Burrowing substrate?

[Gecko Kid]

I want to try making a subsrtrate mix for my leos. (I love exsperimenting with substrates. :main_laugh: ) I want to try something like 2 parts sand 1 part dirt 1 part co-co nut husk. Is there anything else I should use to alow my geckos to burrow?
Also is there anything else I should add to make it look more natural?
Thanks
-Stephen

 

[Zbiz]

Um... well im not sure if leos like to burrow. They live in rocky areas so it'll be hard. Now afts burrow through the substrate to get to the UTH, thats why many ppl use a carpet under the substrate. Id stick with carpet or paper towel.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Yeah, I am pretty sure they do not like to burrow. If you ask me and some others, they wouldn't even have many opportunities to burrow in their natural environment. I think even the people on this forum that are FOR sand will agree that leos don't and maybe even shouldn't burrow. I feel that whenever you put a leo on a lose substrate you are risking impaction. The safest, most natural substrate you are going to find is slate tile. I hope I don't get jumped on here, I am making it very clear that this is my own opinion.

 

[jmkbama]

I am new to leopard geckos but in all of my reading I haven't read anything about them burrowing. My small male is currently on paper towels. When I am finished building his new home, it will have live plants, therefore I am planning on having an inch or so of perlite with a barrier then a mixture of potting soil, sand, peatmoss and cactus soil in which the plants will be planted. This will be covered by slate rock tile and I am going to use pea gravel to fill in any cracks so the gecko(s) can't get to the sand and soil to avoid impaction. I am going for the natural terrarium look, so I have been researching the rocky, environment and plants that are indeginous to their natual habitat.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

I am new to leopard geckos but in all of my reading I haven't read anything about them burrowing. My small male is currently on paper towels. When I am finished building his new home, it will have live plants, therefore I am planning on having an inch or so of perlite with a barrier then a mixture of potting soil, sand, peatmoss and cactus soil in which the plants will be planted. This will be covered by slate rock tile and I am going to use pea gravel to fill in any cracks so the gecko(s) can't get to the sand and soil to avoid impaction. I am going for the natural terrarium look, so I have been researching the rocky, environment and plants that are indeginous to their natual habitat.

That sounds real nice.

 

[Gecko Kid]

To tell u the truth, I hate slate tile. I dont know why, I just try to avoid it best I can. Based on my natural history knolage their substrate is basicly hard packed clay soil and in other areas it is rocky.I dont see how tile can compare to that. A breeder once told me that a leo's claws are for burrowing and I agree with him as my geckos are always trying to dig. (I dont see what else they could be for.) Thanks for the replys. Most other forums just stare at the post and dont know what to say. That is just my opinion of things. I'll try to post an enclosure plan so u can take a look.
-Stephen

 

[Val]

To tell u the truth, I hate slate tile. I dont know why, I just try to avoid it best I can. Based on my natural history knolage their substrate is basicly hard packed clay soil and in other areas it is rocky.I dont see how tile can compare to that. A breeder once told me that a leo's claws are for burrowing and I agree with him as my geckos are always trying to dig. (I dont see what else they could be for.) Thanks for the replys. Most other forums just stare at the post and dont know what to say. That is just my opinion of things. I'll try to post an enclosure plan so u can take a look.
-Stephen

Slate tiles are as close as you're going to be able to get to their natural environment. They do live in hard packed clay and the area is rocky, and slate is rock. I think their claws are more for climbing than digging, and the only time I ever see any of our geckos dig is when she's about to lay eggs. I personally think slate tiles is the nicest thing you can use as a substrate, and if we have room for an actual tank that's definitely what I want to use!

 

[ReptileMan27]

Yeah, I am pretty sure they do not like to burrow. If you ask me and some others, they wouldn't even have many opportunities to burrow in their natural environment. I think even the people on this forum that are FOR sand will agree that leos don't and maybe even shouldn't burrow. I feel that whenever you put a leo on a lose substrate you are risking impaction. The safest, most natural substrate you are going to find is slate tile. I hope I don't get jumped on here, I am making it very clear that this is my own opinion.

I agree:main_thumbsup:, not worth the RISK IN MY OPINION:main_thumbsup:. Slate is the most natural and safe, looks great to.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Leopard Geckos do not burrow, but some do like to dig... especially when laying eggs. I would stick with a substrate that cannot be ingested, and use coco fiber or peat moss for the humid hide/nest box.

 

[dmblackmore]

Burrowing

Isn't "burrow" and "dig" the same thing. I had 2 adult leopard geckos who loved to dig and did it all the time. I also read somewhere that burrowing is a natural instinct for geckos. And before anyone askd where I read it, it was in a book about geckos. Anyways, I think you should go with your own instincts on substrate. If you start to listen to everyone else, it starts to get a little confusing...and if I must say, a little annoying. Just my opinion.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Isn't "burrow" and "dig" the same thing. I had 2 adult leopard geckos who loved to dig and did it all the time. I also read somewhere that burrowing is a natural instinct for geckos. And before anyone askd where I read it, it was in a book about geckos. Anyways, I think you should go with your own instincts on substrate. If you start to listen to everyone else, it starts to get a little confusing...and if I must say, a little annoying. Just my opinion.

Digging and burrowing are 2 different things:main_thumbsup:. The person that made this topic was asking a question and people gave their opinion, if that person doesent want to listen to experienced keepers, then thats their choice. It may seem a little annoying but I would rather sound annoying then not say anything and have the person use sand, and possibly lose their leo over it, of course if they still use it, thats their choice but they were warned and cant say they didnt know:main_thumbsup:.

 

[yellermelon]

Well Im not afraid to post my opinion, however it often gets deleted lol. Sand is bad, Coco fiber like bed a beast is also bad. I once used bed a beast because it was suppose to be safe, then my awsome male blazing blizzard i had 3 years ago, that i paid alot of money for because blazings had just been produced, died because of impaction. So why not just use slate to be safe...I use paper towels..they are safe. If I have a "for show" tank it will be done with slate..beside whats the good of having a awsome tank if the leo died after you put all that time and money into building the display? Granted you could just buy another after that one dies, but that wouldnt be very nice now would it. Once again consider your pros and cons, and what is best for your gecko, not what is best for you. And when people talk of there natural habitat, I cant help but wonder...how many generations back was your lros ancestors actually in there natural habitat? Yes I know they have instincs, but they are probably use to paper towels buy now, considering that is the most popular substrate for breeders? Make sensce? Welp whatever you decide, at least I was annoying