Shingles as substrate?

[VersaceDragon]

Could I use asphalt roofing shingles as a substrate in my beardie's enclosure?

 

[Doodlebug]

I'm inexperienced, so I'm not as useful as some, but the shingles look pretty safe to me. Similar to tile. They would probably be good at shortening their claws and I believe asphalt holds heat well considering that roads always burn you feet during summer :lol:

 

[Scribble]

isn't asphalt toxic? which is why when they are working on roads with it they have to use masks? @.@
I could be wrong, but I remember something along those lines for asphalt

 

[Doodlebug]

I think it's only when it's liquid, as it's basically tar, but after drying out it should be fine. It's all around us so it shouldn't be that bad, but good point to bring up.

 

[Scribble]

oh okay just remember something along those lines so I wasn't sure if I was safe or not. Though as long as it doesn't liquidfy it should be good then if that's true owo

 

[Taterbug]

I wouldn't - especially when there are so many cheap/easy and safe options.

I doubt the chemicals are safe even when they are cool - remember your dragon will be exposed to any fumes and be in close proximity pretty much all day everyday that it is in the cage. Any shingles I've dealt with also shed the little pebbles a lot. http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0170.pdf

 

[BadCon]

Though mostly inert when cold, as soon as you start heating the shingles, they will outgas. And there is nothing non-toxic about the tar they use to make shingles.

However adobe shingles or the composite stone shingles would be ok.

 

[Scribble]

EDIT: opps sorry thought you were saying that there was non-toxic versions, my bad XD

maybe if you want shingles instead it might be best to do wood or stone like BadCon recommended.