Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I have a question concerning a hide box for my red tegu. I want something that is big enough for him to fit in (he's corrently 15" long snout to tail) and something that wont get moldy when i put damp moss in it. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

my suggestion would be to just give him a substrate that he can dig in that way he will make his own hide area.

I've been using Rubbermaid hide boxes for quite awhile now. If you’re going to go that route one that's about 1' by 2' should be big enough for now. Cover it up with substrate (besides the entrance) so it blocks out the light. Fill it 3/4ths full with moist substrate. My tegus make a tunnel that curves (to block out the light) and ends up at a sleeping chamber. The reason I use a Rubbermaid is so their den doesn't collapse when they're digging or walking on top of it. It's also nice to be able to open the lid and check on it and mist inside without ruining it. If you watch Bert’s video of a few tegus in Argentine it looks like they have a regular permanent den like most burrowing animals.

I would not use moss . It is what caused the funges in my hide box . just use Bark , coco bark , cypress, or dirt. A rubber mAID countainer would be fine . THanks Russ

I've been using that Coconut fiber that Bert suggests. No sign of any mold yet.

"Ground coconut fiber (such as Bed-A-Beast or ZooMed Eco Earth) is a good substrate to use as it is very absorbent and easily spot-cleaned. It does very well in the hide box/burrow as well, since it holds moisture for a long time but is not prone to mildew or mold"
http://www.agamainternational.com/merianae_housing.shtml

I agree. i ONLY use bed a beast (and its variants), even with my savannah. they all love it. The only problem is, it clogs up plumbing :^/
Ian