Getting ready to put sand in with bearded dragon...

[rarneson]

Our bearded dragon is about 6 months old, and around 16 inches long. Is this too soon to use sand in his viv, or should I stick with that brown mat for a while longer.

If I switch to sand, can I put in play sand that you'd get at a hardware store? Are there any issues I should know about regarding switching to sand? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Phoebe]

Sand or other loose substrates aren't good to use with bearded dragons.
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=132151

 

[rarneson]

wow, thanks for all of that information. I'm glad I wrote to this forum. I was ready to get the sand this afternoon. I've been using that rough, brownish carpet (can't remember what it's called) that I got at the pet shop when we first brought him home. I'm guessing that's OK down the road, correct? Thanks again!

 

[SoleSky]

Yeah sand isn't a good idea. I, as well as a lot of others, use tile instead of repti carpet. It's clean and looks really nice.

 

[Cnochur]

For an even nicer touch, try slate tile. It holds heat, keeps their claws worn down, and is way easy to clean.

 

[munchkins9802]

no sand at all. Carpet is fine. we use NON ADHESIVE shelf liner--much easier to clean up!

 

[rarneson]

slate tile, meaning something you'd get at department store?

 

[Cnochur]

slate tile, meaning something you'd get at department store?

Yep. Bring the floor measurements to a Lowe's or Home Depot and they should even cut it for you. Make sure to thoroughly clean/disinfect before you put it in the enclosure.

 

[Dementeddogz]

You can also use the more duable stick down tile, easy to cut, long lasting, and even comes groutable. $6 plus grout and razor knife/t-square, your cheapest alternative.

 

[Sierra1167]

I use a combo of half slate tile and non adhesive shelf liner. I like the idea of grouting it in though, so I will probably do that when they get into their adult life tanks. Right now they are each in a 20 gallon longs.

 

[rarneson]

thanks; yeah, I love the idea of it being able to clean up easily. And it doesn't bug them, the fact that they won't be able to sink their claws into it when walking around?

 

[Mistyck]

Personally, mine loves the tile. It's easier for him to walk on, and eat on. He doesn't get substrate in his mouth when he eats (he's a messy eater) and he doesn't have to worry about digging his paws/claws in when he's running after the bugs.

 

[Jayson745]

I've used sand plenty in the past without problems, I'm always changing things around, and dont have sand right now. I miss it because of being able to use a pooper scooper. When I use sand I dont use it for babies, and I dont feed them bugs in the encloser. I either put them in a tote, or the bathrub, so they dont miss and get a mouthful of sand. They dont seem to mind eating other places when it comes to bugs. Something skittering across their field of view kinda snaps them into a single goal mindset, but I'm sure yall know that

 

[reptiledude18]

I use sand with my beardie and have for over a year now everything is fine my only problem is crickets dig under rocks and the water bowl to hide from certain death im thinking about changing where I feed at just to keep the hiding from happening.

 

[Awesome]

Go for it, but just watch out for choking.