Please need some Help (types of moss)

[Raven1]

I've searched every where, here, youtube, other tortoise forums and the information is just so plain. If you guys could please help.

What is the difference between the types of moss i can use for my sulcata tortoise.
I have looked up New Zealand Sphagnum Orchid Moss and
BETTER-GRO Orchid Potting Mix.
Can any one please tell me what the difference and whats the best?

I plan to mix moss with Coir and cypress mulch. Is this okay?

 

[jsheffield]

"Better Grow" orchid potting mix has fertilizer and polite in it ... So don't use it.

Orchid bark is getting up bark, fir I believe.

I use cypress mulch, lots of people use coco coir.

Jamie

 

[Raven1]

"Better Grow" orchid potting mix has fertilizer and polite in it ... So don't use it.

Orchid bark is getting up bark, fir I believe.

I use cypress mulch, lots of people use coco coir.

Jamie

What about the moss?

 

[jsheffield]

I know some people use sphagnum moss, but many others caution against it as torts can eat it and have impaction problems.

J

 

[SweetGreekTorts]

I use the New Zealand sphagnum moss in the humid hides for all my hatchlings (15 of them). They sleep in it, they poop on it, but none of them have ever taken a bite of it. I keep it warm and moist at all times.

 

[drew54]

I haven't used moss I was going to-do but I'm just going to attach a sponge to the inside top of my hide.

 

[Ray--Opo]

I was using orchid moss in Opo's hide with cypress chips and coco coir. Opo seemed to push all the moss out of the hide. The moss was always on top. After I quit using it when Opo goes to bed Opo will flick a bunch of coco coir on top of shell and goes to bed. I just quit using. The coco coir holds good moisture. But the sponge idea is great. I have read that on here before.

 

[jsheffield]

I've been using cypress mulch, and found it hold moisture very well, doesn't rot/mold, isn't messy, and is ready to spot-clean.

Jamie

 

[Maro2Bear]

What does @Tom have to say on the moss? I’m guessing it’s a “no, don’t use moss, the hatchlings have a tendency to eat it, resulting in impaction, or worse” - stick with medium grade Orchid Bark.

I was happy with a mix of coco coir, peat moss....and as Sully got older, and larger enclosures... cypress mulch.

Good luck, happy Torting

 

[Tom]

No long fibered moss, no perlite and no dirt-like peat moss. All of these are problematic.

Just plain orchid bark, AKA fir bark.

 

[Raven1]

I ended up doing the Coco fiber from echo earth and cypress mulch. Now she has plenty of moisture and lots of room to walk around and a nice new rock to sunbathe on. So excited!! Thanks every one for the input it really helped me a bunch <3

 

[drew54]

Can you post a pic of your adjustments and your tort? [emoji16]