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New skink - when to change substrate?

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 10:57 am
by YouSureSkink
So I just got my first BTS Friday. He spent most of Friday basking under the heat lamp, but has spent most the day Saturday and all day today hiding under the paper towels that I'm currently using as substrate. I have a bag of aspen that just came in the other day.

Being that BTS like to burrow, should I go ahead and change his substrate or keep him on the paper towels until he gets a little more adjusted. He/she's obviously pretty nervous around me right now, so I don't want to overload it. But I also know that it would probably be more comfortable with something to dig around in.

Thanks! :thumbs:

Re: New skink - when to change substrate?

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 10:58 am
by YouSureSkink
Oh and I'll post some pics once I get them uploaded to my computer!

Re: New skink - when to change substrate?

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 4:19 pm
by Richard.C
6 of one;half a fozen of the other,newspaper they can get under and feel secure to becase it rests against them as if burrowingin substrate,its not a bad idea to house new ones on paper for 5 or 6 weeks to check there poops ect and to mske sure theres no mites,but if other wise healthy appearing,no harm in doing that with substrate either

Re: New skink - when to change substrate?

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 4:34 pm
by Fatal_S
Personally, I'd wait a few weeks with the paper towel to be sure the skink is eating, pooping, and showing no signs of illness, then I'd switch over.

Re: New skink - when to change substrate?

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 6:11 am
by YouSureSkink
Thanks both. I'll hold off a little while on the substrate change.

It's been eating a little bit each day but so far no poop. I read in the FAQ that's pretty normal though.