The Substrate Situation

[BaywoodKids]

I am so frustrated because I can't seem to get the substrate right. First I thought I'd use sterile play sand mixed with organic potting soil, but learned that the sand could be ingested and cause impaction, and the potting soil, though organic, contained "natural fertilizer" in the form of pasteurized poultry castings. (I think that means chicken poop?!) So I decided I'd better return that stuff to the store, unopened. Then I figured I'd go with peat moss, but had trouble finding any that wasn't enriched with plant food. I finally settled on several bags of organic sphagnum moss, and thought I'd gotten a good deal. I brought it home only to find I'd managed to buy the long fiber kind, and not only is it too hard for my hatchling to walk on, he tries to eat it! Is that even healthy? I'm at a loss as to what to do about this substrate situation... Any suggestions? We have a 3 week old CDT hatchling, by the way, and he's not doing too great. I am seriously going grey over this little guy!!

 

[wellington]

Try plain dirt. Coconut coir. Or even dig it out of your yard if pesticide and fertilizer free.

 

[Q'sTortie]

COCO COIR!! you can get a value 3 pack of the bricks at petsmart for like 8-9 bucks. Its amazing how much you can get out those three bricks. It was enough to cover my 3x7 feet tort table. Everyone here says that it won't mold and it hold moisture the best and I agree! I mixed mine with organic peat moss I bought from a local nursery. You should check a nursery out for a bail of compressed sphagnum peat moss. Good luck!

 

[Ruchonnet]

Coco coir is my favorite so far. You really get a lot of substrate with those three bricks. And it holds moisture very well.

 

[BaywoodKids]

Petsmart tomorrow it is, for the coco coir and a humidity gauge, right after my six year old's soccer game and the annual tortoise, turtle and reptile show put on by our local Too SLO club. Hopefully the baby steps I'm making will lead us to a happy habitat for our baby!! Thanks for your advice guys!

 

[BaywoodKids]

Ok I don't understand my initial reservations, because now that I've used it, I can see that coco coir really kicks donkey!!! Thank for the recs guys, I am SO glad I followed your advice! Liam has eaten a few bites of it, though, is that ok?

 

[wellington]

Ok I don't understand my initial reservations, because now that I've used it, I can see that coco coir really kicks donkey!!! Thank for the recs guys, I am SO glad I followed your advice! Liam has eaten a few bites of it, though, is that ok?

That's another good thing about coir, it will not cause impaction. So, yes it's okay if he eats a little. I would try to keep him from getting too much, like if he starts to eat it like it's food, but otherwise all safe.

 

[LuckysGirl007]

Ok I don't understand my initial reservations, because now that I've used it, I can see that coco coir really kicks donkey!!! Thank for the recs guys, I am SO glad I followed your advice! Liam has eaten a few bites of it, though, is that ok?

I also got this stuff after it was recommended to me on here. It is AMAZING! I don't know why I didn't go right to it in the beginning also!

 

[Masin]

Coco coir is great I use it plan and mixed with plain top soil and plant right in both

 

[BaywoodKids]

Is it safe for them to eat? Not sure why he's going for it, except maybe because it's new. It won't make him sick or make his gut impacted, will it? It's not like he's chowing down, but I have seen him take a couple of bites...