[Michelle C.]

Why does my AFT scratch at the paper towels in his cage? I have the warm end at about 82° and the cool end not heated (of course). He doesn't pick a certain end to scratch all the time. He doesn't get under the paper towels (he will if I haven't taken the crickets out that he didn't eat fast enough). And he's not shedding.

He's not eating all that great right now, but I don't see any problems. I was just wondering what this scratching is all about.

Thanks!

[reptilefanatic]

African fat tails dig, some more then others, they are known if given enough dirt substraight they will make tunnels so maybe your's just has a urg to dig, another reason may be that the tank is too small, bearded dragons do this so maybe a gecko would too.

[HepCatMoe]

i would say if he is scratching then he does not feel comfortable. does he have a humid hide? does he have another hide where it is dark and he feel safe?

[Michelle C.]

He has a humid hide that's half on and half off the heater area, a regular hide on the warm end and a regular hide on the cooler end. Should I have a cool humid hide too? If so, I'm gonna have to get a bigger tank!!

[Palor]

Get the bigger tank

AFT's love to dig, perhaps offer a "sandbox" for him to play in. I used a tupperware with a hole in the top filled with bed-a-beast for my leos that like to dig. Sometimes they will dig for hours.

[Michelle C.]

Do you think the coco fiber would work as well? I have a lot of that from another tank...

[reptilefanatic]

How large is the tank? african fat tails are good with a 20 gallon alone or maybe with a pair, I use pete moss and my gecko's love it, they dig around all the time, so maybe look into a substraight they like and give them a good couple inches in a 20 gallon tank. From what you said your doing great keeping the tank perfect so good job

[HepCatMoe]

seems like you have enough hides. sounds like you just got a digger.