1. can peat moss be used as a bedding?
2. are they good handleability?
i have a ton of peatmoss so...lol
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a few question about emeralds...
Robotchicken
Sep 23, 2006 05:24 PM
Replies (5)
billstevenson
Sep 23, 2006 09:33 PM
Well you could use peat moss as a substrate. It holds water and would contribute to the required humidity. Some folks keep their emmies over a floor completely flooded with clean water. ETBs rarely come to ground, being almost totally aboreal so bedding is a misnomer.
As to handling, many, if not most will accept gentle support and direction once out of the cage. They certainly can't be treated as cavalierly as say, a kingsnake.
ETBs require special conditions in captivity and are pretty intolerent of much variation. Once those conditions are met however, they are a joy to keep. Very special snakes.
Karen Clark
Sep 24, 2006 09:16 AM
I don't know about peat moss as a substrate. I did some reasearch on keeping poison dart frogs once and vaguely remember that while you could use as part of LAYERED substrate, it couldn't be the top layer for some reason. Maybe the dust/particulates in the air? Sorry, just don't remember.
Now if you are talking sphagnum moss that is not a problem and will hold humidity very well, but will have to be changed quite often because it is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria due to the moisture and the normal degeneration of plant life.
I'd really recommend you do so research before using peat moss as the only substrate.
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Karen Clark
Gems of the Rainforest
Karen Clark
Sep 24, 2006 09:18 AM
KC
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Karen Clark
Gems of the Rainforest
billstevenson
Sep 24, 2006 06:00 PM
You're right Karen. There are many substrates to consider that enhance humidity and cleanliness without introducing a host of possible problems. And substrate is but one consideration in keeping ETBs. I would not use peat moss for this purpose even if I had it in abundance.
Bill
vegasbilly
Sep 24, 2006 08:56 PM
All of my cages (acrylic and Barrs) have water as a substrate. Each has a drain in it to reduce excess build-up as they're all on a mister as well. Humidities peak at 75%/day, 55/night (85F/79F). These will change as I move into the cycling period later this Fall.
Sure makes tracking defecations and clean-ups alot easier!
Bill
