Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a very cute hatchling collared lizard, a Madagasgar Ground Gecko, and 2 Red Eared Sliders. i am trying to do the best things for my little fella, and I am wondering about substrate. I am about to pull my hair out. Do use sand, never use sand, use playground sand, use calcium sand, good night! I am wondering what other people use. Here's a nice pic Irwin.
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I think pretty much everyone uses silicone free, washed and dried play sand for adults but as far as I know for hatchlings and smaller lizards, no substrate is best because the digestive tract is so delicate while they are still growing
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Kel

www.collaredlizards.co.uk
0:0:1 Timor Monitor
2:3:0 Collared Lizards
0:0:2 Chinese Water Dragons
0:0:1 Dune Scorpion
0:0:1 Imperial Scorpion
1:0:0 Desert Hairy Scorpion
0:0:1 Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
0:0:1 Green Tree Frog
0:0:1 Grey Tree Frog

I use sand for my fella... but he's got some decent hunting skills already and doesn't scoop it up by the mouthful. I heard paper towel was best for young lizards...?

I do not see your photo for the contest?
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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Its in the gallery, I clicked on the link in the sticky thread like it said, have I dont it wrong?
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Kel

www.collaredlizards.co.uk
0:0:1 Timor Monitor
2:3:0 Collared Lizards
0:0:2 Chinese Water Dragons
0:0:1 Dune Scorpion
0:0:1 Imperial Scorpion
1:0:0 Desert Hairy Scorpion
0:0:1 Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
0:0:1 Green Tree Frog
0:0:1 Grey Tree Frog

You have to START with it there, but then go back to the link ya clicked up top where it says enter Photo Contest, and reply to messege (just like ya do here) where you see the rest of us have our pics.

Just select your photo from the photo box(the same one that's right under THIS text box) find your pic highlight it, and walaaaaa.... your entered/ Your not entered now, LOL

Do ya get it now???? If not tell me, LOL
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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Well thanks for explaining, I guess the destructions weren't as clear as they seemed, I dont remember reading that was the procedure, lol
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Kel

www.collaredlizards.co.uk
0:0:1 Timor Monitor
2:3:0 Collared Lizards
0:0:2 Chinese Water Dragons
0:0:1 Dune Scorpion
0:0:1 Imperial Scorpion
1:0:0 Desert Hairy Scorpion
0:0:1 Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
0:0:1 Green Tree Frog
0:0:1 Grey Tree Frog

Gotta watch those terrible "DESTRUCTIONS" Kelly, LOL Thats okay, I have to re- post my entry in my member name, and not my Moderator name. I don't know the rules either kido !
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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Thanks for the responses! So the big thing to worry about is if he is eatng the sand? I don't think I have seen that yet. I have a bowl for worms, and a hollow rock with a small corked hole for crickets. He waits for them to come out the open hole, and eats them as they appear. I haven't seen one hit the sand yet. I use calcium and multivite powder on every meal, and I gut load the crickets with veggies, calcium water, and whole grain, so I don't think he'll eat it seeking additional nutrition. He just loves to dig! I'll feel bad if I remove it, but I also don't want an impacted or ill lizard. Would paper towels, or reptile carpet be better?

If they are not too young like days or a couple weeks old, then I give them sand to get used to , but a few handfuls just to throw around the bottom of tank sparingly, you can almost see the glass bottom through it.
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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Nice to have you here and your lil hatchling, wish we could have seen him, but pic did not show up on my end try again.

I agree with Kelly and Rick, I use washed playsand the kind you would buy for your childs sandbox. And for hatchlings up to a few months old (until they really get their footing and can hunt well) Paper towels. Remember to show us that kid. Kick your shoes off and stick around....

Enjoy the forum
Suncharmers/ Collareds/ Care/ And More

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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

pictures!

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love babies... can hardly wait for that egg to hatch... I want a baby too! lol! Hope you have fun here! Keep us updated!!!
~buggzter

Thanks! I think he's pretty darling too!

Hi and welcome. I mostly lurk and learn from the more experienced keepers. There are a lot of really great caring people on the forum here.

Kathy