sand whipping?

[JuJuB]

We just recently purchased reptile sand for our juvie, and needless to say She's happy as a clam. However, she whips the sand with her tail. We can't figure out if itsa tactic to stir up crickets, as a form of play or fighting with her reflection?

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Sand is not a good subtrate. She can become impacted from digesting it from catching crickets and it harbors bacteria. People on here use tile, paper towels, news paper or non adhesive shelf liner.

 

[JuJuB]

And normally I would agree, however we found a breeder who has had years of successful healthy clutches and beardie rearing. He told us we could switch to sand since our reptile carpet was not coming clean and always smelled foul (even after a light bleaching )

 

[destiny1998]

You should read the thread to the right called Newbies guide on what to buy then go to the subtrate section and there is another thread on loose subtrate pros and cons. Very good information.

 

[Claudiusx]

If you think sand is going to be cleaner and less smelly than repti carpet, then I am sorry but you got some bass ackwards advice.

-Brandon

 

[Claudiusx]

In regards to your original question, it's just something you will have to live with. It's not something you need to worry about or anything, it's jut your dragon experimenting with his/her environment.

-Brandon

 

[JuJuB]

If you think sand is going to be cleaner and less smelly than repti carpet, then I am sorry but you got some bass ackwards advice.

-Brandon

We were told as long as we keep scooping it (like a cat box, same issues happen. Used to litter do demonstration ) it should last us a month to 4. We scoop and turn her sand every time; and so far in the two movements she's had it doesn't stink. We had our repti carpet and it immediately stunk and kept the smell. We washed her old viv and everything, yet it still smelled horrible. We're only on a trial bag of sand anyways. He said if we aren't happy with it we can always bring it back and he'll credit us for another repti carpet. Definitely not going the paper towel route. As past experience from having breeder mice and hamsters it's a cheap yet expensive way to do it. We do understand the concerns with sand. Hell we were convinced she was going to die after she snapped up a piece of bark. But the guy who breeds them has helped us nurse her completely back to health. So we somewhat trust what he's saying. I've been all over the web for her, to the vet, etc. Naturally we care a lot about her.

 

[Claudiusx]

Why don't you look into tile? It looks really nice, it's clean, and has none of the dangers associated with loose substrates or any of the problems you are worried about.

-Brandon

 

[label]

If you do stay with sand (which is recommended by most keepers here in Australia but viewed with horror by many above the equator) maybe you can find something like this: http://www.abdfreptilesupplies.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=67_98&product_id=73 .

Looks like it should make cleaning up easier. We use fake turf from our local big box hardware store but our beardie hates to poo in her house (she prefers the bath) so cleaning up isn't much of an issue.

 

[magicmagni]

I've been using decomposed granite/ sand substrate since my little guy was 4 months old. No issues or problems. Its way easier to clean and than anything else I've tried. Just scoop the poop and its done. The mixture I'm using tends to clump quite nicely.

 

[Claudiusx]

Just scoop the poop and its done.

Well, besides the fact that you have no way of cleaning it thoroughly, as the second the poo touches that substrate bacteria starts spreading throughout the whole substrate, becoming basically a litter box. Cleaning out the poo is fine, but you are never going to get all the bacteria out. Which is why it's a pretty significant sanitary risk.

-Brandon

 

[magicmagni]

In my experience my reptiles have lived a long time on sand substrate with no issues. My leopard gecko lived 15 years on a simular substrate and I have an oscellated skink over 20 years on similar substrate as well. They were both very healthy and never had health problems. I dont see why it will be any different with a beardie but if anyone who keeps their dragon on sand is concerned about compaction they can feed out of a bowl.

As far as sanitation nothing is 100% bacteria free. Fecal matter can get in grout or soak into the tile as well. I like sand because I scoop up 99% of it and then quarterly or even bi-anually I will remove all the sand, sanitize the tank and replace with fresh.

Sand also encourages natural behavior. I've observed my dragon digging to make hides under his log which he genuinely seems to enjoy. Everything has its risks but I think at least for me the benefits outweighs the risks.