Two Sav Questions ... topsoil and feeding

[Razaiel]

First, I just wondered how often one should change the topsoil, like completely empty viv and replace with new. Because mine's been growing like a week and I keep upgrading his living accommodation and he gets new soil every time I haven't really had him on the same stuff for more than a month or two. I read someone, somewhere said it's only necessary to change it about twice a year - but I'd like to know what the more experienced keepers' views are here so I get it right.

Second, it's something that Jake said on an earlier message regarding feeding - I am feeding Tiny (now about 8 months) one medium mouse each day and about 15-20 locusts. Should I be doing it this way or should I be giving him more than one mouse every so often (like every 5 days like you do, Jake).


I'm still on my learning path here ...

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Well I feed T 5 mice every other day and crickets and roaches everyday, He gets a hard boiled egg every week or 2. For the Top soil I wouldn't know. T uses his water bowl so I haven't had to change it yet. I just mix it up and maybe add a bit more in every week. I just redid his cage today and made him a burrow. I hope he uses it. He wasn't digging so I decided to make him a little den to hide in and get humidity from. Remember T is a bit over 2' now. The 5 mice range from weanlings to adults. I'm still waiting for my roaches to start breeding so I can have an unlimited supply of food.

[Razaiel]

OK - I wasn't sure if I should be feeding the rodents every day (like just one) or just feed 3-4 in one go (like the snakes). I think Tiny is almost 2 ft. He eats medium size mice - convenient because it's the size my hoggy eats and if she doesn't want her mouse (very rare) I just chuck Tiny an extra one

Tiny loves baths - I force him to walk up the stairs (I'm sure he needs the exercise ) then put him in the tub (when hubby is out the way or he complains he might scratch the bath) he'll put his head right under and swim a bit too.

Good luck with your roaches - I'm on the look-out for some - they seem scarce in the UK