I forgot to mention we switched to Zoo Med's Eco Earth Expandable Compressed Coconut Fibre. This helped ALOT. You add water and it's very cheap considering you don't need much...half a brick is more than enough. When it looks too wet I just 'mulch' it around with a stick. I am in the same boat as you. Valentine is my first pet and I just want her to be happy and healthy because I love her so much.