I also agree that the conversation should stay professional and mature. Personally, I see so many irresponsible owners keeping hots that I am almost of the belief that going the venomoid route (done by a licensed vet) is better than putting fully hot animals in the care of people who are ill equipped (and don't do things properly). It's a philosophical debate and there's no real right or wrong but most folks can't debate in a manner that doesn't get explosive. NOW ON TO THE QUESTION AT HAND:

At our facility, our gaboon on exhibit is kept on several inches of a top soil, peat, leaf litter mixture. On top of that, we place another 4-6 inches of REAL oak leaves. USE REAL LEAVES AND NATURAL SUBSTRATES for your gaboons! If you are concerned about "pests" (and we have never had a problem, no mites, etc.) just "cook" everything at 350 for 30 minutes, OR, place leaves in a plastic bag and spray some provent a mite, shake, knot up and leave for a day. Seriously, I would encourage you to provide your gaboon with natural items as they become far more inquisitive of their surroundings.

Don't worry about getting torched about the venomoid debate. Just keep things professional, courteous and respectful and you'll get the info you need.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>And That could be minimized quite easily could it not?
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

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