He doesn't seem to like his new substrate
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In this forum all are welcome to ask blue tongue skink-related questions, share information, ideas, tips, experiences, and pictures with fellow BTS enthusiasts.
If you are wondering if your BTS is acting normally or might be sick, this is where you can get help with that.
This is also where you can have some FUN while sharing the enjoyment you get from your blueys!
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GlassWalker
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He doesn't seem to like his new substrate
When I first got Jasper, I had him on Aspen shavings, but I was told that wasn't good for Halmaheras (even though he didn't seem to mind) since it doesn't hold humidity well, so I switched it out for coconut coir--well, about 75% coir 25% aspen. But now, he spends most of the day on his basking rock, even sleeping on it. When I had just the Aspen in there, he would burrow in it, sleep in it, the whole nine, but ever since I added the coco coir, he won't even touch it. What gives?
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Janella
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Re: He doesn't seem to like his new substrate
So me personally, I would be rid of the Aspen all together. It doesn't hold humidity well at all mixed with the other substrate, it may get moldy. Your skink is probably starting to feel more secure, so he is basking and sleeping in the open. They do this. Each one has their own personality. Sometimes, they hide, sometimes they baski, etc.
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GlassWalker
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Re: He doesn't seem to like his new substrate
Janella wrote:So me personally, I would be rid of the Aspen all together. It doesn't hold humidity well at all mixed with the other substrate, it may get moldy. Your skink is probably starting to feel more secure, so he is basking and sleeping in the open. They do this. Each one has their own personality. Sometimes, they hide, sometimes they baski, etc.
It's encouraging that it might be a sign of comfort. In the pet shop he would pretty much spend all day in his hide. As for the substrate, yeah I'm gonna pick up some more coir tomorrow and switch it out completely. Not only does Aspen not hold humidity, but mixing the two together is ugly as sin. I thought leaving a little Aspen in there would add a pop of brightness to the tank, but instead it looks like the bits of hay you see in horse dung.
Last edited by GlassWalker on Wed Feb 17, 2021 7:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Janella
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Re: He doesn't seem to like his new substrate
I like to provide at least three hides in my enclosures to let them pick and choose where they want to be. I use Zilla Jungle mix with Reptile Bark on top. I have been really happy with that. The coir works well too. Good luck 
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GlassWalker
- Bluey Beginner
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:51 pm
- Your Facebook name: reptyle216
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- Location: Philadelphia
Re: He doesn't seem to like his new substrate
Janella wrote:I like to provide at least three hides in my enclosures to let them pick and choose where they want to be. I use Zilla Jungle mix with Reptile Bark on top. I have been really happy with that. The coir works well too. Good luck
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind ^_^
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