Substrate?

[AkaEthan]

What substrate should I use for my Eastern Hermann Tortoise? I was using coco fiber but then it got all in his water and now i’m using coco husk and he absolutely loves burrowing in it, but i’m not sure if that’s the best option. Recommendations?

 

[mojo_1]

A lot of people are using the reptibark or orchid bark potting media from the hardware store. Just make sure it's fir bark not pine bark

 

[wellington]

Coco husk I believe is very stringy. The string can get entangled on limbs or even if eaten.
Coconut coir and orchid/fir bark is recommended. When using coir, it needs to be patted down tightly. But the bark can be used on its own.

 

[Tom]

What substrate should I use for my Eastern Hermann Tortoise? I was using coco fiber but then it got all in his water and now i’m using coco husk and he absolutely loves burrowing in it, but i’m not sure if that’s the best option. Recommendations?

Hello and welcome.

Substrate and lots of other critical info is covered here:

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[AkaEthan]

Coconut coir and orchid/fir bark is recommended. When using coir, it needs to be patted down tightly. But the bark can be used on its own.

Coco husk I believe is very stringy. The string can get entangled on limbs or even if eaten.
Coconut coir and orchid/fir bark is recommended. When using coir, it needs to be patted down tightly. But the bark can be used on its own.

Will do! Thank you.

 

[SuzanneZ]

What substrate should I use for my Eastern Hermann Tortoise? I was using coco fiber but then it got all in his water and now i’m using coco husk and he absolutely loves burrowing in it, but i’m not sure if that’s the best option. Recommendations?

I'm using coco husk for my Russian and like it much better than the coir. I have fir bark, too, and use it lightly on top of the husk because it's more expensive. I could do without it, but I like it.

 

[SuzanneZ]

Will do! Thank you.

The husk I got is not stringy at all. I guess it depends on the brand.

 

[wellington]

The husk I got is not stringy at all. I guess it depends on the brand.

Yeah if the husk isn't stringy then it's safe to use. I just wouldn't risk using it if it were the stringy stuff.

 

[SuzanneZ]

I'm using coco husk for my Russian and like it much better than the coir. I have fir bark, too, and use it lightly on top of the husk because it's more expensive. I could do without it, but I like it.

Trying to attach a photo of both.

Coco husk I believe is very stringy. The string can get entangled on limbs or even if eaten.
Coconut coir and orchid/fir bark is recommended. When using coir, it needs to be patted down tightly. But the bark can be used on its own.