Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone who is trying the dirt/soil subtrate options, will you please post and tell what you're using and in what proportions? If you have a sense of how it's working out, please add that, too! Thanks for your help!
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Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
0.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Leeloo)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

i using plain top soil with no chemicals added to it and gave him about 10" of it and he seems to like it,he hasnt dug a hole yet cause i already made him one before i put him back so it may have just saved him the effort
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1.3 Leopard Gecko's
1.0 mali uromastyx
0.0.3 tokay's(adults unsexed)

i have found plain topsoil to be very poor for digging, and the animals don't seem to recognize it as appropriate and make use out of it. that is why we used a mix using topsoil, sand, and vermeculite, as plain soil needs more "binding agents" to make it dig well : )

that may be why your animals are not digging it : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

What are binding agents? is that what you meant by vermiculite?
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delbalso

yeah, i am not being scientific, just using it loosely : )

plain topsoil doesn't stick and hold very well. vermeculite and sand help to hold moisture and increase the burrowing aspects : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I went to a landscape place and they gave me some sifted dirt. Here in Arizona the dirt has a lot of clay and sand already in it. I also supplemented that with some more dirt from an empty lot. I added some sand and vermiculite (which helps hold in the moisture), then wet it down lightly. They are digging tunnels and really seem to be enjoying it! This has been a great learning experience!
Beth

nice! : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles