Re-wetting coco coir?

[NYGiants-1925]

Just curious for anyone who uses coco coir how often do you re-wet it? I have 2 adult Russian tortoise enclosures, and I have been letting it dry out before re-wetting it again. But is it okay to just hose down the enclosure once a week so it is always moist? Or is always moist not good for their shells? Thank for any input.

 

[wellington]

You should be reading the humidity levels. When it starts to drop, then you add more water. If you have figured it out to need more after a week then by all means go with that but you should still know what the % is.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Just curious for anyone who uses coco coir how often do you re-wet it? I have 2 adult Russian tortoise enclosures, and I have been letting it dry out before re-wetting it again. But is it okay to just hose down the enclosure once a week so it is always moist? Or is always moist not good for their shells? Thank for any input.

I wouldn’t personally let coir dry too much(though of course not sopping wet) just cause it can get a bit dusty, damp and firmly packed down is what to aim for, check your monitoring, if it’s dropping add your water and give everything a good mix, then firmly pack back down

 

[Carol S]

For adult Russian tortoises that are in an inside enclosure I would use moist fine grade (small pieces) orchid bark. You can purchase it at your local plant nursery in big bags. It is not as messy as coir.

 

[NYGiants-1925]

You should be reading the humidity levels. When it starts to drop, then you add more water. If you have figured it out to need more after a week then by all means go with that but you should still know what the % is.

Thank you. All the stuff I bought when I rescued these tortoises and I never thought to get a soil moisture meter. And it does dry out pretty quick because they are each in a 6x3 open top indoor enclosure. All I had room for. They were in the larger outdoor enclosures until recently.

 

[NYGiants-1925]

I wouldn’t personally let coir dry too much(though of course not sopping wet) just cause it can get a bit dusty, damp and firmly packed down is what to aim for, check your monitoring, if it’s dropping add your water and give everything a good mix, then firmly pack back down

Thank you for the reply. I am going to get a soil moisture meter and start monitoring now. Never thought to have one of those before.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thank you. All the stuff I bought when I rescued these tortoises and I never thought to get a soil moisture meter. And it does dry out pretty quick because they are each in a 6x3 open top indoor enclosure. All I had room for. They were in the larger outdoor enclosures until recently.

Perhaps look into what carol suggested and change up to orchid bark? Coir is fine don’t get me wrong, but perhaps you’ll find it easier to maintain! Guess the only potential is it being more expensive depending where you are, if that’s the case, I’m sure with your soil meter you’ll keep on top of it better

 

[NYGiants-1925]

For adult Russian tortoises that are in an inside enclosure I would use moist fine grade (small pieces) orchid bark. You can purchase it at your local plant nursery in big bags. It is not as messy as coir.

Thanks. I am going to look into that. I am assuming they are okay if it is accidentally ingested?

 

[NYGiants-1925]

Perhaps look into what carol suggested and change up to orchid bark? Coir is fine don’t get me wrong, but perhaps you’ll find it easier to maintain! Guess the only potential is it being more expensive depending where you are, if that’s the case, I’m sure with your soil meter you’ll keep on top of it better

Thanks. Yes I am going to look into the orchid bark. I feel pretty stupid never thinking of a cheap moisture meter though.

 

[Tom]

Thank you for the reply. I am going to get a soil moisture meter and start monitoring now. Never thought to have one of those before.

You don't need a soil moisture gauge. You need a hygrometer to measure ambient humidity.

The coir should always be kept lightly damp. Never sopping wet and never bone dry. How much water to add and how often varies tremendously from enclosure to enclosure, and even in the same enclosures seasonally.

Damp coir will not damage the shell. I recommend using a thick layer and hand packing it. For adults, I also prefer orchid bark, as Carol mentioned.

 

[NYGiants-1925]

You don't need a soil moisture gauge. You need a hygrometer to measure ambient humidity.

The coir should always be kept lightly damp. Never sopping wet and never bone dry. How much water to add and how often varies tremendously from enclosure to enclosure, and even in the same enclosures seasonally.

Damp coir will not damage the shell. I recommend using a thick layer and hand packing it. For adults, I also prefer orchid bark, as Carol mentioned.

Thank you for your help. I am going to look into the orchid bark. Seems like that is preferred by all.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks. I am going to look into that. I am assuming they are okay if it is accidentally ingested?

We have a red foot that has on the very odd occasion eaten a small piece of the bark over the years, it’s always come out no issues but I will say our substrate is mainly made up of smooth nugget like pieces, the other sharp looking pieces are very soft and easily break apart. I guess it can heavily depend on suppliers in different locations, I think I’d say if you notice yours take a particular interest in sampling pieces, it might not be for them lol, it can all differ from individual to individual.

Maybe as a staring point just add a thin layer on top of your coir and see how they respond? I wouldn’t worry about the odd curiosity peck, but if they seem to keep swallowing bits, I’d probably recommend sticking with your coir

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks. Yes I am going to look into the orchid bark. I feel pretty stupid never thinking of a cheap moisture meter though.

See I’d of thought the soil meter might’ve been a good idea as an added means to test it, but as Tom says, I guess it’s not necessary because really all that matters is your monitor readings, we only used coir for a short period before sticking with orchid barkhopefully yours take to it no issues