Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the best bedding to be using in tubs while the female is gravid and for nesting?

I let many of my big females lay right on the mulch. In the weeks prior to laying eggs, they use their sides and belly to "roll out" the mulch.

Here are a few shots of a female rolling out her nest:

Finished:

With smaller females and skittish females, I usually give them a nest box that has sphagnum moss. With the big girls I have trouble fitting an adequate nest box into the rack....so they lay right on the mulch. It seems to suit them just fine.

Joe
Joe Compel Reptiles

Joe,

Thanks for the pictures.

I guess I have been doing a no no and leaving them on paper.

Joe what do you use regularly for there bedding?

Thxs!

I use mulch year round. I have kept adults on newspaper in the past and have had them lay on it too. No big deal....I just like how the mulch holds humidity, it spot cleans well, and I think my females prefer to lay their eggs on it too.
Joe Compel Reptiles

I think change is good.

Hmm... I wonder if Menards has 300lbs of cypress

try it with a few animals....you might decide it is not right for you. I know some keepers don't like cypress - it doesn't work for them because of their climate.

Good luck,
Joe
Joe Compel Reptiles