B. Smithi and Moss

[McGruder]

Hi all. I'm a new hobbyist, so this may be a very rudimentary question, but I'd appreciate any feedback that you've got to offer.

I'm in the process of purchasing a B. smithi and I would like to get her enclosure set up before she arrives. I'm using coconut coir for substrate, and I would like to add a little moss to punch up the enclosure. However, I'm a little worried about purchasing moss, because the options I've seen so far are somewhat vague about secondary materials included with the moss.

Based on the reading I've been doing and a lot of the threads I've seen in the forums here, the general consensus is obviously that moss is safe for B. smithis. However, I've also been reading that some types of wood, such as cedar, are clearly dangerous for Ts. I'm worried that if I purchase moss at a pet store, or even online, it might contain something that will compromise my smithi's health (a lot of the moss available indicates that it may contain "twigs", etc., but does not specify what kind; a lot of it also seems geared toward reptiles rather than tarantulas, so I'm not sure if the sellers have taken Ts' health needs into consideration).

Long story short, I'm wondering if anyone has had any negative experiences with certain types of mosses, or certain companies that sell it. Is it generally safe to use the moss that they sell at pet stores (this brand, for example)? I've noticed that sphagnum moss seems to be a favorite; would you suggest buying organic, or is there much of a difference? Alternatively, am I perhaps overthinking the issue?

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[Pokie11]

I use moss in most of my enclosures, but not big amount of it, it is there just for decor.It sure is safe for Ts, unless it is treated with chemicals. I harvest moss in my garden, cause I live close to forest and moss is thriving here.
I think it's not valuable to buy moss just for one enclosure, and Brachys (terrestrials in general) do not really enjoy having moss in their enclosure. Well, at least all of mine buried it under pile of dirt, or stacked it in one corner of their enclosure.
But if you still want to add some moss, you could not go wrong with spaghnum moss, that is commonly used in terrariums and vivariums.

 

[Nonnack]

B. smithi (now B. hamorii) likes dry setup, so you should use dry moss, live one needs hight humidity. You should go to forest trip or something and gather it by yourself Thats what I do. I live in country so I just gather it from my backyard, wash it, let it dry, and thats all. Looks really nice and natural. Used it in many enclosures and never had any problems. Well, maybe except in very humid enclosures, there sometimes moss gets moldy.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Is it generally safe to use the moss that they sell at pet stores (this brand, for example)?

I use that brand and I've had no issues with it.

 

[viper69]

Be careful on moss, some companies do dye their moss!

I rarely use it not because of the above, primarily because isn't found among many species I own.

 

[McGruder]

Hi all, thanks so much for the feedback. @Pokie11, that is adorable!

Gathering moss from outside is a great idea. I might do that in the summertime...unfortunately everything here in Canada seems to be buried under ice and snow, so I can't do it quite yet!

@The Grym Reaper, thanks for the feedback on this brand. Good to know it's safe!