apocalypse910
Active Member
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- 272
So I know this is probably just going to be an exercise in frustration (I can hear Loki destroying plants as we speak) but I've really become interested in setting up a naturalistic terrarium for Loki.
I've been adding live plants for a few months now - I've been getting them from lllreptile as they use non-toxic plants with no fertilizer or pesticides. I've been using hearty plants like bromeliads which he can't seem to damage as easily and air plants that don't mind being ripped off the wall when he's in destructo mode.
The next step I want to take is adding some ground cover to part of the cage, mainly mosses, lichens, and if safe ferns. You rarely see bare ground in nature and I'd like to add some ground cover to the parts of the cage he doesn't use to dig as much.
Here is the cage so far - (note I was testing a fogger module in these pictures - the wire isn't normally accessible and the module isn't located where he can stick his nose in it).[/u] He has a full misting system on the ceiling and I'm building him a fogger as well
Again it is his cage, so I accept that he's going to rearrange it as he sees fit. I'd like to include as much greenery as possible for humidity, fresh air, and comfort. It is hard to say but they are so tuned in to scents I think all the outside smells and such make for a more stimulated tegu. I figure mosses can survive being walked on, they make for soft bedding, and will make digging and such easier.
Today I spent several hours in the woods (upstate ny) collecting a huge variety of mosses and a fern.
I have two questions - Are mosses generally reptile safe or are there any toxic ones I need to look out for? I've done a bunch of goggling and not finding much - wasn't sure if anyone here had more info. Any precautions I need to take to decontaminate them before adding them to the terrarium? I was thinking a light rinse with soapy water.
Bonus points if anyone can identify this fern and tell me if it is safe
I'm guessing Long Beech Fern but it is a pretty small plant so having a hard time placing it.
I've been adding live plants for a few months now - I've been getting them from lllreptile as they use non-toxic plants with no fertilizer or pesticides. I've been using hearty plants like bromeliads which he can't seem to damage as easily and air plants that don't mind being ripped off the wall when he's in destructo mode.
The next step I want to take is adding some ground cover to part of the cage, mainly mosses, lichens, and if safe ferns. You rarely see bare ground in nature and I'd like to add some ground cover to the parts of the cage he doesn't use to dig as much.
Here is the cage so far - (note I was testing a fogger module in these pictures - the wire isn't normally accessible and the module isn't located where he can stick his nose in it).[/u] He has a full misting system on the ceiling and I'm building him a fogger as well
Again it is his cage, so I accept that he's going to rearrange it as he sees fit. I'd like to include as much greenery as possible for humidity, fresh air, and comfort. It is hard to say but they are so tuned in to scents I think all the outside smells and such make for a more stimulated tegu. I figure mosses can survive being walked on, they make for soft bedding, and will make digging and such easier.
Today I spent several hours in the woods (upstate ny) collecting a huge variety of mosses and a fern.
I have two questions - Are mosses generally reptile safe or are there any toxic ones I need to look out for? I've done a bunch of goggling and not finding much - wasn't sure if anyone here had more info. Any precautions I need to take to decontaminate them before adding them to the terrarium? I was thinking a light rinse with soapy water.
Bonus points if anyone can identify this fern and tell me if it is safe
I'm guessing Long Beech Fern but it is a pretty small plant so having a hard time placing it.
