Calcium sand- Please help!

[Jverniero]

Hi everyone! I’m a new beardie owner. Hera has been with me three weeks and I’m totally in love with her! That being said I’m trying to do everything I can to keep her healthy and happy, which she seems to be, however I seem to be hearing a lot of conflicting information between internet searches and pet stores.... I was told calcium sand would be the best thing to line her tank with, but I’ve been reading horror stories about it all day and am currently in a panic waiting to leave work and dump that awful stuff OUT!!!!! Is there anything I can do for her to try to reverse any damage this may have caused to her health.... I made her a vet appointment, but it’s not till next week. Also what kind of substrate is safe to use for my baby (she’s about 3 mos old)? Thanks!

 

[Taterbug]

Don’t worry too hard, calcium sand is not good but if she is eating and pooing ok I wouldn’t be too worried. Keep her good and hydrated to help pass any that she has ingested. The vet will probably palpate her tummy to feel for any large lumps and may suggest an X-ray if they have any concerns. X-rays can be costly and if everything else is ok, probably not necessary.

Lots of people like tile or non adhesive shelf liner. I liked shelf liner better personally, and use a sand and soil mix now. Clean up the calci sand and get something solid in there for now, and read up on your options.