Meggaloo87":162olnqg said:
Actually my "sand" is ground walnut shell bedding - that's different than calci-sand, right?
It says not for lizards under 6" and he is bigger.
Not that a company would state something just to make a sale. Let me know!!
Get rid of it immediately .... a friend of mine lost her little hatchling to impaction (had to go under surgery to try to clear the blockage because she used a similar bedding as you mention).
A lot of Australian beardie breeders (the vocal ones that is) advocate using dried play sand as their bedding for all their dragons including the youngest hatchlings. Claim never to have an issue using it - I don't believe them.
Personally, for hatchlings and young beardies I wouldn't use sand of any description for a young beardie - contrary to popular believe the natural habitat of central bearded dragons is not entirely a sandy desert (like the Sahara), but weather ancient clay in the most part.
I use paper towelling for my hatchlings and juvenile beardies, my adult beardie is on loose ceramic rock textured tiles and paper towels .... is a much more hygienic an safe bedding.
I sterilise using F10
http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/F10D#.V0fHvblJmw0
simply remove poo or food residue , wipe clean with a paper towel or take outside and give a blast under the hose , dry , spray on dilute F10 (1part in 140parts water), let air dry (at least 30minutes) no more germs or spores.
Is perfect for sterilising floor surfaces and furniture when a lizard (or other pet has an toilet accident).
A small bottle of F10 concentrate goes a very long way, I'm into my 2nd bottle of concentrate (been using it for 8 years).