Substrate clarification

[Pwizzle13]

I have been unable to find coco coir in our local stores but I did find loose coconut fiber substrate? Is it 1. The same? and if not is it still tortoise safe?

 

[GBtortoises]

Coconut coir can usually be found at larger pet shops that have a larger array of reptile products. Coconut fiber is usually found at garden centers. It is the same material but the fiber usually isn't ground as fine as the coir. Both can be used for the same applications but the coir is more desirable for small animals like tortoises because it is ground so finely. There is less chance of impaction.

 

[Yvonne G]

...and, coconut coir is sometimes called Bed-a-beast and is a very small (about 6" square) square package.

 

[Pwizzle13]

What I have is very fine, I just want to make sure what I got is safe for my tortoise?...

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

Bed-a-Beast (Pet Tech), Plantation Soil (Exo-Terra), Eco-Earth (ZooMed) and Coconut Husk (Zilla) are all essentially the same product: coconut coir. Because they are "reptile products" (having the image of a lizard or snake on the packaging), this makes them a little more expensive, especially in a retail environment.

If you do a search for "coconut coir" on Amazon, you can probably find similar products for a little cheaper, although you may have to buy in bulk. Not really a bad idea, given its for tortoises! Its what I did.

Hope that helps!

 

[Pwizzle13]

Ok Eco-Earth is what I have lol. I just didnt see anything on the package that said Coco Coir so I was afraid it wasnt the same. Then when she decided to take a dip in her water and was covered in the stuff I was afraid that I shouldnt have used it.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

Then when she decided to take a dip in her water and was covered in the stuff I was afraid that I shouldnt have used it.

Yeah, they do that!

One thing you gotta accept is that tortoises will get dirty! BTW, what species is it again?

 

[Pwizzle13]

She is a Sulcata! I don't mind her being dirty but she had it all over her and her face and stuff. I just worry lol.

 

[EKLC]

coir is a great substrate, messy faces are a small price to pay imo

 

[JoesMum]

She is a Sulcata! I don't mind her being dirty but she had it all over her and her face and stuff. I just worry lol.

Sulcatas just love getting dirty... Just look through the pictures section