I totally agree with you about the sand; there is a problem with potential impaction...thank you for the warning...unfortunately, due to extreme disability and mobility issues, (a genetic disorder that is progressive and limits my movement quite alot) I have found it is my only choice, if I am to be able to keep and care for my sweet babies.
I tried the other options, and could not maintain the level of cleanliness needed, without assistance. However, I have studied the issue like the absolute geek that I am.
I have an excellent book on beardies, written by experts in the field--veterinarians, breeders, biologists, etc., who admit that they keep their beardies of over six inches in sand, with the adaptations I have carefully followed: so, I have done everything possible to reduce the probability of impaction. I do not feed them on sand.and hand feed almost any food, anyway. I Also have a sand free zone for them. They spend lots of time outside their vivs. Dezi, my older boy, stays with me on or near my bed all day, (with proper UV lights) and only uses his viv for sleeping purposes. I hope that with much attention and love, little Penny will grow up to be mostly free roaming, like DeziLu. I will have TWO fabulous beardies on my bed all day!! (or, if they do not get along well, they may take turns) This set up has worked well for Dezi, who is super happy and healthy, at three years. He is over two feet long, and almost two pounds! And he goes whereever I go. He rides on my wheelchair, and is a great conversation starter for people who would otherwise feel somewhat uncomfortable with my being disabled. I guess he could be considered a therapy pet!
I know that sand is not the most ideal substrate, but I really need my dragons. they are the perfect pet for someone with my physical issues. I feel so blessed to have discovered them. So, we do the best we can do. You are so right to be concerned...I would not reccommend this for most cases, but I have unusual circumstances. These beardies have so greatly improved my life quality!! They challenge me every day to get up and take care of them, and always motivate me to serve their needs, instead of being too focused on my own...on super bad days, my husband steps in and helps me, but I always prefer to do all their care myself, no matter how big a challenge it is. Some days, it takes me several hours to go to the kitchen and prepare their food, clean the vivs, and hand feed them. But It is my fun physical therapy! it is a double blessing that through them, I have met and found friends on this site, like you, who share my love of beardies! How great is that?
So, that is my explaination, and apology of sorts. I am happy to have the opportunity to share this information with you and others. Perhaps someone else with a disability will also find such joy and benefits in caring for these wonderful Beardies. But you did not tell me; how is sweet little Bugsie doing? Does he still need calcium injections?
Dezi says, beardies are perfect companions
