Getting ready for a new BTS!

[sacs4010]

I plan on having a lot of shade with plants and hides. I am also putting in a fair amount of sphagnum moss in the enclosure too. Not too much for a baby, I do not want the little guy/girl to get lost. lol I was always planning on using vitamin supplements. I of course have a temp gun. I am way ahead of the game. I am not new to reptiles and I always do my research. Do not get me wrong, keep the advice coming. That is the reason why I started this thread.

[sacs4010]

Here are a few pictures of my BTS setup with Cypress Mulch beneath the Aspen bedding. Also with a new cool side hide and Sphagnum moss as a top layer to help hold moisture. What do you all think? Be honest and yes I know the substrate is a bit too deep and next time I will not add so much. lol

[donkeybuff]

Looks good, just don't expect your separate layers to last long with a bluey burrowing around in there

[sacs4010]

What level should the humidity be at?

[sacs4010]

My pet BTS can do what ever he or she wants when it comes to rearranging the enclosure. lol

[dsteamn]

Looks cozy. It will enjoy foraging around in all of that greenery and substrate.

The humidity will depend on what kind you finally decide to get. You will pretty much know by the condition of your skink. If the scales dry out or start to invert, it's too dry. If breathing problems or other issues develop, is probably too damp.

They sometimes like to soak in their water bowls but don't tolerate a wet environment very well. If I was going to change one thing, it would be to figure out how to incorporate a 9x13 clear Pyrex baking dish in as a water bowl. Itso a swimming pool for a baby but will be a good size for an adult to lay in. You can save space by putting it on top of a hide. The pic is an example.

[sacs4010]

I have to do something. I am looking into getting a Merauke, with a Northern being my second choice. At least that is where I stand right now. I am on Susann's waiting list for her recent hatched babies. I live in Arizona, so the humidity will be an issue, especially since I have an open lid cage. Next year I will be purchasing a better cage like a Vision or the one company Susann recommended to me. I also just tested the temp on the basking spot and it is too high. I think that is caused by the increase in substrate because when I first measured the temperature on the basking spot, it read exactly 100 degrees and it was consistent. I will do another test tomorrow though. When I first added the new substrate, water in the water bowl and sprayed/misted the cage (all distilled water) the humidity gauge read it at about 50%, but now it is at 40%. Granted I am getting this measurement from an analog stick to the tank hydrometer. I do use a digital infrared temp gun for measuring my temperature. What do you think?

[dsteamn]

If you put a glass lid over part of the tank top, it will help hold the humidity in. Then you can turn down the heart because that will help hold it in. Like I said, I wouldn't get so caught up on the numbers, especially if he has a water dish to climb in. You will know if it's not getting enough.

Where in Arizona do you live? I see an outdoor habitat in your future. It would love hanging out in some of that desert sun.

[sacs4010]

I live in the Phoenix area, but I do not own a home. So as of right now, no outside habitat in the near future, but perhaps in the distant one. I plan on taking my pet BTS out on some strolls though for sure. lol I checked the humidity this morning and it was staying at 40%, so I will see how it goes. I do not trust the analog hydrometers that much anyways.