Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am soon going to get a bearded dragon, a baby one, and I have heard that you shouldn't use sand because they are clumsy eaters and may get sand in their digestive system. So I was wondering what would be a good substitute.

I want newspaper to be my last option because to tell the truth, it doesn't look very nice and it makes it look like I just have a half-hearted attempt to take care of the pet. So by chance, is there anything out there that looks nice and is safe for a baby bearded dragon? If there isn't, I'll just use newspaper.

herpdome420

I keep hearing tile is the best way to go for babies and adults.

Being new to the realm of bearded dragons, I have no idea what hearing tile is, please forgive me.

If you could be kind, could you tell me what this is and where I can get some?

Thanks for your helpful feedback.

I just got my 1st baby and I was told paper towels. Since my hubby's a tattoo astist and uses those nice thick but soft viva paper towels, I have used those. They are working great

Im sorry i didn't mean hearing tile i meant i heard that tile was a great way to go. This is as in floor tiles you would have in your bathroom. Sorry for the confusion

Sorry! Okay, I get it...

Would you have to build a cage with those built it, as in a custom cage? I was just wondering because we were going to reuse our sixty-gallon aquarium. Should we just place the tiles to fit at the bottom of the tank?

I've seen pictures and videos of bearded dragon cages that were pretty much handmade that had the tiles in them, so I wasn't for sure if you could just use tiles for a conventional cage.

Thanks for your help.

For sure thats what you do.

I used to use reptile carpet for babies. Now I use nonstick shelf liner. It is Duck brand and you get it at Walmart. It's like a thin sheet of foam.

You can use just about anything that isn't particulate in nature.

Ceramic or slate tiles are great, though make sure the ceramic is textured and has a glaze of some sort. Too smooth and your dragon will have no traction. Most tiles come in 12"x12" sections especially the slate tiles.

Other substrates you can use are:

paper towel, butcher's paper, parcel brown paper, plastic table cloth, non stick shelf liner, reptile carpet, linoleum tiles or sheets cut to fit.

All the above substrates can be used with babies and adults. For adults there really is only two other options mentioned, Children's play sand or, research and try the soil/dirt/sand blend. (for more info on the soil as substrate, come to our special guest chat with Robyn Markland. For a complete list of dates and times for guest chats, see www.pethobbyist.com/ChatMonth11.html
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PHLdyPayne

Thank you, just one question:

What is "reptile carpet"? What is it made of and where can I find it?

its sold i petstores as reptile carpet. It is basically thick felt like carpet, or even outdoor type carpet (astroturf).
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks! I'll look for it next time we take a trip to the pet store.

herdome

I think i read somewhere on here someone uses the one from walmart and the brand name is called "duck"??? Something like that but it was from someone who usually answers lots of questions on here.