Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Right now my 2 little leos share a pretty large humid hide which they absolutely love. I use paper towels for the bedding, but lately I've been worrying that the towels aren't providing enough humidity within the hide. I know some people use vermiculite, but I'd prefer to stay away from it because I have an irrational fear of using any unnatural, particled bedding with my leos. I've tried bed a beast but quite frankly I find it to be rather chunky and messy to work with. Has anyone used spaghnum moss? Does anyone have any recommendations for a substrate that could boost the humidity levels?

Sure. Spagnum Moss works fine. You'll have to moisten it down every day or every other day. Sometimes the Geckos will throw it out of the hide so it is good to have a large bag in case you need to replace it. I used a lot of different things and finally settled on Forest Bed. My Leopard Gecko Girls like to lay their eggs in the moist hide and this seems to be the best for that.

I use moist paper towels for my hatchlings up till they are moved to larger boxes at 20 grams. Then I use coco fiber like bed-a-beast. I don't know what you mean by chunky? Did you let it soak long enough and in enough water? Mine feels more like peat moss but does not break down or get moldy like peat moss.

Anyway, paper towels are fine for males or young immature females, but I would use something else for mature females. Mature females can still form eggs even if not mated and need a place to lay them or they may become egg bound.

Giving Leo's a bedding that they can sink their feet down into (such as peatmoss/perlite mix, vermiculite, or any moss bedding) is better to use for larger geckos simply because the moisture gets around their toes a little better. Bedding is really a preference, but keep in mind that they can pull of the tips of their toes while shedding. I agree that paper towels work wonderfully for hatchlings/juvies/sub-adults, but adults need something with more substance. I know our leo's love to dig in the peatmoss or burrow underneath the moss! I hope this helps... Good Luck!!