Substrate / Bedding:
Below are examples of some types of bedding that I personally have tried along with the pros & cons. I'll let you make up your mind based on your needs and preferences.
Newspaper or Paper Towels:
Not a fan of newspaper.
Newspaper:
PROs: Free. Easily replaced.
CONs: Looks cheap. Possibility of news print rubbing off onto your animal.
Paper Towels:
PROs: Relatively Cheap. Easily replaced.
CONs: Looks cheap. Can become costly over time.
I found newspaper to be a pain despite it being easy to replace. It was always getting wet or shredded. And my monitor didn't seem all that thrilled to have it in his cage. The possibility of newsprint rubbing off on him and causing some kind of reaction always weighed on my mind.
Paper towels were no better except that they contain no ink so they are at least healthier for your pet. But they are still prone to shredding and get wet easily like newspaper.
Neither one provides your animal with the ability to dig.
PROs: Free. Easily replaced.
CONs: Looks cheap. Possibility of news print rubbing off onto your animal.
Paper Towels:
PROs: Relatively Cheap. Easily replaced.
CONs: Looks cheap. Can become costly over time.
I found newspaper to be a pain despite it being easy to replace. It was always getting wet or shredded. And my monitor didn't seem all that thrilled to have it in his cage. The possibility of newsprint rubbing off on him and causing some kind of reaction always weighed on my mind.
Paper towels were no better except that they contain no ink so they are at least healthier for your pet. But they are still prone to shredding and get wet easily like newspaper.
Neither one provides your animal with the ability to dig.
Potting Soil and other earthy mixtures:
Soil beats paper.
Potting Soil:
PROs: Cheap. Looks nicer than newspaper and gives your monitor something to dig in. Holds moisture.
CONs: Dries out quickly. Especially w/ an under tank heater. Caused my monitor to sneeze a lot. Probably not good for their lungs.
Keep in mind that I live in an area of the country that is normally very dry. This may not be an issue where you live, but you may experience mold in your soil instead.
PROs: Cheap. Looks nicer than newspaper and gives your monitor something to dig in. Holds moisture.
CONs: Dries out quickly. Especially w/ an under tank heater. Caused my monitor to sneeze a lot. Probably not good for their lungs.
Keep in mind that I live in an area of the country that is normally very dry. This may not be an issue where you live, but you may experience mold in your soil instead.
Fir Bark:
My monitor loves fir bark.
Fir Bark:
PROs: Looks nice. Smells nice. Fairly inexpensive. Holds moisture.
CONs: Dries out quickly. Especially w/ an under tank heater.
The only time my monitor is relaxed enough to lay on his back is when he is sleeping on fir bark. He loves the smell and it helps insulate the cage floor when used in conjunction w/ an under tank heater.
To clean fir bark place it in a bucket of hot water and soak for at least 20 minutes. This will also help re-hydrate the fir. Drain, rinse, & repeat as necessary paying careful attention not to let the pieces wash away as you are emptying the bucket or container.
NOTE: Some types of wood are BAD for reptiles. Pine is one example that comes to mind. But basically anything that produces sap is not going to be a healthy choice. Sappy wood can produce toxic vapors. These vapors can be deadly to your reptile.
PROs: Looks nice. Smells nice. Fairly inexpensive. Holds moisture.
CONs: Dries out quickly. Especially w/ an under tank heater.
The only time my monitor is relaxed enough to lay on his back is when he is sleeping on fir bark. He loves the smell and it helps insulate the cage floor when used in conjunction w/ an under tank heater.
To clean fir bark place it in a bucket of hot water and soak for at least 20 minutes. This will also help re-hydrate the fir. Drain, rinse, & repeat as necessary paying careful attention not to let the pieces wash away as you are emptying the bucket or container.
NOTE: Some types of wood are BAD for reptiles. Pine is one example that comes to mind. But basically anything that produces sap is not going to be a healthy choice. Sappy wood can produce toxic vapors. These vapors can be deadly to your reptile.
Cotton Bath Towels:
PROs: Inexpensive. Easy to clean. Looks nice. Insulates well.
CONs: None that I have found.
CONs: None that I have found.
The Floor:
PROs: Allows him the ability to choose his spot. He can spread out if he wants. Tile and/or linoleum are easy to clean.
CONs: The occasional carpet cleanup. Carpeting is actually not all that hard to clean if you take care of it as soon as you are aware of an accident and clean it properly.
CONs: The occasional carpet cleanup. Carpeting is actually not all that hard to clean if you take care of it as soon as you are aware of an accident and clean it properly.
My Bed:
PROs: Soft and warm. Allows him to spread out if he wants. (**No, he doesn't poop the bed.)
CONs: None so far.
CONs: None so far.
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