Calci-Sand? What the ??!!

[lisa]

Alright-
I'm confused. To Calcium Sand or Not to Calcium Sand? (for bearded dragons) Everything I've read has a different opinion and now I'm all freaked out.
Lisa

[Wickedawesome]

I've actually never heard anything but mixed opinions about it. The good thing about it is that it is made out of calcium, which is absored into the Dragons body if some is accidentally ingested. But on the downside, it also contains larger size granuals, which can cause impatation if too much is ingested. A lot of people say not to use sand at all, but at the same time, a lot of people use it without issue. Some people only use newspaper, which is pretty ugly.

I used to use sand, but found it to be too heavy a labourus when it came to cleaning cages. The only issue I had with Calcium sand was that it is very expensive. The last stuff I was using was just sterilized sifted play sand from Home Depot. Store bought sand does look better though. But just remember, these animals live on sand in the wild, so its not something new to them. As a species from Austrailia, it is in their nature to be on sand.

Travis

[lisa]

Oh good. Phew. I feel better now.
You are right - Calcium sand is pretty expensive. I just may try the play sand next time! Literature can be a bane and a boon at the same time, huh? Thanks again!
Lisa

[Wickedawesome]

Its all pretty confusing until to get more experience. I think most books often reccomend a large assortment of substrtates, but they usually don't warn against sand. I know Dachiu Dragons, one of the largest Dragon breeders in the US, keep all their Dragons on sand.

Have a good one,

Travis

[kaley]

I know that lots of people use sand without incident, but personally I prefer not to use it - I know the risk of problems is small, but it is a perfectly avoidable risk. If you want something that looks nicer than paper, try slate tiles cut to fit the tank...

Like I said though, I know that lots and lots of people have never had a problem...So just do what YOU are comfortable with...

Kaley

[lisa]

Hmmm, that's an interesting idea too. There are just so many options... I'll just have to try a couple and see which works best for me!

[alex]

What I don't like about calcisand is that it doesn't take much to cause an impaction... that stuff just clumps so badly when it gets wet, it's worse that kitty litter
Actual silica sand on the other hand, if fine, doesn't seem to cause problems. I've kept pets on it for years and years without issues, even when we radiograph them and they have sand in their bellies
I think if herps have normal gut motility, almost anything passes through
If they're in a state of poor nutrition and have a relatively static gut (as a lot of people feed diets far too low in fibre) then I think you'll run into problems
Just my opinion

[lisa]

Thanks, Alex. I did notice that when it gets wet, it does really clump up. I think I've decided to try the play sand at the next cleaning, which is coming quickly. I've really appreciated everyone's responses! What a fantastic community!

[joeysgreen]

I agree with alex. In addition, hypohydration is IMO the leading cause to impactions.

Ian

[lisa]

Halloo.
Well, I cleaned my little dude's habitat today and put in the play sand from Home Despot. He absolutely loves it - he's been running around in it like crazy and toodling around his new and improved set up. He even made sure to decorate it in his own way by frolicing with his lettuce and tossing it willy-nilly all over the place. I'll try to post some pictures when I am able. Thanks again for everyone's advice!
Muchos gracias-
Lisa

[nikkib]

Im using Zilla tank carpet for my Iguana, and it is recomended for Beardies. I like the fact that once its lived its life and goes in the garbage its biodegradeable