Changing Substrate to Zoo Med Repti Bark

John Brazell

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Oct 26, 2020
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Denver
The 2-inch layer at the bottom of the enclosure is entirely for moisture retention and slow-release. She does not dig down that far so it will not be getting Disturbed unless I disturb it. And as far as the rinsing and baking of the substrate goes that is a preference for me because of dust allergies. The rinse removes much of the Dust and the baking kills spores and eggs to help avoid an infestation later.
 
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Tina Turtner

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Dec 4, 2020
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Lee’s summit,Mo
So Yvonne Tom, you don't think I need to pick the wood sticks/ splinters out before I put it in the enclosure? You have never had a problem with these causing damage to your tortoises eyes or getting caught in their nostril?
I used cypress mulch and my tort got a piece under her shell. It was quite painful for her as it lodged right between her shell and crease in her skin and poked a hole in her neck. I won’t use it now.
 

Yossarian

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I used cypress mulch and my tort got a piece under her shell. It was quite painful for her as it lodged right between her shell and crease in her skin and poked a hole in her neck. I won’t use it now.

oof, that sounds bad. The tort recovered alright I hope? How old was it?
 

Tina Turtner

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oof, that sounds bad. The tort recovered alright I hope? How old was it?
She did recover! Thanks for asking. It was a very small puncture, some what bigger than a needle. When it happened she was moving her arm up as if trying to wipe her eye. When noticing her head and face was okay I was lucky to have spotted it poking her neck. The piece was covered up in the fold between skin and shell. Tina is 5....
 

Yossarian

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She did recover! Thanks for asking. It was a very small puncture, some what bigger than a needle. When it happened she was moving her arm up as if trying to wipe her eye. When noticing her head and face was okay I was lucky to have spotted it poking her neck. The piece was covered up in the fold between skin and shell. Tina is 5....

Got lucky, this is good to know, I dont care for Cypress mulch myself but it may not be worth reccomending anymore if this risk exists. I have always felt it was a bit too much like chipped wood.
 

Cleopatra 2020

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Feb 1, 2020
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El Mirage. Az
I had purchased some as well glad I never used it I ended up going with the orchard bark which I was worried about her injecting which she has but always poops them out....it really works best for maintaining humidity best
 

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