Substrate question.

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Hallbomber

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I currently use Timothy Hay for my Leopard Torts. I cant stand the mold that has popped up twice under their water dish. I plan on switching to a nice layer of Cypress mulch today. Anything I need to know about brands or just any Cypress mulch???
 

Neal

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Where I am in AZ we really only have one choice. I don't think it would make any difference at all between brands...cypress mulch is cypress mulch.
 

dmarcus

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I dont even look at the brand I just make sure nothing strange has been added to the mix.. Glad you taking the hay out, it molds pretty fast after getting wet and being under a constant heat source..
 

Tom

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Just look at the grade, or size of the pieces. You don't want big chunks, you want mulch.
 

Hallbomber

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Well there is NO Cypress mulch or hardwood mulch anywhere in California. Any other suggestions?? I dont want to use sand either.

Nevermind. It was IMPOSSIBLE to find it at ANY store related to planting materials like home depot, lowes, or ace. But just realized Zoo Med makes a forest floor substrate sold at most petcos, and in small print on front it says 100% natural Cypress mulch!!!!!! Aahhhhhhh!!!!
 

torti

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I live in California also my 5 day mission to find cypress mulch failed. So I ended ordering coco coir online, should be here soon ^_^ heard it is a good substitute for mulch. Hope that helps.
 

Neal

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The only place I can get any is at a reptile store.
 

SailingMystic

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It could be that the moisture in the mulch trapped under the dish caused mold to grow. Try not to use mulch under the dish. Lay rocks around the outside of the dish to create steps into it-- my guys use those rocks to help pull themselves out too :)
 

SailingMystic

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Oops. Sorry - yeah Hemi is using his water dish since I switched out a glazed clay dish for a Pyrex glass pie dish with rocks spur rounding it. I'm excited to see he's soaking himself between his soaks with me :)...
 

Hallbomber

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Well my baby Stella officially ate a piece of Cypress Mulch this morning which was witnessed by my gf but it was too late to get it out of her mouth. I have been told once on here before but iust worried. Cypress mulch wont obstruct their bowel and is digestable right?? It came so highly recommended as a substrate so I hope so.
 

Irwin4530

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I use the coco coir (bead a beast) for my Leo's and it works out well.
I do still provide them with a little "hay pile" in the corner opposite
their water and they seem happy. I go online to Amazon.com and get
the 3 pack. they keep well and are pretty cheap, especially if you are
already ordering something and can combine shipping.
 

DesertGrandma

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SailingMystic said:
Oops. Sorry - yeah Hemi is using his water dish since I switched out a glazed clay dish for a Pyrex glass pie dish with rocks spur rounding it. I'm excited to see he's soaking himself between his soaks with me :)...

That's good to know. Maybe he can see the bottom and that makes him more confident in getting in. I'm gonna try that.
 
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