Not burrowing

[John]

You never mentioned if he is eating well or not. I wouldn't worry about him being dirty or not. As to how damp the substrate should be, I would say "moist" - not very wet but pretty far from dry. I was thinking about this - where are you measuring the temperature? I mean, is it a measurement in the substrate, on the substrate, in the air, etc? If the substrate is too warm, that would likely discourage burrowing.

[Seezure]

he wouldnt eat the crickets i offered at 1st, then i bought some mealworms and he will eat one a day i would say. im feeding with tongs. and i do have a under the tank heating pad that keeps the substrate warm and should i press down on the substrate to pack it?. AND should i let it ventilate? i keep it covered with the towel. also i give him 12 hours of light and dark

[John]

You're not answering the questions though - where are you measuring the temperature exactly?

There should be some ventilation, yes, but if you have a screen lid it should be alright, provided, you're not blocking it.

[Seezure]

i have the thermomiter sitting on the eco-earth thats on top of the heat pad and its just barley 80 degrees