Substarte for my Tank

[XxXAceXxX]

Hey all, I am using Crushed walnuts for my substrate. I have been getting a lot of mixed opinions on it. The guy that I bought her/him from told me that (s)he is able to digest it so it won't cause impaction. Other people on these forums say other wise. I have had my beardie for 3 months and not once have I had a problem. (s)he was 5 months when I got her/him. So if you could post you opinion on it and help me that would be great.


Thanks in advance!

 

[NegativeCreep]

The walnut shells are sharp and jagged. I don't believe for one second that they are digestible (maybe passable but not digestible), and if she/he was to pass it, I can only imagine how terrible that is on her system.

Also, when a beardie is young, there is a kink in their digestive tract; this kink actually straightens when they become fully grown. The impaction risk is far greater as a young dragon. Particle substrates of any kind for a young dragon are far to risky IMO.

 

[RedHandFilms]

Crushed walnut is a horrible substrate. It is one of the worst. It is not digestible. If swallowed, the sharp edges will tear up a dragon's insides. On top of that, it is unsanitary. It absorbs bacteria and becomes a breeding ground for them. Use a non-particle substrate such as newspaper, paper towels, reptile carpet, non-adhesive shelf liner, or (the forum favorite) textured ceramic or slate tiles.

 

[shanerp69]

I have to agree too, the walnut would be like passing a kidney stone out the back end :shock:

Personally I use sand but wait until all my dragons get to around 8+ months and have never had a problem, and so far as a bacteria breeding ground, there are plenty of natural disinfectants you can use that are not harmful to anyone/anything