Which works better to keep moisture in the cage, soil or mulch?
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if nothing else, i at least amuse myself!
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Soil or Mulch?
bukinara
Oct 19, 2003 11:04 AM
Replies (7)
bukinara
Oct 19, 2003 02:53 PM
What holds burrows better, and what do the tegus seem to enjoy more?
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if nothing else, i at least amuse myself!
mike d
Oct 19, 2003 02:56 PM
well i have used both. it is kind of trial and error.
soil-is messier heavier but hold a good burrow and hold moister well
Mulch- lighter allows them to hide but does not really hold a burrow hold humidity well
i would say try both and see which you tegu prefers.
contemplate
Oct 19, 2003 07:52 PM
soil is better imho. its cheaper, easy to clean, doesn't get in their food as much, doesn't harbor as many bugs (in my experience, that is) and most importantly to me, you dont have to level cypress forests and grind them up to get it. dont want to start an anti-environmentalist rally or anything, but it is truly a shame to see the destruction caused by the consumer's need for something as silly as mulch. now there are probably other mulches that arent as bad, but most cypress mulch is from trees that are cut for the sole purpose of grinding into mulch. peat moss is good too. personally, i like about 50/50 peat moss and topsoil.
cheers
bukinara
Oct 19, 2003 09:23 PM
Just wondering.... what soil ratio does everyone else use. Is there really any method to the madness or is it just what you prefer?
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if nothing else, i at least amuse myself!
bukinara
Oct 19, 2003 09:26 PM
Do you use whole or processed peat moss in your 50/50 ratio? Would there be any advantage to one over the other?
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if nothing else, i at least amuse myself!
contemplate
Oct 24, 2003 11:06 AM
i dont know if there are any advantages to one over the other. i use about a 50/50 mix. peat moss if very difficult to get saturated, it sort of floats on the water and doesn't mix very well. but once you stir it enough and it absorbs enough water, it holds moisture extremely well. i dont know if there is any difference between the whole and processed stuff though.
birddog5151
Oct 20, 2003 07:39 PM
Now I'm trying shredded aspen. Aspen really doesn't work in the hide area. I think cypress holds moisture better and stays fresher longer. For a large portion of the tank, and where he eats and poops, I think I will use shredded aspen. Aspen is by far easier to clean and remove when soiled. For a hide my tegu likes to curl up under a plant saucer with a door knocked out with a hammer. Or, use a plastic one and cut out a door. Hope this helps.
Mike B
