Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I'm planning on getting a BTS soon. I already have a 55 gallon tank, and I'm going get a clamp light, play sand for substrate, a hide box, and an under tank heater. Is there anything else I should get? Also, how long should I wait before take him/her out?
Thanks,
Sarah

nice set up, though you might want to rethink the play sand as it really isn't that clean and just in my opinion could cause impaction if too much is swallowed-plus it has a lot of dust that might be inhaled by the BTS. I use news paper for the first week so I can see the poop and tell whether it is clean (no pun intended) or is bloody, worms, and all. Then I move them to aspen or simular safe product so they can burrow and feel safer though they have a hide box. I have carefully observed their feeding while on aspen (though I feed on folded papertowels or flat dishes for extra safty) and have noticed that BTS are pretty good about discarding any aspen that sticks to their food. Sand on the other hand would be more difficult to keep off. As far as picking them up I hold new BTS at least a few minutes after a couple of days of getting used to its new home. They are really great animals. I started around last april with a baby and since have gotten rid of all my snakes, turtles, amphibians and all but a few different lizards so I can focus more on BTS. So far I have 7 with more on the way. Luck. Mike

Definately agree re: playsand, not a good choice for BTS! I have two that love to burrow, and sand would not work well. I use Cypress mulch, holds some moisture which is good. Especially when it comes to shedding time. About once a week I mist part of the substrate to raise the moisture level. Of course, I live in the desert, so most people might not have to do that!
I don't hold my reptiles too much. They are not like cats or dogs who enjoy that type of interaction. Though my one skink is very friendly, and I do put him on my shoulder ocasionally, it is obvious that for him this is not a natural situation. They are used to being on the ground, not up in the air.
Hope you enjoy your new fellow! They are wonderful creatures!!
Beth

Hi, Sarah:
We are all in agreement about the sand -- and with good reason. It is not a natural substrate for BTS and there is a good chance of impaction by accidentally ingesting it with the food, when burrowing, etc. Please do not use the sand with the BTS.
The size of the tank sounds great for a single BTS. It will give him plenty of floor space. They are strictly terrestrial creatures so no need for branches or anything of that sort. You may, however, want to give it some climbing structures (rock piles, upside down plastic tubs, etc.) for it to explore. A good thermometer may be very helpful to make sure you are keeping the right temperature gradient within the enclosure. Aim for 75 on the cool end and 95 on the warm end or thereabouts.
I would wait a few days at least to let him get settled in before attempting to handle him. Be prepared for urination/defecation if he feels particularly threatened when picked up the first few times. As a rule of thumb, no matter how skittish initially, they usually calm down quite a bit once you're holding them securely.
Do you know what kind of BTS you are getting? I mean is it an Indonesian, Australian, subspecies?
Any more questions, let us know and best of luck.
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Edward
Carpe diem