Sand - is it ever safe?

[ashesc212]

My beardie is about 17" long now. Is it ever safe for her to have sand in her enclosure and if so, what would be the safest kind?

 

[vickson420]

Sand will always carry a risk of impaction however if you really have your heart set on it then I recommend waiting until your beardie is an adult(18mos) and only use non silica based childrens playsand(washed and sifted/fine).Do not feed your beardie in the tank with sand or he is likely to still swallow it because although it doesnt clump like reptile sand it can still impact.

 

[Tatty]

I don't use sand. I use clean newspaper and change it daily. Also I wipe out the bottome of their enclosure with lysol wipes. This prevents the build up of bacteria and parasites. You can't do this with sand and diseases can spread.

Tatty

 

[ashesc212]

Sand will always carry a risk of impaction however if you really have your heart set on it then I recommend waiting until your beardie is an adult(18mos) and only use non silica based childrens playsand(washed and sifted/fine).Do not feed your beardie in the tank with sand or he is likely to still swallow it because although it doesnt clump like reptile sand it can still impact.

Yeah I figured as much. I probably will just keep the tile over the entire floor. What environment does she need if she ever lays eggs though?

 

[vickson420]

If she ever becomes gravid you will need to create a laybox for her which consists of sand and either moist soil mix or sand and vermiculite both must be a texture where she can dig tunnels that wont collapse so she can dig and bury her eggs.You dont want to do the whole tank just a portion of it.The best thing to use is a small kitty litter pan you will also have to find something to cover it so she has privacy.