Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Wondering if you can give us an update on how things are working out with using the natural substates in your indigo display cage.

Increased maintenence?
Any noticable skin irritations?

Thanks...I'm still thinking of trying it but I figure I'll let your critters be the guinea pigs for a little while!

Dean, so far, I am really liking the naturalistic route. The behaviors that our young male is exhibiting is fantastic (far more wary of his surroundings than before when I kept him on paper). Our concoction consists of top soil, torpedo sand, beach sand, pea gravel/river rock, jungle litter (by ESU), a little peat and voila, one great substrate. There has been ZERO odor (although it has only been a month), spot cleaning is exceptionally easy, and there has been NO skin problems whatsoever (in fact, this snake, which previously had never had a real good shed, just shed his skin in one piece). I am seriously considering goin this route with all of my indigos and I really love just watching this boy in his new digs. But, a part of me, like you, is hesitant to make this switch with everything....but I'm getting closer! Rob

Great to hear!

I'm going to give this a shot with just one of my indigos for now and see how it goes.

Thanks!

That would be my recommendation. This has been a struggle with me because I have always been a newspaper advocate (and still am) and I imagine I will continue to experiment until I find just the right "mix" which looks good, meets the needs of the snake, and is easy to maintain. My wife even gave me the ultimatum that since many of our herps are in our family and living room, she wants them to look nice so I am going to be going with the naturalistic look for most of my herps...and I am looking forward to it. I am even starting to work with fiberglass epoxy to make my own synthetic branches, rockwork, etc....this has added a whole new dimension to the hobby and one I am getting a lot of satisfaction from.

That's funny about your wife. All my critters are in 2 large rooms in my basement now...with a locking door.

A couple years ago my wife called for a "separation of house and snake"

LOL

I'll let you know how my experiment goes