Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I recently purchased two baby ornates. They are beautiful and I am very excited to be a proud honour of such magnificent creatures, I wish to provide them with the best care possible. However I do not believe that the place where I purchased them properly informed me on their care. They told me sand would be fine as a substrate but I was doing research and some have said sand is horrible for babies and that the best substrate is millet. First, I was wondering if anyone knew where I can buy loose millet in bulk in Canada? Secondly, one of the babies fecal matter is very liquid and I am afraid something is wrong with him. Can anyone let me know what this could mean? I would greatly appreciate any help.
Thankyou.
Best,
Rachael

First, forget sand & millet. Use paper for babies. Second, see a vet for the loose stools. Double check your temps. And read the care sheets which it seems you haven't.
Dan.

New babies are so exciting, and can be scary and overwhelming, there is a LOT of information. Read a lot of care sheets, its the best way to get a good grounding in their care.

As for right now, I also recommend just using paper towels for their substrate. I haven't had a new baby to play with for quite a while, but I found that when I did he would eat the millet to the exclusion of his greens, which isn't good, plus it can be hard for them to walk on, and to keep clean. Paper towels are easy for them to move on, and easy to keep clean (try to get the unbleached, un-chemically ones if you can, I generally use seventh generation brand, but I'm not sure how widely available they are - otherwise just standard paper towels should be fine). Make sure they have places to hide too, otherwise they will usually be UNDER the paper towels.

Good like with your new pets! And don't forget, read, read, read!
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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes (May he rest in peace)
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.0 Iguana Flik
0.1 Iguana Loki (May she rest in peace)
Madison, Wisconsin

Thanks!

natural slate is also a good option for babies. It is fairly easy to clean and retains heat very well. google 'uro wiki' there is a lot of up to date information there that will be a great help. and as always, feel free to ask questions if you are unsure of something.. people here are always willing to give advice