Substrate

[Ben02]

hi,

Is it normal for orchid bark to cause runny nose in torts. I spray the substrate every day and it's still really dusty underneath. So when they bury themselves for the night I keep hearing a lot of sqeaking, so I took one out and noticed he was covered in dust with a wet nose. It's probably just the nares being irritated but I'm just checking.

Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

If it's dusty, its not wet enough. Pour a pitcher full of water over the substrate then mix it up with your hand. It shoul e damp clear through.

 

[Ben02]

Ok will do, thank you Yvonne.

 

[Tom]

I agree with what Yvonne said, and also, no, orchid bark does not cause a runny nose. That is usually the result of night temps dropping too low, and or winter day temps not getting high enough.

 

[Ben02]

The orchid bark I use contains dry bark dust which was poured in and it irritates their nares. Temps drop to 17 degrees c at night