Question for steeve, or markb or anyone that would know!

[V.hb]

Hey guys, just wondering about leaf litter.. Is there any difference between oak and any other leaf (maple, etc) when it comes to creating a good nest for albigularus? Ive heard before that oak has a different smell, does this trigger their senses?
I've got a huge hollow log very hard still weighs a good 200 pounds i was going to fill to the top with leaf litter Would this be a suitable nesting site? theres a piece of plywood on top of it for basking as well so the inside of the log is always 80-85. I still have a 6 foot nest box with about 900 lbs of dirt in it as well. Not to much oak nearby, but plenty of maple. Any info would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[Steeve B]

I think theirs a big deference in composition especially when decomposing! PH level between Maple and Oak must be like knight and day, perhaps this can affect microbial growth and minerals within the nest chamber, theirs no study on how all this can benefit egg development, without a dough it does!

Your log shod be excellent for your albigularis, however I don’t know if she will use it as nest, but sure will enjoy it nevertheless. Keep up the good work.

Rgds

[NiagaraReptiles]

The main reason that Oak leaf litter is preferred over others (by keepers) is that Oak leaves are much more durable and tougher than most other sorts. When searching for leaf littler, examine the leaves and I'm sure you won't have a problem seeing the difference.

[V.hb]

Hey thanks guys, time to go looking for leaves! il get some pictures up for other members once its done, and you guys can also be my critics!

[mbayless]

Hi,

Oak leaves release tannic acid/tannins, a dye used in clothing and other things of 1800's-1900's. Maybe it is still used today? I don't know....if you notice in oak forests, there is no foreign plants below the oak tree - that is because the oak tannic acid has been leached from the dropped leaves onto the ground, and upon leaching has changed the PH of the soil and is not conduscive to plant growth and competition of other plants other than oak trees - cool huh....nature is amazing.

As for Maple leaves, I am not sure - I was asleep through most of botany class.

As for the log nesting site, it depends on the female albigularis if she chooses to use it....give her ample opportunities to make her own nests, have losts of things vailable to her, like a kid in the sand box - with losts of toys for choice, then all goes smoothly and she will dig out a nest for herself and her eggs, and she does all the work while you wait patiently biting your nails...

Good Luck!
markb

[Steeve B]

This is why I don’t use Maple leaves, they promote fungal growth!
Thanks Mark very true about Oak forest floor.
Rgds

[V.hb]

Thanks alot guys, all is very appreciated. will have pics up to have you guys evaluate! thanks

[Jeff_Favelle]

if you notice in oak forests, there is no foreign plants below the oak tree - that is because the oak tannic acid has been leached from the dropped leaves onto the ground, and upon leaching has changed the PH of the soil and is not conduscive to plant growth and competition of other plants other than oak trees - cool huh....nature is amazing.

Alleleopathy. I did a paper on it in 3rd year. Quite fascinating!

[Kyle Barker]

Got a copy you could send? I have been adding oak to my dirt, the plants seem to grow very fast and bushy.

[mbayless]

Hi Jeff,

I too would like to read more of this alleleopathy....thanx!

markb

[Jeff_Favelle]

***Jeff "leaves" to go look through his old papers..... (ha ha get it? "Leaves"? LOL!!)***

[Kyle Barker]

riiiiiight. umm, good one.....

Let us know when you find it, sounds pretty interesting

[mbayless]

good one Jeff....hahaha.

markb