do you recommend useing vita-sand (or things like it) in frilled and bearded dragon cages.
Thanks
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vita sand
jacsoncham
May 16, 2004 02:01 PM
Replies (2)
heartmountain
May 16, 2004 02:24 PM
Really BAD stuff, causes impaction.
Sean
Heart Mountain Herps
kephy
May 16, 2004 02:29 PM
No, I would not recommend it.
"Calcium enriched" sands marketed for bearded dragons are 3x as expensive and more harmful than just regular sifted playsand you can buy at Wal-Mart. The calcium that is advertised as digestable actually neutralizes the stomach acid, slowing the digestion process.... the exact opposite of what you want. Besides that, if you are properly supplimenting your lizards diet, there is absolutely no reason to assume they need more vitamins and calcium through their sand. It's just a marketing ploy.
Although there are plenty of people who will tell you they use calcium sand with no problems, be aware that there are just as many if not more who have had problems. I have seen beardies impacted on calcium sand with my own eyes, it is not a pretty sight.
If you want to be 100% safe, and your beardie's health and safety is more important to you than the looks of his cage, then I would say paper towels, newspaper, or non-adhesive shelf liner are the best substrates. Safety isn't the only bonus, it's way easier to clean and will save you a lot of money, too.
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)
