Pumice in a bedding mix?

[John O]

I just moved our three 8 month old Russians that hatched in the yard last summer, into a larger container (they are now 3+inches long), for new bedding I used Sungro Black Gold Orchid Potting Mix from Ace Hardware. The ingredients listed in the California version are; Fir bark, Pumice, perlite and wetting agents. They immediately went for the small crunchy bits (pumice?). Is this normal or dangerous? Thanks

 

[wellington]

It's dangerous and you need to get that substrate out ASAP and use orchid bark, fir bark or coconut coir. Never dirt that you buy in a bag.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Avoid potting MIX.
The correct one will say pure Orchid MEDIA.
Do you have a HOME DEPOT nearby? This is great stuff and it's very long lasting.

 

[Tom]

I just moved our three 8 month old Russians that hatched in the yard last summer, into a larger container (they are now 3+inches long), for new bedding I used Sungro Black Gold Orchid Potting Mix from Ace Hardware. The ingredients listed in the California version are; Fir bark, Pumice, perlite and wetting agents. They immediately went for the small crunchy bits (pumice?). Is this normal or dangerous? Thanks

That is perlite. It is deadly to tortoises. It takes a long time to kill them. It crumbles and lines their intestinal tract and doesn't move through.

Please read this. It has the correct substrate and care info:

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