substrate

Question
hi,
is it ok to use coconot husk to improve the humidity for red foots? do molds grow there? tnx

Answer
Coconut husk or coir, and the commercial version called Bed-A-Beast are often used and work OK. They do not mold easily, but have been known to harbor small mite-like animals.

My best luck (and many other's as well) has come from 'long-fibered sphagnum moss', such as Mosser Lee brand (http://www.mosserlee.com available at Lowes and other garden stores). This non-peat moss holds a lot of water, does not mold or mildew, is acidic enough to resist germs, and lasts for a few months in actual use.

There are several ways to use it, but the easiest is to take the block and dunk it in a bucket of warm water, then tease it apart. Squeeze a handful pretty hard and drop it in the habitat and fluff it. Repeat until you have 1-3" layer. The thicker end can be a bit dryer for the tortoises to dig into.

For some good care info, try http://www.redfoots.com