Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I keep rhacs in Minnesota. I have an unfinished herp room in my basement that is both cooler and drier (right next to the furnace). Combine that with the fact that I keep adults in screen cages and babies in mini-critter containers - you can guess that I've had to deal with shedding problems. Even with regular misting, you will have a crested that will experience a difficult shed - especially on their feet. That can be a pain in the butt and down right life-threatening, esp. when you are dealing with juvi's.

Recently, I switched to egg cartons instead of artifical vines/branches. Since the switch, I have had ZERO shed problems. I still mist every day -but the only change is the egg carton. I think the rough textured surface is giving them more places to rub against.

You probably know this already - but I thought it was a worthwile obervation.
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Monte Meyer
Powergeckos
Email

i prefer using 1-2 inches of eco earth. i tried using the sterilite containers with tons of holes melted in and had too high of humidity with only spraying once a day. so i made these and keep the eco earth in there, the top is aluminum screen.

I don't recommend loose substrates for smaller geckos, which are typically the ones who have shedding problems. I recently tried using coconut hust as a substrate for about half of my geckos and noticed a lot of the smaller ones getting relatively large chunks stuck in their mouths. Best case scenario, they were done eating for the night...worst case, I've had to pull it out of their mouths manually after watching them shake their heads violently in an attempt to clear the debris from their mouths. I have friends who've used peat and actually lost babies due to choking on it.

Just an FYI,

Anthony

>>i prefer using 1-2 inches of eco earth. i tried using the sterilite containers with tons of holes melted in and had too high of humidity with only spraying once a day. so i made these and keep the eco earth in there, the top is aluminum screen.
>>
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Anthony Caponetto
www.ACreptiles.com

i plan on keeping hatchlings on paper towels for the first 2 months. thanks though anthony. never can be too cautious.

Monte,

I believe the main difference you're seeing is a combination of the rough surface and an increase in humidity. Egg crates are made of paper pulp/fiber and actually absorb water, holding the moisture in and creating a slightly more humid environment.

The other good thing about them is that they absorb any liquid waste, which helps to inhibit bacterial growth.

-Anthony

>>I keep rhacs in Minnesota. I have an unfinished herp room in my basement that is both cooler and drier (right next to the furnace). Combine that with the fact that I keep adults in screen cages and babies in mini-critter containers - you can guess that I've had to deal with shedding problems. Even with regular misting, you will have a crested that will experience a difficult shed - especially on their feet. That can be a pain in the butt and down right life-threatening, esp. when you are dealing with juvi's.
>>
>>Recently, I switched to egg cartons instead of artifical vines/branches. Since the switch, I have had ZERO shed problems. I still mist every day -but the only change is the egg carton. I think the rough textured surface is giving them more places to rub against.
>>
>>You probably know this already - but I thought it was a worthwile obervation.
>>-----
>>Monte Meyer
>>Powergeckos
>>Email
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Anthony Caponetto
www.ACreptiles.com