Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive had my dum for a while and he never seems to burrow. I was wondering if i shoud switch to dirt(i have orchid bark in there now). Ill probably end up getting dirt but i do have a home depot close to me and am willing to pay for high quality materials. What is a good soil/dirt mix for a dum in a 4x2x2 cage. I just want somethin that can hold burrows(if thats necessary for a dum) and allow him to feel secure. Thanks in advance

I have had brown roughnecks all my life, and I must say that I've only seen them burrow maybe 1 or 2 inches deep. I use aspen bedding a cypress mulch bark for substrate. I would also recommend using a product called bed-a-beast. It's dried coconut husk and is totally awesome for holding humidity levels up. A couple of bricks of that stuff goes a long way since you have to soak it in water b-4 you use it. It really expands when wet.
I really love Dum's, and am now shopping for another. I'm wanting a baby, but I'm not paying $300 again.
Hope this helps out.
Greg

Link

Dumeril's are probably some of the most "burrowingest" monitors in the world. there is no problem with your monitor. the problem lies with you and the setup.

dirt dirt dirt. a good dirt that burrows and digs well, but dirt. unless you really want to be a part of the "let's talk excitedly about some lousy substrates like coco bark" club, get a proper dirt substrate, and watch your monitor disappear.

you can read about dirt substrates at our site's FAQ, and you will be absolutely amazed at how many tunnels and burrows an active Dumeril's monitor will make : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Thank robyn and i just bought one of your temp guns. Can't wait to use it. I do have a home depot right next to me so i can get any kind of thing they have there. I would rather buy it than dig it up(seeing how i live in the city). I've heard good things about top soil(no additives)mixed with play sand in a 1:1 ratio. What do you think. Oh while it's on my mind. I'm thinking of getting a pair(maybe 3) of ackies and was wondering what hapened to your listing on the monitor classifieds.

you can read about our soil adventures in our FAQ. glad you like the Temp Gun, they are one of the best tools you can have : )

as for Ackies, we do still have some available, just give me a call.

and like RSG said, just wait till you see how much a Dum can burrow in a proper setup : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I agree with Robyn, dumeril's can dig burrows that will put ackies to shame. They do it right out of the egg.

I would get either some decomposed granite (read Pro Exotics FAQs) or sandy lome. I personaly use sandy lome, but only because decomposed granite is not available in my area. And to answer your questions...yes Dumerils burrow! The substrates I mentioned are much better then any regular dirt you can find. They both hold a burrow REALLY well, and will hold the humidity that your animal needs (providing that you keep it moist, NOT wet!). I would put a couple small pieces of plywood over the dirt, which will help her burrow with such little dirt. You can find these substrates at most landscaping supply stores or even large nurseries. What you were using before, honestly, was horrible. I think that you will find a much more happy monitor if you use these substrates! If you have any further questions, feel free to email me at: monitors4you@hotmail.com Have a good one!
Jed Hassfeld
Varanus Creations
www.varanuscreations.com