Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

What temps do you keep your babies at night?

Should I use peat moss only for substrate? I currently have shredded cypress mulch. What is the best?

I read that it is not a good idea to have the substrate very deep so that the baby doesn't hide all the time. Do you agree?

My baby hasn't eaten yet but I did go get some red wigglers for it today. Hopefully it will eat in the next few days.

Thanks in advance
Linda

I keep it at the same temp as my adult, and I use coconut-husk fiber as my substrate and keep it moist, but not damp, and offer a small, shallow, plant, saucer as a water dish. (The plant saucer is shallow so if they baby flipped over while trying to get in and out, it wouldn't drown as easily). The reason I like the coconut-husk fiber is because I think it's a little cleaner and easier to manage. I didn't need a lot because my baby, that I bought last year, was living in Rubbermaid sweater box with low wattage heat lamp and a UVB light shinning down across lengthwise. I like for the baby to hide so he/she feel secure, so I use the Eco-earth for substrate. (Plus, I feel that they can keep their skin moist better this way, by burying themselves). Once they've acclimated, they will come out when they are hungry. My didn't eat much for the first week or so. But you could offer him food if he comes out.

Thanks again for your ongoing help. I may change the substrate
as I am afraid that the cypress mulch may scratch him due to his small size. He is also hard to find as he buries himself completely.

Linda

You're welcome! Also, Try using a plastic sweater box or a 10 gallon which is easier to heat and small enough for you to be able to find him. Plus, he doesn't feel so insecure like out in the open with a large cage or pen.