substrate

[ttony1976]

Hi all
Is it ok to use soil as a substrate ? this would help with plantation but not sure if it would harm my vield cham, I see some people are using nothing and as the cham will spen 90% of its time off the floor does it matter ?

 

[Champhibians]

Oh it matters you cham will get impacted from not being able to digest the dirt. Soil will get on the crickets and he will eat it, and it could end up killing him. So no do not use substrate

 

[ttony1976]

Thank you, For a very quick reply.

 

[BocaJan]

I used substrate for awhile back when I didn't know any better. I thought it would make the cage easier to clean. Wrong....my cage started to smell. I had to remove everything, and the substrate and the bottom was all impacted with hard substrated. What a mess. I finally got it all out, disinfected and aired before using the cage again. Boy did I learn my lesson. Fortunately my veiled was not affected.

 

[ttony1976]

How do you all feel about the false grass its easy to clean or should i just keep clear of anything ?

 

[arkist]

I wouldn't recommend it. False grass seems like it would be hard to clean, and difficult to manage in a drainage system.

I say forget aesthetics and go with what works. Worry about how to handle drainage and cleaning, not what the floor looks like.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I use paper towels on top of bath terry cotton towels
The paper towels can be replaced quickly / daily or as often as poop falls on them
the bath towel catch/absorb the splashes of water that misses the collection bucket. I pull them out and wash them weekly, to ensure no bacteria start thriving.

 

[opihiman]

there has been a lengthy disucussion RE substrate in viv.s

https://www.chameleonforums.com/substrate-chameleons-15108/.

if you can set it up right and keep things with in tolerance, I do believe you will be able to use a substrate in you viv. there are arguments for and against. For example, in the wild, there is substrate all over the place. The counter argument has been Wild Chams don't live as long as in captivity.

Bottom line I would say is to research research and reseach some more. Know the pro's and con's. and make up your own mind.

One thing that you should note Dave's idea is not just to add plants and substrate. but it is to add a whole ecological system to maintain some ballance. so that goes to say that he has put a lot of thought into what he is proposing.

anyway HOPE THAT HELPS>

OPI