1) You can get away with the aspen bedding if the little guy does not eat it. I use sand, pinebark mulch, carpeting and bermuda hay... never had a problem. If I could find Aspen bedding I might try it. I did use it for years with snakes and lizards (when I didn't live in CA)



2)I change the substrate every so often and that is it. Unless you are a major neat freak I think that's enough.



3)I feed every 2 or 3 days and don't think much about it. On occasion I will feed daily. I the wild they do feed daily but there is a seasonality to food availability.



4)I recomend a basking temp of at least 95 to 100 with the opportunity to get to an area of 75 to 80 and at night don't worry about the temperature drop. Just don't let it get below 75.



5)I wouldn't recomend putting them out if it is too hot. I use a flat piece of plywood when I do put little ones out.



6)Active UV Bulbs for sure... I've got 3 out of 5 originals (> 4 years now) and the other 2 lasted me at least 2 years but I've heard some folks complain that they didn't have the luck. I think its worth it because those others really don't compare.



7)I'd skip the grape leaves. I figure if it is grown for a store it's safe. Especially if you live in CA.

Your only other choice is to grow your own food on virgin soil and use fresh rain (nope... can't use the rain)(acid, you know?)

Ed

[ Show Entire Thread ]