Looking at the material, I personally would avoid it, I would be worried about ingestion and impaction. as mentioned by @Tom above (That mixture also looks like it has sand in it.) , it looks like it has sand in it. Stick to the Coir, or Orchid Bark
While we are at it. How often or by what metric do you guys decide when to change the bedding material.Looking at the material, I personally would avoid it, I would be worried about ingestion and impaction. as mentioned by @Tom above (That mixture also looks like it has sand in it.) , it looks like it has sand in it. Stick to the Coir, or Orchid Bark
I feel the manufacturer's suggestion of changing substrate every 2 - 3 weeks is excessive and money making! I looked things up on this brilliant forum and many suggest changing it way less often as long as long as you clean up every day. I use 12 litres for my tortoise table. I am sure the experts will be more up on this than me and I guess it depends on what size area you are talking about, but just my thoughts as changing 10-12 litres every 2 or 3 weeks seems way too much in my opinion.While we are at it. How often or by what metric do you guys decide when to change the bedding material.
I havent changed my substrate in a year and there is no smell at all. Just spot clean daily( they always poop in their soaks)While we are at it. How often or by what metric do you guys decide when to change the bedding material.
I changed my setup about 8 months ago, and at this point have NO reason to change out the bark. As my Seymour poop's, I pick out the poop and any Bark associated with it, and put it in the compost. My bark looks new and has NO discernible odor to it. So, I'll be holding off for at least another 4 months, and make a decision then, then 6 months after that. I already have the bark here to replace the bark in his enclosure now when I'm ready to replace. Just my opinion. and OH, he always seems to PEE in his food dish, hum, is he trying to give me a sign...??While we are at it. How often or by what metric do you guys decide when to change the bedding material.
Same as everyone else. I spot clean daily and only change the substrate if I'm moving a new tortoise into that enclosure.While we are at it. How often or by what metric do you guys decide when to change the bedding material.
I agree - I would use itHi guys. On the advice of this forum I need to change my substrate in my 2 year old Hermann tortoise's indoor home and I know orchid bark and coco coir is recommended but I have just seen this "new" substrate offered for sale at the place I bought my tortoise-friendly indoor plants from and wondered what you think as it contains 50% coir and 50% "tortoise friendly" top soil. I know many advise against top soil but wondered what you think of this? https://www.tortoisehut.co.uk/product-page/coir-soil-mix
Thank you!
But but but, its recommended for tortoises... ??That awful sand/limestone substrate the reptile shops sell ought to be banned and I had no idea how bad it is until reading the advice on here!
@Tom Stop!. . . your killin me????But but but, its recommended for tortoises... ??
OMG if we could only educate the manufacturers!!! I know I need a bigger table and I am on to that but otherwise thanks so much Tom and everyone else for all your help!But but but, its recommended for tortoises... ??