I have been using bed a beast for my moist hide so my geckos enjoy it more then the crickets. I had to much problem with the crickets loving the moss and then my geckos wouldn't go in there. Now instead of having to break a brick or have extra laying around can I use vermiculite in my moist hides. I know its used as a substrate in an incubator but can it also be used in a moist hide for an adult gecko? Thank you!

I use plain paper towels moistened.

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Colleen

Yes you can, but it is messy and it will all over the cage and in the water bowl feed bowl and stuff.

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I use a moist paper towel. I tried moss and my leo refused to go in the hide, so I switched back to the towels.

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Kelly

My pets:
Leopard Gecko ~ Ducky
Rabbit ~ Chester
Kitten ~ Lil Fang
Black Bear Hamster - Charlie
Parakeet ~ Ray
Eastern Box Turtle ~ Ollie
Hermit Crab ~ Mr. Crabs
Teddy Bear Hamster ~ Poppy RIP 7/12/07

Vermiculite, when wet, is very sticky and, as Nate said, will end up tracked all over the place. Being expanded mica(a rock) it is not digestable and thus is a risk of impaction.
It also is very dusty when dry and poses a risk to the lungs.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I agree with Merlin. Also the vermiculite is basically a mineral. It's shape can cause damage when ingested it doesn't seem hard to the touch but it is sharp. You won't find much that crickets don't like to hide under.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I have found my crickets dont like the bed a beast as much and as long as my geckos are in there they don't go in. My gravid female lives in her hide. Now I have to ask. Does she do this because she thinks she is laying on her eggs?

Now. I'm not an expert on this but I would say she is trying to elevate her body's moisture level because of the eggs. It could also be where the hide is located is the temperature she wants. You should have a couple hides in different temperature locations. So she won't be forced to use the only available hide for security that might be the wrong temperature.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Mike is correct, more the one hide is always a great idea, how many do you have? How long do you leave crix in there before removing them, I hope they are not in there all the time.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

My vet has asked me to leave at least 3 to 6 in there at all times and watch how many are in there and keep track what I am giving anyone so I can make sure everyones appatite improves. I have 3 in there now. She is in a 10 gallon tank for a quarentine until everyone is done with the meds. I have a hide in the hot and cool side of the tank. Water dish, and calcuim dish. I have also been trying to offer her supper worms. This is about the time she started taking them before she laid her first clutch. Its been 11 days since her last clutch was laid and is showing signs of being ready. Once she lays this one she will be getting off her last set of meds. I will then try changing the bedding. Her and the other females have not been handled at all. I was told until everyones appatite improves to also give them a few hours of uvb lighting. Is there anything I haven't covered that I should do. I change the paper towel almost daily. Every other if there is no fecal on it. Fresh water everyday.