Soil and plants for tiger set up

[kara]

I will be receiving my 2 juvenile tigers in the next two weeks, and just want to put the finishing touches on the enclosure. ( I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!)
I would like to know what kind of soil is recomended. I have pulled out the potting soil, and want to purchase some new stuff in the next few days to plant grass on. The soil will be on top of a small layer of large gravel, and on a gradiant, should I plant grass on the higher or lower side?
Also, what kinds of plants are heardy enough for tigers? I would like to have the snake toungue looking sansevaria in the enclosure. Good idea?
I Have also seen people using PCV pipe for burrows, are these a useful hidey hole for the tigers? do they use them to further burrow in the soil? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[joan]

Grass will probably be dug up and destroyed. Tigers are notorious diggers.

I use a mix of cocoa fiber and organic topsoil for mine. I don't have any live plants in their tank.

 

[kara]

Thanks Joan, do you mix the soil and coco fiber together? Or put a layer of soil, and then a layer of the coco fiber? Also, is yours on a sloping gradient? What do you use for hideys?

 

[Jan]

I also use a mix of organic top soil and coco fiber - not layered, but mixed, at a depth of about 4 inches...no sloping. I like the consistency of the mix as it is more moisture retentive and not as compact as top soil alone. I avoid live plants for the same reason Joan outlined.

For hides, I use a couple of heavy, shallow water dishes (filled with Spring water) that look like rock but are artificial material and sterilized large flat pieces of wood (like driftwood). I also use silk plants to add a 'natural' look - these are cleaned/sterilized monthly when changing substrate.

My tigers are pretty bold. They bury under their hides, but always have their heads out and visible. When I approach their viv, they slumber out of hiding and appear to beg for food. They are remarkable animals

.

 

[kara]

My taricha does the same when he sees me, e swims around and "flirts", I get such a huge kick out of this. Thanks Jan...very helpful!