Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Why in the heck do they sell this stuff if it is bad for dragons...i bought some today and then decided to read...i know i should have read first....everything says to not use it for bearded dragons..why do they sell it specifically for dragons??? thanks for your time...
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1.0 Bearded Dragon (needs name)
0.1 Wife (Eryn) WC
0.1 Daughter (Lily) CBB
0.1 Brindle Boxer (Marley)
0.1 Mut (Bailey)

Because there are a lot of unethical people in the world. There are two types of people in the animal biz. One set wants animals to have happy, healthy lives with a good quality of life, and those who want to make a quick buck and don't really care about the consequences. Second, there is little or no regulation regarding animal products. That is how melamine flavored dog food from China was sold all over the country. Dogs had to die before anyone bothered to check it out. There are tons of bad reptile products that are actually sold, and are quite expensive, and are bad for reptiles.

Other than filling birdcage trays under grates, I see no use for it. Always do serious research and ask quality breeders before changing anything you do. That's what I do.
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www.moonstonedragons.com

Crushed walnut and other such substrates are sold because people buy them without doing proper research, relying instead on pet shop employees to ensure they have the best stuff for their animals. Unfortunately not all of these employees have a clue what is good and safe for reptiles...and push selling store stuff as often they get paid more, the more they sell.

For most lizards...there is nothing sold at pet stores substrate wise that is safe. Calcium based sands are just as risky as the crushed walnut. Snakes are fine on shredded aspen or other hard woods.

It is always very important to research several sources before buying any animal, to find the best way to care for them and best supplies. Don't just rely on a single source. I researched several months before buying my first reptile. (a bearded dragon). This was especially good for me as the first reptile I wanted was a green iguana, till I researched them and found out they are alot more work than I expected, not to mention requiring a very large cage, can live 20 years, etc. A bearded dragon was a far better alternative.
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PHLdyPayne

There is a lot of ignorance in the reptile world.

There is also a giant disconnect in husbandry info between keepers, breeders, pet stores and vets. It isn't necessarily malicious, no one is selling you walnut shells because they want to see your animal die or have problems, they truly just don't know...
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robyn@proexotics.com

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