substrate questions

Status
Not open for further replies.

zoopkamol

New Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
hello I'm new to tortiose keeping but read alot on them.

my question is about my substrate, im currently using zoo meds repti bark...but quite expensive for amount you get.

wondering if anyone uses landscaping companys mulch mix...this is where my dilemna is...mulch mi available to me here is a fir/hemlock mix....i read hemlock(pine) can harm tortioses and i also read it is perfectly fine to use a hemlock/fir mixture.

My tortise is a cherryhead redfoot.

any advise or critisizm we be greatly appreciated..hurt my feelings idc i just want whats best for my tortiose.:tort:
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,660
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
I like coconut coir the best. It's pretty cheap, last a long time, won't mold and holds humidity the best of all of them. It can be found pretty cheap on the internet.
 

zoopkamol

New Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Thanks i'll read up more on the coconut coir.
Still wondering if fir/hemlock mixture safe for tortoises....as this would be a way cheaper option for the volume of substate i will be using.
Tortoise table im using is 6'x3' footprint aprox. want to do 5-6" depth.
I could get enough fir/hemlock for 4-5 complete changes for around 50$.
But that being said if poses any danger to my tortiose I'll scrap the idea.
 

emmalaub

Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
108
i love fir bark for my tortoise u can et it at petsmart for like 9 dollars per bag and my tortoise loves to dig in it
 

zoopkamol

New Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Found landscaper with a fir/larch bark mulch mix ...looking for info on larch chips anyone??
Never heard of larch trees...cant find any info about larch mix.
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,390
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
Fir is ok, and I'm GUESSING larch would be ok too.
 

zoopkamol

New Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
ok thanks emyse.
I'll wait for more response before going to look at fir/larch mix.
not in huge rush to get more substrate as enclosure has lots in it atm
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top