Subtrate

[weezer]

Hello,
I am looking for advise,I know there is a lot of different opinions on this subject.So I would like some advise.I have a beardie he is at least min. 1yr old and is about 8-12" head to tail. I have had him in a 40 breeder which he seems happy in. But as far as the subtrate I have used slate tile,yes it is easy to clean and poses no risk of impaction however he has been batteling a parasite which gives him loose stool,(currently on medication) off and on. The vet told me it is nothing to worry about he has a good appetite and is very active,but whenhe does go poop and pee if I dont get to it right away he walks through it thus getting all over him.The vet told me that is why he may be getting this parasite.So I was thinking of using pwashed play sand,I know there is also the risk factor of impaction,but even my vet said he uses sand and has never had an issue,and even some experts say the same thing. And then there are the skeptics,who refuse to use any type of loose subtrate,so if i could get some advise on what to do I would appreceiate it.

Thanks :shock:

 

[Luthien]

I think in the end it will be your own choice. Yes there is always the risk of impaction and I've had a beardie die from that so I refuse to use loose substrate any more and advice against it BUT I have a friend that has had his beardie for coming on 6 years now and that beardie has always been on washed play/calcium sand and has done very well with no problems what so ever.

I think my advice to you would be to put a box of sand in the tank with your beardie and watch him closely, if he starts licking it then don't use sand but if he doesn't seem to care try it out.

Another thing you could use if the sand doesn't work is reptile carpet, it's a you-know-what to clean because you have to replace it every time but the "runny-ness" should soak in and stay off of your beardie.

 

[wilddanny88]

The sand just holds bacteria and poses many more risks than just impaction such as getting the sand in his eyes and breathing in the dust from the sand. Just keep the tile and clean the poop up quickly so he doesn't have time to walk through it. Switching to sand would be like giving away a Ferrari and buying a Prius. lol

 

[jsnsan]

Can you get your beardie to poo in the bath? At least until this is cleared up?
My girl only goes in the bath...as long as I give her a bath every 24hrs. I LOVE it that she does this for me. Keeps things so much cleaner.
However, Saphira only goes one giant poo a day. I see some of these guys will go 2 or 3 times a day. so that might not work for you.