does anyone know of a good substrate for a bearded dragon?

[Ckdune25]

i just want to know b/c my mom thinks that orange calcium sand stuff is safe please give me some good advice and don't harp on me b/c i told my mom she was wrong and she won't listen to reason

 

[Buddysfam]

The best and easiest to clean is reptile carpet or tile. Either one you can remove easily and wash well. Sand is not only really gross, it's bad for beardies, it can impact them and make them really sick. You can also never get sand clean.

 

[SkeptiBee]

You can also use non adhesive shelf liner.

Tell your mom that there are health risks involved with calcium sand. As the above poster said, it harbors bacteria more than using the tiled surfaces, plus, it can cause impaction. Some beardies will ingest the sand and if it builds up in the animals stomach or intestines, it can kill the reptile. Have her look at this thread here: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=132151

Not only that, try and use the argument of cost. You will need to add to or clean out the tank periodically and refill the sand. This is an expense that can be cut by just using tile that lasts forever (unless you drop and break it) or the shelf liner.

 

[Ckdune25]

thanks for the advice i'll tell her that