What Is The Best Substrate To Use?
In my experience newspaper is without a doubt the best to use. It s easy to clean and it doesn t allow for the mold growth. Mulch and other similar substrates allow for more moisture and also may have a more aesthetic appeal. The main problem with this is when the animal is eating there is a risk of some of this material being lodged in the mouth and causing mouth rot or worse. A piece lodged in the windpipe could result in death. There is also a risk of mites. Moreover, there is no control over what the mulch has been exposed to (insecticides, etc). During the shedding process they tend to crawl around their cage and over the material and it is possible for a piece to become lodged in their mouth. I favor a sterile environment, controlling everything that these animals come in contact with. This is quite easy to do. Consequently, one doesn t have to deal with antibiotics, parasites or any kind of medication.
