Reptichip Breeder Block Instructions: What Do You Need to Know?

Reptichip breeder block is a popular substrate used in reptile enclosures, particularly for snakes and lizards.

The product is made from coconut husk, a natural and sustainable material with a high water absorption level, and it’s resistant to mold. The substrate is easy to clean and maintain; hence highly preferred by pet owners.

Mainly the primary purpose of a Reptichip breeder block is to create a more natural and comfortable environment for the enclosed reptiles. Since different reptile species require specific temperature and humidity levels to maintain good health, the Reptichip breeder block helps to maintain these levels. The block releases moisture slowly, creating a humid microclimate in the enclosure that enables the reptiles to thrive. Also, the chips help prevent dehydration problems in reptiles, usually common in unconducive dry environments.

Since Reptichip is ideal bedding and most preferred because it is absorbent, easy to maintain, and holds moisture well, you need to know everything about its preparation and use. In this article, we will discuss all that you need to know about this substrate. We will explore the instructions for using a Reptichip breeder block. Also, we will discuss in detail what the Reptichip breeder block is, how to set it up, and how to maintain it.

So, whether you’re a seasoned reptile owner or a beginner, this guide will provide valuable information to ensure your reptile’s health and comfort by using the Reptichip breeder block correctly.

What is a Reptichip Breeder Block?

The Reptichip breeder block is a compressed block of high-grade coconut husk designed to maintain the humidity levels in reptile enclosures. It contains compressed 100% natural coconut chips. The bedding can be wetted; hence, it’s suitable for reptiles requiring specific humidity levels to thrive.

The purpose of a Reptichip breeder block is to create a more natural and comfortable environment for reptiles in the enclosure. Usually, reptiles require specific temperature and humidity levels, and a breeder block helps to maintain these levels. Additionally, it helps to prevent dehydration and shedding problems in reptiles.

Therefore, a Reptichip breeder block is a valuable product for reptile owners who want to provide their pets with a comfortable and natural environment. The breeder blocks are available in 12in x 12in x 6in size. When wet, it expands up to 2.5 cubic feet.

How to Prepare Reptichip Breeder Block

Preparing a breeder block is easy and requires only a few simple steps. Mainly to prepare the block for use, it needs to be soaked in water and allowed to expand fully. The following are the steps to follow for setting up a Reptichip breeder block in a reptile enclosure:

1) Get the Items You Need Ready

To prepare the Reptichip breeder block, you need a few items which you should pick and have them close before you proceed. You will need the Reptichip breeder block, water, and a container. Depending on the number and size of the enclosures, you may require more than one block.

2) Open the Box

Next, you need to open the Reptichip block box. You can use scissors or a knife to cut and expose the block on both sides. Remove the label, but don’t remove the block from the packaging.

3) Wet the breeder block

Fill the Reptblock/blocks with water. Begin by filling in the water on one side, then fill the other side. You can use tap water. Notably, the amount of water you will use will depend on the type of reptile you are keeping. For instance, if you keep reptiles that do not require high humidity, you only need to put a little, maybe halfway.

4) Allow the Breeder Block to Expand

Wait for 2-3 minutes for the block to expand fully.

As the block absorbs the water and expands, the water level in the packaging will drain.

5) Flip Over the Block Packaging into the Container to Remove the Block

Flip the block upside down into the container and pull the plastic package to remove it. Mainly, the package comes out without having traces of the chips on it.

6) Break the Block

Break the block using your hands. The wetted Reptichip block is easy to break; hence you don’t require any unique tool. You will get a well-prepared Reptichip with perfect consistency without excess water. Even when you squeeze the chips, no water will come out.

7) Place the Reptichip in the enclosure

Place the Reptichip in the enclosure and spread it evenly, ensuring it spreads adequately across the enclosure floor. Importantly, ensure substrate does not block or interfere with the reptiles’ access to water or food.

Preparing the Reptichip breeder block is that simple. It’s fast, and the benefits are immense. With proper Reptichip preparation, your reptiles can enjoy a conducive environment within the enclosure and have good health. Therefore, by following the above appropriate instructions, you can create a comfortable and natural environment for your reptile pets and promote their good health and general well-being.

Reptichip Breeder Block Maintenance

After preparing and putting the Reptichip in the enclosure, ensure it’s well maintained for optimal benefits. Usually, maintaining Reptichip is crucial in ensuring its effectiveness and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria or parasites. As a reptile pet owner, you must ensure that the Reptichip substrate continues to provide the benefits of maintaining humidity levels in the reptile enclosure. Also, proper maintenance guarantees an extension of the lifespan of the Reptichip.

Now, proper Reptichip maintenance entails the following:

• Regular monitoring of the Enclosure’s Condition

Reptiles require proper aeration and specific temperature and humidity levels for good health. Therefore, it is essential to monitor these aspects regularly to ensure that they are within the optimal range for your particular reptile species. For instance, if the humidity levels are too high, it may be necessary to reduce the amount of water in the enclosure.

Excess humidity will usually be due to excess water, and you can test this by squeezing a chip. If water comes out, the chip has excess moisture. You should fix the issue promptly. Essentially you can regulate and lower the humidity by hand sifting the chips to increase aeration or adding dry chips.

• Cleaning and disinfecting

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of the Reptichip breeder block are necessary to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or parasites. Usually, the poorly or uncleaned Reptichip will be prone to mold. Therefore, you need to clean the chips regularly.

To properly clean the Reptichip, you must regularly remove debris or dirt. During the spot cleaning exercise, remove every visible debris or fecal matter. Then, once you have cleaned, disinfect the entire enclosure with a recommended reptile-safe disinfectant. While you can’t clean and disinfect the whole enclosure daily, you can perform spot cleaning every day.

• Replacing the breeder block

Reptichip breeder block will break down over time; hence you must replace the chip occasionally. Mainly, the signs you should look out for that a breeder block needs to be replaced include a foul odor or a change in color or texture. But, mainly, it is recommended you replace the Reptichip substrate every 3 months or as needed.

Since maintaining a Reptichip breeder block is relatively straightforward and highly beneficial, you should do it regularly and without fail. For consistency, you can create a maintenance schedule that will detail the entire maintenance routine and ensure to perform the maintenance work as scheduled.

Additional Instructions. How Do You Store Reptichip Block?

Based on the number of reptiles you have, you will always need to open and prepare the entire block all at once. Sometimes you only need to use half of it or slightly more. So, how do you go about it? The following are simple instructions to follow;

You can break the block into the size you want to prepare and then proceed to prepare only the size you need. When dividing the block into smaller portions, add less water when necessary. You can store the remaining amount without water for an indefinite time.

Alternatively, you can prepare the entire block, put it in a container, and then use only the amount you need and necessary. To store the remaining portion of the prepared block, leave it open in the container and allow it to dry. Notably, you should sift it regularly to aerate the chips for faster and even drying. Once you want to use it, you need to add water, and you can go ahead and use it.

Conclusion

By following the appropriate instructions for preparing and maintaining the Reptichip breeder block, reptile owners can ensure their pets stay healthy and happy in their enclosures. Mainly, Reptichip breeder blocks provide a long-lasting and natural solution for maintaining good humidity levels in a reptile enclosure.

Lastly, reptiles are fascinating and easy-to-keep creatures that make exciting and unique pets. With proper care, they easily thrive. And choosing the right substrate product and using it as recommended is one of the essential aspects of properly caring for these reptile pets. Therefore, choose and rightly use the Reptichip breeder block for a guaranteed healthy environment for your reptiles.