Substrate

[chubu]

Hello!
So I read one of the threads here that fine grade orchid bark is a good substrate. But the one i found around my area are a bit bigger. Does that matter? I will insert a picture.
Another question is, do they hold humidity well?

 

[Tinyhigg]

Don't mind me... I'm just being nosy here and you should wait for the experts to reply...

Is that a snake there???

(That does not look like my orchid bark... but again I know nothing of bark.............)

 

[chubu]

Don't mind me... I'm just being nosy here and you should wait for the experts to reply...

Is that a snake there???

(That does not look like my orchid bark... but again I know nothing of bark.............)

Yes i couldn’t find a picture of what the substrate looked like so i found this that they used for their snake

 

[EppsDynasty]

I am no expert either but is it a Tortoise you will be housing on it? How big is the tort? I have had the worry of putting smaller torts on 'Big' pieces of bark, and having 1 hurt it's leg(s) on shifting bark. I went to Coco Coir fine grade to avoid this.

 

[chubu]

I am no expert either but is it a Tortoise you will be housing on it? How big is the tort? I have had the worry of putting smaller torts on 'Big' pieces of bark, and having 1 hurt it's leg(s) on shifting bark. I went to Coco Coir fine grade to avoid this.

Yes a tortoise. Im not sure about their age but they are like 6inchs to 7 big.

 

[EppsDynasty]

So with the legs being bigger it should not be an issue with the bark shifting causing injury. I would think what you have would be fine. It does hold moisture if it remains wet, once it dries out it takes a good soak to rehydrate it.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
So I read one of the threads here that fine grade orchid bark is a good substrate. But the one i found around my area are a bit bigger. Does that matter? I will insert a picture.
Another question is, do they hold humidity well?

This substrate looks like coco husk (chunks of coconut shell). Not the same thing as orchid bark.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

This substrate looks like coco husk (chunks of coconut shell). Not the same thing as orchid bark.

Yes agreed! It looks quite fibrous

 

[chubu]

This substrate looks like coco husk (chunks of coconut shell). Not the same thing as orchid bark.

Oh really? Can i use those tho?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Oh really? Can i use those tho?

It’s not recommended as if they keep ingesting bits of it, the fibres can build up and cause blockages/be tricky to pass

 

[Tom]

Hello!
So I read one of the threads here that fine grade orchid bark is a good substrate. But the one i found around my area are a bit bigger. Does that matter? I will insert a picture.
Another question is, do they hold humidity well?

I agree that is not orchid bark.

The size does matter. They sometimes sell it in large chunks that are difficult for smaller tortoises to walk on. You want a particle size smaller than 1cm.

This substrate holds water well and contributes to adding humidity to the enclosure.

 

[EppsDynasty]

There's the experts.