Coconut Shred Substrate & Burrowing Trouble - Would like different substrate solution.

Hi all,

I noticed that not long after new substrate is layed down and misted/wetenned a few times, it becomes like entwined hair almost, and there's no way my emp can burrrow in this stuff when it's like that. So I wonder if it's just that he chooses not to burrow, and I think there's a problem because I expected him to? He has everything he needs, proper feeding schedule, hiding spots, temp, hum, etc etc, so he seems to be very comfortable.

This less than desirable bedding as listed on the bag label is "NatureSubstrate SoftBlend, Fine, made from 100% Organic all natural coconut husks."
Besides the burrowing thing, I don't like this substrate in general and would like to use something different. i would like to use something less 'barky', and something more like a soil or sand. Any suggestions? Thanks!

considered peat?

Yes, you can use peat moss as suggested.
Are you sure it can't burrow in the substrate? I use coco-fiber as well and it's a very good substrate for forest scorpions. It can hold humidity very well and sustain burrows as well.

What do your hides look like? How deep is your substrate?

Sometimes it might just be the type of hide. I used a piece of drift wood for a hide and dug a little starter burrow for my scorpion on the side of the wood. This gave my scorpion a nice spot to start digging and soon enough that was its permanent home.

He said he's using "coconut shred substrate" which is a little "barky".

Try using coco fiber.

binksyboy3 wrote:

He said he's using "coconut shred substrate" which is a little "barky".

Try using coco fiber.

Yeah, I saw that, but he also mentioned that when he dampened the substrate it looked like "entwined hair." There are different types of coco-fiber as well since I have used one that was less fine that had "hair" strands of fiber in it while another that felt like soil. My scorpions were able to burrow in both of them, too. I'm not exactly sure what the OP's substrate is as the label also says it's a "softblend" and is "fine."
I don't want him to replace his entire substrate without knowing exactly what he has since it's being based on whether or not the scorpion is burrowing.

Aah I see. What about the particular one labelled "Eco-earth" , there never seems to be any complaints about it nor have I experienced any so I'm assuming that will be alright.

hehe thanks everyone for lookin out. While its in the bag, it is soft, and I can crumble it up in my had and it is 'soil-ish'. After being in the habitat it looks like fur. It's not very visually appealing either. I agree that it's properties are not really 'as advertised' on the package. It didn't come from a chain store like PetCo or Petsmart, it was a local San Diego place called Pet Kingdom, a nice place I would say. If he can burrow in it then it's not a huge deal but he isn't, so I'm just hoping it's not his style haha. I have attached some pics of what the bedding looks like. i have been keeping it misted.

Nah, that's defitely not coco fiber. Try searching for coco fiber or "eco-earth" - that's the stuff you want

This stuff?

Ah, I see what you mean now. Yeah, the stuff in your tank isn't coco-fiber, more like coco-strands lol

What you want looks like this: http://www.petco.com/product/10813/Zoo-Med-Eco-Earth-Compressed-Coconut-Fiber-Expandable-Substrate.aspx?cm_mmc=CSEMGooglebase-_-Reptile-_-Zoo%20Med-_-905771&mr:trackingCode=046E1416-8381-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

and should come out to look like this: http://www.tgwshop.com/servlet/the-16/Coco-Fiber-Potting-Soil/Detail

the wrapping is different for each company, but the product should be very similar.

I don't suggest buying the bagged form as it has much less fiber in it.

You should buy the brick form since it is condensed coco-fiber and expands when you add water. There is a heck of a lot more coco-fiber in the bricks than in the bag and it's also cheaper I believe.

cool, yea i've seen them at the store, but I wasnt quite sure what the result would be after it expanded. Thanks!

If you're unsure make sure to ask one of the employees or maybe there's a pic of what it should look like after having expanded. I know most of the employees aren't that great but some are very good, such as those in private pet stores.