Substrate

[Andy7782]

Hello tortoise lovers

Can people please tell me what substrate they use and why.
There is so man different types around and different opinions.
Thanks

 

[TechnoCheese]

I’ve used a few- peat moss because it’s cheap and holds humidity some what well+everything that coco coir says
Orchid bark- holds humidity well, but I didn’t put a thick enough layer. It’s pretty expensive.
Cypress mulch- pretty ok, holds humidity, but make sure it’s finegrade
Coco coir- pretty similar to peat moss, very messy, hard to rehydrate once it gets dry, and allows for easy burrowing.
Substrates that I would never use-
Sand in any amount
Anything with bits of limestone/ white stuff
Pine, cedar, or aspen chips/shavings
Chemicals treated top soil

 

[eternalnewb]

Hi,
I used to use Jungle Mix which was a mix of fir and sphagnum peat moss- I really liked it as it helped with humidity and didn't have any stingy bits like the coco coir. However, it was very expensive so when my number of torts increased I had to find a more affordable option.
Now I use peat moss that I buy in a huge bag from homedepot. I really like it, its a very nice, natural substrate and when moist it makes for very good digging.