Shed box substrate for leopard geckos?

[ffairladyzz]

hey i am also wondering what will be the best substrate to use for a shed box, i have read all sorts of stuff, from coconut fiber, to vermiculite, what is the best to use and easiest to find? thanks guys much appreciated!
Cory

[Gecko Ranch]

Hi Cory, Stay far away from that coconut fiber or anything else you add water to expand for use with leopard geckos. Before you know it this stuff is expanding in their stomachs, a use the manufacturer I am sure did not intend!

I like vermiculite for laybox/shedboxes, however, if you can't find it then spaghnum peat moss also works.

Forum edicate note - please post species questions under that species, thanks!

[ffairladyzz]

OOOPS! sorry ill find that next time sry, so should i use the chunky vermiculite or the ground?

[Chicubswally]

Right on! Not much to debate here- vermiculite! It will maintain moisture and will not expand too much.
I have some leopards that will go in and settle down. Others will dig and dig and throw the vermiculite all over the tank

[Gecko Ranch]

Vermiculite is being phased out gradually because it is considered a carcinogen, I guess if you stood there mixing the dry stuff and snorted up the dust! I use a dust mask while I am scooping out the dry stuff to get it wet. IF you can find it, I find a mix of the fine and large ground is really great for both layboxes and incubation.

If your laybox/shedbox is set up properly it is hard for the leopards to make any kind of mess. My cheapo favorite is a Cool Whip tub, cut a hole in the center just big enough for them to get in and out. You don't have to be neat about the hole either, rough edges and somewhat misshapen edges are great for them to get their shed scraped off on. If you cut a hole in the side, yes, they will make a mess trapesting in and out.

[Chicubswally]

Holes are in top, small enough for them to get into. I think the couple of geckos that like to 'spread it around' have little shovels.

[ffairladyzz]

ok cool i think i still have some vermiculite around somewehere its the medium grade, so hopefully i can get a shed box set up, and should i use a dry and moist
one, have 2 different ones in the tank? and how do u guys set up shed boxes so they dont look so out of place in the tank? thanks guys i appreciate it!... o ya and im about to head out to get some new lights, and some food, if i can get through the 15 inches of snow! lol gotta love illinois!

[Chicubswally]

We got about 12 inches here in SE Wisconsin. Nice day as the kids received a snow day and we enjoyed a nice family day together.

I use only one box as a hide/lay box. My animals are all setup via rack style so astetics are not important. You could try hiding the hide behind some plants. I know one vendor that sells hides hot glued with silk plants