Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What type of substrate do you recommend to use for younger dragons? We are getting two and were planning on using sand, but figure we should wait on that until they are older to avoid impaction. What do you guys use?

First of all, dont ever use sand, even when they are an adult. It can still cause impaction. I would recommend newspaper or paper towels. They are very cheap. I know its not as attractive but its best for the young bearded dragon.

Avoid all particulate substrate for younger dragons. Its best to use newspaper, paper towel or shelf liner.

After the dragon is fully grown you can switch to sand if you wish. Sand is not suitable for all dragons however, and if yours is a messy eater, or just likes to lick everywhere you are best staying with the non-particulate substrate, to avoid any build-up inside the dragon's GI tract which may in time lead to impaction.

If you choose to use sand later simply buy a 50lb bag of play sand from Home Depot for $3 and screen it to remove lumps before you use it. Avoid Calci-sand, Repti-sand, Desert Blend walnut shells, corn cobs, bark and any other kind of "reptile" substrate. They are overpriced and dangerous for the health of your dragon.

Hope this helps, and good luck with the new arrivals. Let's see some pics when you're ready
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Ross

0.1 Bearded Dragon (Fuego, spent the last 10 months thinking she was a he!)
2.1 Roommates (require more cleaning up after than the dragon)

You didn't mention if you planned on having two enclosures for them or not. If so, that's great.... and ignore the next paragraph, it's a little soapbox I always share with multiple beardie owners.

If you plan on keeping them together please hear me out.... There are a lot of factors that work into succesfully keeping multiple beardies in one cage, and if things don't work out it could spell trouble. The only good way for it to work is if they both are females, and as babies you can't tell. If they both turn out to be boys, you will have fighting, injuries, and possibly death. If one is a boy and one is a girl, you get into all kinds of health issues like breeding too young, over-breeding, stress, and if they are siblings... inbreeding. If they are both females it may work out, but there is still a chance they won't get along and if that's the case you'll have to seperate them anyways. So just think about it and be prepared.

As for the substrate, I agree with others that paper towels, unprinted newspaper, or non-adhesive shelf liner are your best and safest opitions. When they are adults you may consider switching them to sifted playsand (NOT calcium based sand or any sand marketed for lizards - if it says it's safe and digestable for them you can be sure it ISN'T), but be aware there is always going to be a risk of impaction if you go with any particle substrate. I think it's best to stick with paper towels, newspaper, or shelf-liner... always.

Good luck and welcome to the forums!
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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)

As far as the playsand from home depot goes, how is this any safer than sand made for reptiles? I can understand that sand made for reptiles may not be safe, but how can playsand be any safer?

Personally I still think all sands are hazardous and don't use them at all, but people who use playsand seem to have far fewer problems with it than store bought substrates.

A lot of reptile made sands are calcium based. Calcium neutralizes stomach acid and slows digestion, making it harder to pass. It clumps easily, and only about 1/3 of it may dissolve. Then there are substrates called "desert sand" or "lizard litter" which are ground walnut shells. Not only are walnut shells breeding grounds for bacteria, but they are indigestable and can cause internal injury due to sharp edges. There are a few that are sold which are supposedly just plain sand with no dyes or chemicals, but a 10lb bag costs twice as much as a 50lb bag of playsand, which naturally has no dyes or chemicals anyways.

If someone insists on using sand, it seems to me like playsand is the smartest choice. Just because a bag has a picture of a lizard slapped on it doesn't mean it's better for your lizard. Remember that there are no strict regulations on these products and the claims they make.

For more info on reptiles substrates, read this article...
www.anapsid.org/substrates2.html
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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)