enough and it became too dry. I've used the coco coir on bottom and bark on top for years without it becoming too dry.


Because coco coir is so messy, I like to have a layer of bark chips over it, but that is just personal preference.

Since you already have several inches (I keep about 4 inches or more) of coco coir in place, I would make an observation hole somewhere towards the middle of the enclosure. (Easiest way, stick your finger down to the bottom of the enclosure and see how far up your finger the water comes). If it is not actually wet, only damp at that lowest level, I would slowly pour about a quart of warm water into the corners and observe how long it takes to get to the observation hole. It may take much more water depending on the size of your enclosure, but go slowly because its considerably easier to add a bit more water than to try to remove too much water. You want just under an inch of water in that lowest level so about up to the first knuckle on your finger. It will evaporate up through the other layers and create a slow-release steady humidity in the enclosure. Pay attention and when the humidity starts to drop (by a percentage point, two at the most), then add a bit more warm water in the corners only to bring it and your humidity back up to the right level. In no time you'll have a feel for how often it needs replenished.


The other thing is, tortoises are designed to live very close to the ground. Getting dirty is to be expected. As was said above, the bark will get walked down into the coir, so just add more on top of what is in there. I almost never change the substrate, just add more orchid bark when it begins to get "muddy".


'Hope that helps.



.

 

[Tom]

I changed my lil guys substrate to a base layer of coco coir with orchid bark chips ontop to give him room to burrow. However I found the coco coir dried out way too fast even with spraying and redamping it again and the humidity dropped pretty low and I like to keep it above 85 degrees.

Ive also found he doesn't seem to "like" the coco as much and basically moves it so hes laying on the vivarium floor

I want to keep it with twi different substrates and he for sure loves his orchid bark but was wondering what I could use as an alternative for the base layer so it gives him a good dig/burrow?

Just use four inches of orchid bark. Coir is too messy for most situations for my liking.

What species are we talking about? What size and age?

 

[Sarah2020]

I also just provide orchid bark. Coir is too messy and soil is a no.

 

[Augustus1508]

Just use four inches of orchid bark. Coir is too messy for most situations for my liking.

What species are we talking about? What size and age?

He's a spur thighed, 1 year old and roughly 17cms long 15 width