Substrate

[Cathy20]

I am NEVER using Calcium Carbonate sand for my BTS, Wyatt's, cage. I just cleaned all that sand out and now I would like to know if ripping up paper towels and using those as substrate would be ok? I need an answer ASAP!!!

[Jeff]

No need to rip it up. Just cover the bottom with sheets. That will be fine temporarily, then we can give you lots of ideas for a more permanent situation.

[Jeff]

Welcome to the forum too!

[Katrina]

Welcome!! There are LOTS of better options than sand, definitely put paper towel in for now and then try other ones like aspen, mulches, carefresh etc for options that are easier to clean and allow burrowing.

[Cathy20]

Thanks so much! I'm also leaving him alone over the holidays for about a week or so. I've left him alone before, but not for that long. Is it safe? How can I make sure he stays okay? I will have someone there to check on him about 2 days before I come home, though.

[Katrina]

Just make sure he has water and that it doesn't get too cold. Otherwise he should be just fine. The only thing I worry about when going away for a week in winter is that the furnace doesn't go out and that they have water. That is one of the best things about theses guys - super easy to care for. He should be just fine for that week.

[Cathy20]

That's good to know. What about food? Should I just put a few freeze-dried crickets in there as a treat so he doesn't starve?

[Katrina]

Unless he is sick or something, he won't need any food for a week. A healthy BTS can go months and months without food, so I wouldn't even worry about it unless you have a very young skink or he isn't healthy. You can leave some food, but there is no reason to. I typically only feed my adults once a week.

[Cathy20]

I didn't know they could go so long without food! That's really cool! Thanks for the advice!