Hey everyone, I haven't posted in awhile (I made my first post a couple weeks ago, but it seems to have disappeared in the site crash. ^_^) Anyway, for anyone who doesn't remember me, I'm Erin, and I'm researching before I buy my first Bearded Dragon.

I've been thinking about what kind of substrate to use when the Bearded Dragon gets older. I plan on using paper towels while it's young, but after that I'm not sure. I like the idea of using sand, because it's aesthetically pleasing and (from what I hear) easy to clean. But, I've read a lot of sites that say sand causes impaction. On the other hand, I've seen other sites where people say sand is just fine.

So, my question is, is impaction only really a risk if you feed your dragon crickets in its tank? In other words, if there is a separate feeding tank, is impaction as much of a concern? Do dragons ever try eating their substrate for the heck of it?

If there is a chance the Bearded Dragon will eat the sand, I won't use it. I may look into the non-adhesive shelf-liner instead.

Thanks!

There is always a concern of impactation with sand, regardless what the petstore people tell you, none are digestable. The only way to guarantee no impactation is to not use it. The chances might not be high but no chance is best as far as I'm concerned.

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

Repticarpet is my substrate of choice. Get 2 pieces per enclosure for easy cleaning.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

Visit me at www.jaysreptiles.com

Same here Jay,,,,,,clean 1 use the other, doesn't get any easier

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

How often do you clean them then? I imagine the dragon poops every day...so do you clean them every day?

I usually spot clean with a tissue when I feed them and disinfect weekly with a weak bleach solution.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

Visit me at www.jaysreptiles.com

You will get numerous opinions and experiences regarding sand. I have always used sand and have not had any problems. I make sure it is sifted before I put the Bearded Dragons in and clean it 2x per week. I also do not feed my Bearded Dragons inside there enclosure other than veggies in a dish.

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MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!

I use non adhesive shelf liner in my cages, its easy to clean and it looks nice
i got palm tree pattern

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LOL love it Jade! Esp the little flag over the hide

I too use sand (children's play sand), and have had no problems to date. We used to use calci-sand, but after being educated to the fact that it was not 100% digestable, we swapped to finer and cheaper play sand. You can even get it in different colours!! Right now we have pink (see pic).

However, as Ken pointed out, there is risk of impaction - as there is with any particle substrate. If you want to completely avoid the small risk then you could go for newspaper, paper towels, carpet, lino, repti-grass.. there are loads of options out there. It's your call.

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I use newspaper myself. And I have learned that you can tub train a Bearded Dragon just like you do iguanas. I just run a bit of water in the bathroom sink and put him in. After a bit of initial splashing around he lifts his tail does his business and down the drain it goes! Just be sure to disinfect the sink.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!