Hi! New to the forum!
I own two RTs Franklin and Rose (separate housing), and am having an issue with their substrate. In the beginning, I tried alfalfa pellets (recommended by a reptile shop employee, obviously an issue in protein), and Timothy hay (that came with Franklin). However, it seemed difficult for him to maneuver around. After receiving Rose, for cleaning reasons, I experimented with reptile carpet and Timothy hay. After much research, I obviously came to the conclusion that this was the less-than-ideal substrate and so I attempted to introduce a 50/50 topsoil and play sand combination filling half of their enclosures with the mix. This was unsuccessful. They made no attempt to burrow into the mixture or have very much to do with it at all and instead tried to make a shelter out of the cup of hay I left for them. I became concerned about respiratory issues when I heard one of them sneeze, and so I decided I needed to find a solution before the situation became serious. At the moment, I am using Critter Care Natural Pet Bedding (from the rabbit section) because it supposed to have "low dust" which compared to the Timothy hay should be at least one step up. It is made from "reclaimed wood pulp" and is light and fluffy somewhat like the hay. They took right to it. I need thoughts and suggestions. Will this substrate suffice? What can I do to wean them off of this substrate to something more ideal? Anything helps. Thanks!
I own two RTs Franklin and Rose (separate housing), and am having an issue with their substrate. In the beginning, I tried alfalfa pellets (recommended by a reptile shop employee, obviously an issue in protein), and Timothy hay (that came with Franklin). However, it seemed difficult for him to maneuver around. After receiving Rose, for cleaning reasons, I experimented with reptile carpet and Timothy hay. After much research, I obviously came to the conclusion that this was the less-than-ideal substrate and so I attempted to introduce a 50/50 topsoil and play sand combination filling half of their enclosures with the mix. This was unsuccessful. They made no attempt to burrow into the mixture or have very much to do with it at all and instead tried to make a shelter out of the cup of hay I left for them. I became concerned about respiratory issues when I heard one of them sneeze, and so I decided I needed to find a solution before the situation became serious. At the moment, I am using Critter Care Natural Pet Bedding (from the rabbit section) because it supposed to have "low dust" which compared to the Timothy hay should be at least one step up. It is made from "reclaimed wood pulp" and is light and fluffy somewhat like the hay. They took right to it. I need thoughts and suggestions. Will this substrate suffice? What can I do to wean them off of this substrate to something more ideal? Anything helps. Thanks!
