When pets come to us, they trust us to care for them. They look to us for shelter, food, love, and support. In exchange, they let us cozy up to them to soak up affection during our bad times and provide fun and entertainment for the good times.
But this is not all they are. Pets can become wonderful additions to our lives when there is companionship.
In order to keep the bonds with our pets for as long as we possibly can, it is crucial that we ensure they are in good health. A simple basic step to achieve this is by fortifying the places they live in.
What is Eco Earth Brick?
Eco Earth brick is a compressed brick of coconut fiber husks. It is a healthy substrate option for burrowing animals, reptiles, and insects.
It is also used to increase humidity within an animal enclosure or terrarium. You only need to dampen it whenever the top surface dries out, or two to three times a week, depending on your discretion and your pet’s needs.
Each Eco Earth brick can expand to make 7-8 liters of substrate.
It is entirely renewable, and leftovers can safely be used as compost or an additive for potted plants and in your garden. You can use it alone or mix it with other substrates.
Reasons your pets will thank you for using Eco Earth Brick
For your burrowing companions, Eco Earth brick does a good job of providing a deep substrate that holds its volume. It serves as a good buffer and will allow your pet enough ground to explore until it finds a level at which it is most comfortable. This has the added benefit of providing your pet with a fun yet rewarding exercise.
Humidity is a very important aspect of the well-being of a reptile and amphibians. Eco Earth not only improves humidity conditions within enclosures, it also stays moist for long periods of time. Only wet the uppermost surface of your substrate regularly, and you will be good to go.
This substrate is nutrient-packed and can therefore be used as a supplement for live plants in terrariums and bioactive enclosures. Insects will greatly benefit from all the rich, lush greenery.
Eco Earth is also a good choice for all animals that may require to incubate. The substrate generates warmth and will keep the animals and eggs safe until they are ready to come out.
Due to its soft nature, the Eco Earth Substrate does not damage the skin and exoskeleton of most animal companions. It uses natural coconut husks that do not contain toxic oils, which means your pet is safe even if it consumes a little of the substrate. It will not cause any abrasions or injury to its mouth, and for the most part, small amounts will not cause choking in any curious pets.
How to use Eco Earth substrate
Eco Earth substrate is lightweight and easy to use. It consists of small soft pieces of coconut fiber when broken down.
Eco Earth can get a bit dusty when dry. It is best to keep it damp for most animals to prevent them from developing any respiratory complications. Your research should inform you of the best conditions for your pet’s well-being. If you are still in doubt, consult your nearest and most trusted pet store or veterinarian.
Avoid over-wetting to keep molding at bay.
A very special advantage of Eco Earth is that you do not have to change it all out when cleaning. Though you need to replace it every six months, regular spot cleaning will maintain it just fine. Remove any soiled bedding a couple of times a week, and you will not have to worry about smells.
Eco Earth sticks to wet hands and surfaces. Be careful when handling it to avoid cross-contamination with any food or sensitive elements. It is safe for your pets, and it will fall off them when dry.
Different animals will require different amounts of Eco Earth. As a rule of thumb, thoroughly research your animal’s needs to provide them with a home that is most comfortable for them.
How to make the Eco Earth substrate
Place an Eco Earth brick into a bucket, tub, or pail with enough room for expansion.
Add 4 quarts of water into the bucket. This is the equivalent of 16 cups of water or 3-4 liters of water. Start with the lower end of the required amount. You can always add in more water as you go.
Let it sit for 20-30 minutes for the brick to expand fully. To speed it up, gently break it down and mix it up using your hands until all the substrate is evenly soaked through. Slightly warm your water to reduce the period of absorption.
Spread it out on a tray to dry out any excess moisture before using the substrate.
Remember to use it damp for tropical species. This way, it naturally absorbs and breaks down all odors and waste products.
How often should you change Eco Earth?
Eco Earth is extremely easy to use and maintain. It holds its volume through burrowing and keeps a steady inflow of nutrients for your plants and insects.
Ensure that you rigorously maintain it to keep it operating well. Regularly pick out any droppings and dirt. Moisten it up a bit every other week. You can also fluff it up if required.
Eco Earth will stay in top condition if it is well maintained. It is recommended that you replace it every six months.
How to solve Eco Earth problems
1) Humidity
Despite your best efforts, your enclosed animal spaces or terrariums might become over-humid. When you notice this, wipe down your walls or open up your enclosure for a while to allow the excess moisture to escape.
When preparing the brick, ensure that you give it enough time to dry out. Spreading it out in sheets will allow the Eco Earth to dry out easier so that when you transfer it to your pet’s habitat, it is not too moist to make your pet uncomfortable. Just like you need a warm, dry home, your pet needs a home that is comfortable to live in.
Make sure that you conduct extensive research on your pet to determine its optimum humidity levels. Leopard geckos, for example, are not used to living in areas with elevated humid levels for long periods of time. An optimum standard of humidity for them would require a nearly dry substrate.
2) Molding
Eco Earth substrate is designed to be free from molding.
Elevated humid levels, however, may result in mold growth. As soon as you notice the white fuzzy spots, remove your pet from its enclosure and rework your area.
It is important to stress that when you lay the Eco Earth substrate in your pet’s enclosure, it should be damp and nearly dry. Soggy substrate holds a lot of moisture in it, and this moisture will collect and accumulate in the enclosure, especially in conditions with poor ventilation.
Always monitor the lower levels of your substrate for excess moisture. It is important to drain any water that might have collected or settled at the bottom of the enclosure. Your Eco Earth substrate should be maintained at proper drainage levels to facilitate its performance.
Mixing Eco Earth with other substrates might also factor in the growth of mold. Confirm that your additional substrate is endorsed to use with Eco Earth before adding it into the enclosure. When mixing substrates, it is always important to check that they work seamlessly together.
Increase the ventilation in the pet enclosure to reduce moisture buildup.
3) Respiratory conditions
Pets might react poorly to dry and dusty conditions. Eco Earth is soft and non-harmful to pets in humid conditions. Regularly moisten it, and you will have no issues with your pets.
The dry substrate may cause harm when inhaled. Prolonged exposure to dry conditions might even lead to impaction that may require a visit to the vet.
Is there a substitute for the Eco Earth Brick?
The Eco Earth loose substrate is an environmentally friendly option that also consists of coconut husks. It is ideal for reptiles, amphibians, and insects and can also be used safely for all compost needs for your garden.
A good point to note is that the Eco Earth brick packs more substrate than the Eco Earth loose substrate.
Final Thoughts
The Eco Earth brick is an easy-to-use product for all your pet’s needs. It is a natural compound that guarantees the comfort of your pet as well as your ease of mind.
The coconut husks are natural and not toxic to pets and are therefore not a risk when ingested in small amounts. Eco Earth carries a wealth of benefits for animals that require substrates. It provides a humid environment because it holds moisture very well and, therefore, offers soft, malleable ground for your companions.
Pets are free to casually stroll around unharmed, burrow to their heart’s content, and even incubate their eggs.
To top it all off, with regular spot cleaning, the Eco Earth can remain fresh for as long as six months.
Get your Eco Earth brick at your nearest store to provide your pet with a home it will love you for.
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