I want to try making a subsrtrate mix for my Leopard Geckos. (I love exsperimenting with substrates.) I want to try something like 2 parts sand 1 part dirt 1 part co-co nut husk. Is there anything else I should use to alow my geckos to burrow?
Also is there anything else I should add to make it look more natural?
Thanks
-Stephen

I don't think that you should use sand or coconut as a substrate. It may lead to impaction. Not sure about the dirt though.

In my exspirience with co-co nut husk (thats the fibery stuff on the outside) it just passes right through. If you've ever felt it there is no posible way it could get impacted. I want to use the sand because of it's tecture and color. I doubt it would get impacted in those quantities. But mabe. Heres a pic.
Thanks for the reply.
-Stephen

Attached Images

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I wouldn't use any kind of loose substrates at all, I'm to scared of impaction.

When I wanted to switch things up in my display tanks I went with ceramic tiles.

That coco hummus is great for humid environments (it holds moisture real well) but it's kind of useless when used dry. Your mix will be very loose and unsuitable to hold a burrow. Your Leopard Geckos will easily dig it so beware of possible acidents if there are structures that might collapse.

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Wish list: Blue Tongue Skinks and Uruplatus =)

Today I received the latest Reptile magazine, and I saw an ad for "Excavator" a clay burrowing substrate by ZooMed. It looks interesting, but like ANY particulate substrate (made of small pieces), there is a danger of ingestion and impaction.

I'm not recommending it... but perhaps an "animal-free" experiment is in order.

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~~Steph

"This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world." John Steinbeck

I seen that new stuff to, it does look pretty cool.

That Excavator thing looks like the Namiba Terra substrate I'm using in my small naturalistic experience

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Wish list: Blue Tongue Skinks and Uruplatus =)

I'm still waiting to hear back from the company to see if the product is available in the USA.

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Colleen

I wouldnt suggest any type of particulate substrate for your leopard geckos. THere is just too much chance for impaction. Years ago when I got my first leo, I used sand and I can remember how many times she ended up with a mouth full of substrate while catching crickets. Unless you feed in a seperate bin, use newspaper or paper towels or repticarpet (tho their nails seem to get caught on the fibers) ....best wishes...

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Warmest Regards from Lyn