i am having issues w/the substrate options

[megaabel]

OK... as some of you know.. I am acquiring a baby bluey on Sat.

So... here I've read that babies should not live in the regular aspen shavings.... right? cause of their nose/splinters issue.


Anyway... so I was going to put some grass turf at the bottom of the terranium and then put some cool wood hiding places like those little half cilinders or something like that, some fake plants and flowers, and a giant basking rock and some box like hidding places oh...and maybe a tee-shirt? ( I heard babies like running thru them)

Can someone tell me is this is good.. or would they like just the turf and tee to begin... i've never had one..so I can't stop thinking about about ways to make him feel more confortable you understand right?

[Leigh]

Most people use things that are safe to bury themselves in, aspen is good, recycled paper cat liter,leaves reptibark,newspaper, as long as the wood's not cedar or pine or fragerant,and the paper has soya not indian ink, you'll be ok, each to his own,as everyone has differing opinions

[Drew]

scan through the gallery section and check out the enclosure pics. then of course post more pics!

[Marie]

I have used old clothing so the little buggers can burrow. They love crawling deep inside a shirt sleeve. Watch out for socks though, mine have a tendency to get stuck inside them.

[Hijinks]

My skink had an irritated eye, so I am using shredded paper towels right now to avoid dusty irritants. It's dust-free and soft. I cut it up with scissors, but I bet a paper shredder would work great.

[Fatal_S]

Actually Hijinks, I must say that a paper shredder is a bad idea for shredding paper-towels. I had planned to use shredded paper towel for my guys, and tried both our shredders on it. Paper towel is just too soft, so not only does the machine tend to not recognize that it's there, and even if you can jam it in, it shreds bad and clogs the machine. Lets just say I was not in my parents good books after using the shredders.

Megaabel, there are many, many different types of substrates to use, and they all have pros and cons.

-Aspen and repti-bark are used to provide a natural look and a good burrowing substrate. If using these, look for shaved-looking varieties, nothing that looks like it has splinter-pieces in it.
-Carefresh is good for burrowing and absorbs waste and hides smells well. It does tend to be more expensive, and is somewhat dusty, but I like it personally.
-Sand, gravel, dirt, some kitty-litters or anythign like these are generally not used because of risk of impaction. They can also be messy or bad for burrowing.
-Grass and repti-carpet is pretty, but cannot be used to burrow. Grass would also be very hard to clean. These may make life more difficult than need be.
-Paper-towel, paper or newspaper are usually used only for the sick or very young. It doesn't look too nice, but is very easy to remove or replace. Shredding this can allow you pet to burrow. Keep in mind that newspaper ink can get onto your blueys feet.
-Pellets for kitty-litter or such are used by some people, and I don't know much about these, but I believe they're about equal to carefresh.

I can't think of anything else,, and I've probably missed some info, but I hope some of this helps. Good luck with your new baby.

[Jenn]

How old is your baby? I've used aspen as young as 1-2 months. I just make sure I get the bigger shavings and that I have a feeding platform for them to eat on.

[SailleSkinklover]

I use ink-free newsprint that you can buy in a big pad for art classes. I am only using this until I get the all clear (hopefully this Saturday) that Chuff's parasites are all gone, then I'll switch to Carefresh, as Chuff loves burrowing.

I used the newspaper because it is soooo easy to clean, (it has no ink to worry about) and I have to do that daily and well as bathe Chuff, which he hates!

(Most times, parasites are the result of a wild caught animal, and in my case, he was also improperly fed, by the way! You will have a blast feeding different things to your Bluey, I love seeing what Chuff likes and doesn't like!)

[Lisa]

Most people use aspen or carefresh with great success so I think that's where you should start. What you call carefresh over there is sold as a cat litter here. You can experiment or use two different types, too. I use astro turf down one end and cat litter down the other.

Did you mean real turf or fake stuff? Don't bother with real. It might alter your humidity, and blueys are total tank trashers so it's best to stick with fake plants.

For those that worry about impactions from digesting substrate while eating, ensure there is a clear or raised place in your tank for their bowl, or else feed them outside their tanks.

[mewzic-7123]

you could use a bath towel, thats what the petstore near me uses, and fold it up so that the bluey could burrow, the petstores bluey is about 27 inches just so ya know.

[Lisa]

Oh, and one more thing. If you're going to use something soft like towels or paper, ensure you have abrasive things in there like rocks or logs (even fake ones), or bring your bluey out regularly to give his nails a good workout. Beats having to take the clippers to them!

[megaabel]

I am so ready... I am actually going to buy the fake turf to avoid humidity... on one end... and maybe make like a little separation w/rocks or wood... into the mid area... and borrowing area wich I will fill w/aspen (i'll watch out for pricklies) then I got the most kick ass basking rock.. he's going to love it. I got to show you the rock! watch!













this basking rock is 12" x 11" and its totally solid and even though it looks dangerous... like it could squish my little future bluey... it won't!

ITs totally sterdy and the way its shaped it naturally lays flat and it makes a great little cubby whole sort of... for him to lay under.... and of course on top of! its perfect cause the top is big and flat and perfet for him! (oh cause I think I am going to just think he's a boy...


My boyfriend Ryan is in charge of giving him a name... he's getting so many good ideas!

[Fatal_S]

Rock looks neat, and will keep his nails good. Just make sure to have it placed on the actual tank so your little guy can't get under it. Oh, and if your using the fake turf, I've heard it's good to have 2 pieces that both fit so that when you're cleaning one you can have the other in. Sounds like your tank is going to be awesome, make sure to post pictures when you're done.

[megaabel]

i totally will... I am so excited!! I am going shopping tomorrow for the rest. On Sat.. at the show I am going to go crazy and buy a bunch of stuff !!! ps... oh yeah... I will get a few.. in case so i can switch them off when i clean them.

[Lisa]

Sounds like yours is going to be similar to mine. I have half astro turf, half what you call carefresh. Yep, I just put big flat rocks or logs through the middle, and as suggested above, I have more than one piece of grass. I bought about a metre from the hardware store and cut it into about 10 pieces so I always have some on the go.

These are my tanks if you want any ideas. First one's 4x2 foot, second one's 3x2 and the last one is 4x1.





Good luck!! Looking forward to seeing the littlun net week

[megaabel]

OH MY GOD!!! THAT'S IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS PICTURING!!!!!! they are TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL.. YOU ARE REALLY GOOD LISa!!!! THEY ARE AMAZING!

I will try to make mine as cool as yours but I am sure its going to be tough I will keep you guys posted! AND wow!!! YOU ARE GOOD!

LOVE THE PLANTS YOU HAVe IN THERE... LOVE THE BACKGROUND AND THE CUTE BOX-homes:)

the separation is such a great look! I LOVE IT!

[kris21]

Haha, yep its a good look...its what i've got too!
The flowers may look girly but it was too dull being all grey and white so it adds some colour. Your hair also looks great!
Kris

[megaabel]

blue = bluey thanks..the hair is fuunny

your bluey mansion!! looks rad too!!!!

i love it!!! ) the flowers look pretty!!

very tropical!