Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm still studying the different types of substrates. I think that I'm going to go with the sand or sand/soil mixture. The questions that I have are: how deep should the substrate be? what's the best ratio to use when making the mixture? Of course the soil has to be dried out, but how long does that normally take and what is the best way to do that? what's the best set up when putting everything together, size?

Oh, is it wise to cook the frozen mix veggies before I feed them to my uro>

If you have read many of the posts below regarding substrates, we all do what we are most comfortable with. So I would have to say the same for you. As far as how deep, I like to go on the deeper side so they can burrow down into the substrate. I use either millet or sand so really can't help you with what ratio to use.

For the veggies...it really is not necessary to "cook" the veggies before feeding (but make sure they are plenty small enough for your uro). What I do, is add a small amount of water, and put them in the microwave to just warm them, NOT cook them too hot. Then I dump out the water before putting into their dish.

Renee

The age old substrate question. I tried reading up on the mixture, moisture, consistancy, depth, blah blah thing, but I decided that my uros are healthy and happy on the current substrate, so why change. BTW, they're on washed playsand, which, other than changing it out for $4 a bag, has no maintenance. As for the burrowing, some species burrow more in the wild, but it's not a necessity for their well being. My geyri only kick out dirt as they go into their hideouts, kind of like turtles when they dig.
Veggies. I agree with Renee, I wouldn't cook them, just defrost them. Rocky never seemed to care for them. When I'm at the grocery store, and that's 5 days a week, I'll grab a few leaves of Mustard greens, collard, a bit a kale, bok choy, dandelion greens and maybe nappa cabbage. When I get home, plop down with the salad spinner, tear up all the greens into appropriate size pieces, soak in luke warm water for about 10 minutes (a crisping trick), spin, zip lock, and put in the crisping drawer in the frig. Whala, food for a week and a half for 3 uros. Dry mix stays available at all times in the tank.
Damn I get wordy. Someone stop me

>>I'm still studying the different types of substrates. I think that I'm going to go with the sand or sand/soil mixture. The questions that I have are: how deep should the substrate be? what's the best ratio to use when making the mixture? Of course the soil has to be dried out, but how long does that normally take and what is the best way to do that? what's the best set up when putting everything together, size?
>>
>>Oh, is it wise to cook the frozen mix veggies before I feed them to my uro>