im going to be honest...

[Jordan]

Ive never used moss before with any of my geckos so i thought id give it a go. anyway can someone just quickly tell me if this moss is safe and good to use? or if there's a better alternative or whatnot. cheers

http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/substrates/mosses/015561230957

 

[JordanAng420]

Its fine to use, however, I have had a couple of experiences where the geckos decided to try and suck the moisture out of it, rather than using the waterbowl. Be careful, and watch for this behavior, but otherwise it should be fine to use in your moist hide spot.

 

[Fencer04]

I use something similar (http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apples-Imported-Premium-Grade-Sphagnum-Moss-8-Quart?sc=2&category=29) in my moist hide spot. The geckos really seem to like it and I haven't had any issues.

 

[Jordan]

okay cheers guys, and thanks Maia i'll look out for that.

 

[bebetee]

THB from what a reptuable (sp) breeder told me best to use sphagnum moss or coco husk for the wet hide.

 

[T-ReXx]

The only thing I'd be careful of with sphagnum moss is that it's a moisture sponge. I've seen cases of animals actually becoming slightly dehydrated because the moss wasn't kept moist and was actually absorbing moisture from the gecko itself. Granted, this was with species with more permeable skin than leopard geckos, but just something to keep in mind. As long as it's misted regularly and kept moist it's perfectly safe.

 

[tlbowling]

Its fine to use, however, I have had a couple of experiences where the geckos decided to try and suck the moisture out of it, rather than using the waterbowl. Be careful, and watch for this behavior, but otherwise it should be fine to use in your moist hide spot.

How would you know if they were sucking the moisture out of the moss instead of using the water bowl???:main_huh:

 

[Jordan]

The only thing I'd be careful of with sphagnum moss is that it's a moisture sponge. I've seen cases of animals actually becoming slightly dehydrated because the moss wasn't kept moist and was actually absorbing moisture from the gecko itself. Granted, this was with species with more permeable skin than leopard geckos, but just something to keep in mind. As long as it's misted regularly and kept moist it's perfectly safe.

Thanks for that, and just out of interest can i ask what this more permeable species is? the reason i ask is because i will probably end up using this moss for a few other species in my house if i like it.

 

[Northstar Herp]

I've always used sphagnum moss in my hides, I just make sure it's always nice and moist. I didn't even know there was a question about using it or not...

 

[JordanAng420]

How would you know if they were sucking the moisture out of the moss instead of using the water bowl???:main_huh:

Well...

When the water bowl is kept consistantly full, and the gecko goes into the moist hide after I spray it down with water to lick the moss for 45 minutes, I kinda figured that was the way she prefers to get water. I started getting worried about the behavior when I began seeing pieces of moss in her bowel movements.

 

[T-ReXx]

Thanks for that, and just out of interest can i ask what this more permeable species is? the reason i ask is because i will probably end up using this moss for a few other species in my house if i like it.

I've seen it in Banded Geckos, Pictus geckos, and baby african fat tailed geckos.

 

[GothicGurrrl]

I thought I'd join in lol... I use 'Zoomed' terrarium moss.. which is sphagnum moss.