BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hey y'all... haven't been here in a while - does anyone use fake grass mats instead of (or in addition to) regular substrates? Do the skinks like it? We've been thinking of making some changes to Dillinger's tank and adding a grass mat under his feeding/watering area is something I want to do, if it won't cause problems...

Thanks!

Never used one. I wonder if it would be a bear to clean?

I think the OP means the carpet type stuff. It is usually recommended not to use that, because it is much easier to spot clean substrate, blueys can burrow in substrate, it is completely clean out substrate and dispose of it etc. etc. The repti-carpet products will not absorb moisture and can be a breeding ground for bacteria etc.

If it is just under his water area it is probably ok, as long as you have a couple and wash and dry them in between uses and switch them out. I just use tiles under the water dish instead of substrate or anything, as they are easiest to clean.

If you are looking to make some changes, have a look at the enclosures picture section and maybe do a search on enclosures. Lots of members have added photos that will give you some good ideas. That reminds me, I've been meaning to add some pics to the enclosures section but I keep forgetting....

Oh yeah - welcome back to the forums!!

I think there are a few people that have used astro-turf type stuff as part of their enclosure w/ half of the tank having some type of burrow friendly substrate. I, for one, have never used it... I think it's easier to just use Aspen or something of the sort.

I use the indoor/outdoor carpet (no loops so bts cannot get toes or nails caught in it). I put other burrowing substrate on top of it so that usually catches most of the messes and can be spot cleaned. It comes in different colors so the look of the enclosure can be changed and it's cheap enough that you can replace it as often as needed.

For anything that digs or scratches around it is not good. I used the indoor/outdoor type for water dragons some years back and had an issue with fibers coming loose (from their digging in corners) and wrapping around their toes. It is also impossible to keep sanitary and being bluetongues love to burrow I just don't approve of it for them. Every time they go to the bathroom you have to take the entire piece out and disrupt their environment, and this could cause stress. I could probably go on with ten more reasons not to use it.