Is this ok to sleep in, even if its damp

[cpl1307]

Hi,
Im changing from bark to coir and going to do a full change today. Im going to cleaning the whole vivarium out and put pond liner down under the substrate to protect my wood. Does anubody have any experience with using this and is it ok for the substrate to be damp where my little fella sleeps. I know hes going to love to be able to dig in it and its probably going to get messy, but i do have enough bark to go into his sleeping hide. What do you think. Hes obviously kept warm at night his CHE, but will he be ok burrowed into this, with it being damp. After a couple of dsys the top layer should dry, but obviously underneath is going to be damp. Its cost related issues thats making me change. Ive put a couple of pictures on and spent 2 weeks researching this stuff, brand and safety

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

It's safe if:
1. Temperatures at night are not extremely low and he can bask and warm up next day (if you are concerned about respiratory infections).
2. If he can find a dry surface during the day (if you are concerned about fungus on the plastron, which he is unlikely to get).

They naturally burrow to get some humidity from soil and thermoregulate, so no reasons to worry.

 

[cpl1307]

It's safe if:
1. Temperatures at night are not extremely low and he can bask and warm up next day (if you are concerned about respiratory infections).
2. If he can find a dry surface during the day (if you are concerned about fungus on the plastron, which he is unlikely to get).

They naturally burrow to get some humidity from soil and thermoregulate, so no reasons to worry.

Should i be concerned about respiratory infections.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Should i be concerned about respiratory infections.

No, if temperatures are high enough. For baby tortoises it's around 70F at night. Adult tortoises can tolerate around 60F.

 

[Tom]

Hi,
Im changing from bark to coir and going to do a full change today. Im going to cleaning the whole vivarium out and put pond liner down under the substrate to protect my wood. Does anubody have any experience with using this and is it ok for the substrate to be damp where my little fella sleeps. I know hes going to love to be able to dig in it and its probably going to get messy, but i do have enough bark to go into his sleeping hide. What do you think. Hes obviously kept warm at night his CHE, but will he be ok burrowed into this, with it being damp. After a couple of dsys the top layer should dry, but obviously underneath is going to be damp. Its cost related issues thats making me change. Ive put a couple of pictures on and spent 2 weeks researching this stuff, brand and safety

Its not just okay, it is necessary to keep it damp. Not sopping wet, but lightly damp. This keeps the dust down, and allows them to burrow down and create a healthy humid micro-climate for themselves.

 

[cpl1307]

Its not just okay, it is necessary to keep it damp. Not sopping wet, but lightly damp. This keeps the dust down, and allows them to burrow down and create a healthy humid micro-climate for themselves.

Thanks Tom
I always remember you telling me that if they were in the wild, they would spend their time hiding in a wet root of a plant or tree and that just kept feeling better to be honest. I just always try to think what conditions they would be like if they lived in the wild. I think a lot of people "In the nicest way"over care without thinking. Ive learnt everything I know from this forum. Hes going to love digging in it!!