Substrates and Bedding

The terrarium floor is the animal's everyday environment: it walks on it, digs into it, and moisture evaporating from it keeps the air right. That is why the choice of substrate affects the animal's skin and shedding as well as hygiene in the terrarium.

Before buying, think about how much humidity the species needs and whether it digs. For burrowing species make the layer deep enough that burrows do not collapse. Moisture-loving species do well on a mix where coconut fibre or peat holds water and a top layer of moss slows drying. For a planted terrarium choose a plant substrate with a drainage layer underneath so the roots do not rot.

Avoid fine substrate that an animal might swallow by accident while feeding, especially young animals; feed them from a bowl if needed. Remove droppings and leftover food straight away so the substrate stays fresh for longer.