haleygirl272":72e8a said:
baby_geek":72e8a said:
haleygirll272 I think you might have it backwards. You should never use the caci-sand or any reptile sand as they harden and can cause impaction. Play sand that has been washed is ok for adults but still isn't recommended as it harbors bacteria and mites as Nikki said.
Calci-sand is terrible. I only believe in using reptile sand, but I thought if you changed it often enough, It wouldn't harbor much bacteria. :?
I have actually never come across ANY reptile sand that doesn't cause impaction. Most of them are dyed which can irritate their skin, and causes them to go a funny colour, which can take forever to get off of them. The only sand that should be used for them is washed playsand. It is very important that it is washed.
However, even changing it 'often' it will still harbour bacteria. You would need to completely change it everytime they pooed for it to stay bacteria free, and if you put food in their you would need to completely change it after each feeding as well. Sand isn't practical. I'm sure i've read a paper on how using sand increases the risk of parasites dramatically. Tile, papertowels, newspaper, lino, shelf lining etc is much much easier to clean, cheaper and healthier for your beardie.
I tried sand for 2 weeks, and i changed it after one, completely changed it, i also ensured that i cleaned out the sand surrounding the poo whenever they went, and i didn't feed them in their viv. At a regualar checkup at the vet after 2 weeks of using sand, they all had parasites. They've never had a problem with parasites before. That sand was outta there quicker that the vet could say ££. It cost me £10 for the sand for 3 vivs, and then £60 to get rid of the parasites in all three beardies.
I personally, wouldn't risk using sand.
Nikki