changing substrates, how to let them burrow?

[lillith]

Ok, so yes I have 3 of my geckos on sand. Drake and Pyra (7 and 6 yrs old, respectively) are so used to it, I'm afraid to take them off of it for "culture shock" reasons...what is a good substrate besides paper towels?

I have heard that aspen bedding or moss are choices, but isn't impaction still an issue? Can I just create a vermiculite (or moss or aspen) "sandbox" for them to play in? I just feel like it would be cruel to take the digging habit away from lizards who are accustomed to doing so, especially the older ones. I think Tango, being just a year old, could adapt better.

I've been going through all the substrate posts, and I haven't found any suggestions to the burrowing question.

Has anyone just up and switched to paper towels on older geckos? Did they react badly?

I'd love the input, since most everyone here agrees that sand is EEEeeeeeev-iiiiLLL!

I mean, it's not like I don't have the paper towels...
Thanks!

 

[lillith]

ooh, shoot, I should have put this in the "Housing" forum...

 

[55g]

I adopted three geckos that were housed on sand. They were 2 years old. I immediately changed their substrate to tile and paper towels. They had a very positive reaction which was easier/healthier bowel movements. In the beginning, all of their poop was full of sand.

 

[Spooki]

i switched mine from sand to repti-carpet a couple days after i got him. he didn't seem to mind. i think the carpet looks a lot nicer than paper towels personally.

 

[Bennayboi]

I dont think Leos are smart enough to experience a "culture shock" from a simple change of substrate. There shouldnt be a problem with switching them to a solid substrate immediately.

 

[acpart]

You could get a gladware container, fill it about halfway with eco earth (bed a beast, coco fiber) and cut a hole in the top. This is what I do for my layboxes. THen they can go in there and dig without making a mess.

Aliza

 

[Geck-O]

Well I don't think leo's burrow that much. (excluding breeding season) In their natural habitat they live in rocky area and find shelter in rocks and crevices (Please correct me if i'm wrong).

 

[lillith]

Well, I have seen Drake and Pyra digging around for what seems like the fun of it, she's only ever laid one infertile pair of eggs. I think at 6 she's probably getting too old to be bred anyhow. They've been together for years. I think that in addition to a wet paper towel hide, I'll get them a gladware 'playbox'. I was thinking of using vermiculite and moss in layers. Is there any reason I shouldn't?

Thanks to all for the input.

p.s. if Drake is smart enough to recognize me and chirp when I pick him up after 7 years, I think he might notice the sand gone after 7 years. I think geckos under 2 are a bit more adaptable...maybe I'm underestimating their adaptability, but if it was *me* redoing the house, I'd still want a couch if I had one before. Hence the playbox.

 

[Pwnzorz]

Try to switch and see what happens. I am switching my little girl to paper towels today until i can get her some kitchen tiles.

 

[acpart]

Well, I have seen Drake and Pyra digging around for what seems like the fun of it, she's only ever laid one infertile pair of eggs. I think at 6 she's probably getting too old to be bred anyhow. They've been together for years. I think that in addition to a wet paper towel hide, I'll get them a gladware 'playbox'. I was thinking of using vermiculite and moss in layers. Is there any reason I shouldn't?

I have had one of my geckos eat the vermiculite and found it coming out the other end. I have heard of other geckos eating the moss and ending up with long strings of it coming out the other end. I have never had problems with eco earth, but see if anyone else posts that they've had problems.

Aliza

 

[Bennayboi]

Theyll notice a change to sand but i dont think theyll care that much. I think youre anthropomorphizing too much.

 

[catvettech]

I just did this to my newly acquired 5 year old female. Damn....it was so cute how she would like to dig in that sand. I felt bad, but did it just yesterday. It is better for me too. That sand makes the tank very heavy and I could barely carry it to dump and clean.

 

[lillith]

Guilty of anthropomorphizing, as charged. I anthropomorphize plants, too. I figure just about everyone has feelings. If I can only interpret them on human terms, oh well, at least I'm trying.

Here's some pics of their new 'digs', so to speak...

Drake & Pyra

Tango

You're right, it's going to be a lot easier to maintain this way...I'll keep an eye out for anyone eating vermiculite...if that happens I'll try the ecoearth stuff Aliza mentioned.

Thanks again, everyone. =)

 

[MSMD]

It looks like they're adjusting very well! They will be much healthier in the long run. :yes: Like Aliza suggested, I use the Ziploc/Gladware type containers with holes in the top as lay boxes and have given them to everyone, actually, as moist hides. They seem to like them and it satisfies the urge if they feel they want to dig around. I use peat moss, which is similar to the eco earth.

btw, Lillith, are those candle holders you're using for your mealie dishes? That's a good idea! They look nice and heavy. Where did you get them?

 

[lillith]

IKEA. I love that store, but it's hard to escape with just the candleholders.

I'll get gladware soon, and get rid of the silly buttertubs.

 

[geckdude97]

well i use ground english walnuts shells from Zilla for my female and male leopard geckos and they do fine. and it will not cause impaction like sand because it's digestible. my geckos have eaten it and they do not get impaction from it. I know a lot of people say it's bad but it's not and even Tails and Scales petshop uses it for there leopard geckos and they do not get impaction and they know their stuff about all reptiles.

 

[Bennayboi]

Usually leos wont show any signs of impaction until its too late. Crushed walnuts can and probably have killed leopard geckos. Not all pet stores care for their reptiles properly, even when they have good intentions.

 

[Snowy & Petra de Gecko]

Can't Help

Sorry I can't help ACPart. You usually have good advice to give out to GeckoForums members.:main_no: