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OK heres another question please let me know what you think

plainjane Oct 20, 2004 02:00 PM

Someone on another forum was telling me I need to take my uro off sand and put him on bird seed instead(as sustrate)What do all of you think?
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Michelle Bowles
Safehavenpets
Northern Virginia

2.3.0 Bearded dragon(reggie) A rescue
2.1.0 Iguanas(Miss T,Kupa,tiny) All rescues
0.0.4 rosey red corn snake(sam and 3 unnamed babies)
0.1.0 emerald swift(grettel)
0.0.1 red ear slider(fred) A rescue
1.0.0 nigerian uromastyx (Ivan) a rescue
1.0.0 veild chameleon (marty) a rescue
2.1.0 kids (kimberly,bradley,richard
and a husband

Replies (4)

purduecg Oct 20, 2004 02:12 PM

Ahhh, the great substrate debate. The interesting thing about substrates, is there is no hard and fast right answer. There are some definite "NOs!" out there, such as crushed walnut shells, but sand is not one of them.

If you search this forum with the term "substrate" you will find numerous discussions where we have discussed the pros and cons of sand, birdseed, soil, and even a few others. Though those are the main 3 that seem to come up as top contenders.

There are a number of factors that effect the best option for you and your Uro. Your Uros age, cage setup, the time you want to dedicate, etc.

It is my understanding that the soil mixture as a substrate can be harder to clean, and does require more "tinkiering" and measuring of temps and humidity and the like, and some people enjoy this, and for some Uros it is worth it. A lot of people have been switching over to it though.

I have tried the birdseed but found that my Uro 1) didn't like to walk on it and 2) ate it exclusively to all else. So I decided on washed, dry, playground sand. My Uro does very well on it, not all do...

So the short answer is you do not HAVE to switch substrates unless you feel your Uro is not doing well on the sand, but there are other options you can consider. Most people on this forum have been part of so many discussions regarding substrate that we have all mostly agreed there is no one perfect answer to this question. Though I am sure there are people elsewhere who would state that one or the other is "bad".

Uros are fun because a lot of their care is looking at the facts, and forming your own opinion. It makes it more difficult, but also more rewarding, imho.

I hope that helps a little.

Elizabeth
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1.0 Uro Archimedes
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

el_toro Oct 20, 2004 03:39 PM

I agree with everything Elizabeth says in the previous post. And my uros all live on millet seed quite well. They don't really eat the seed, and move around fine. To each uro his own.
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Torey
Salem, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
2.0.1 Uromastyx Dispar Maliensis (Tank, Turtle, and new neighbor Spike)
1.2 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser, Leeloo, and Sprocket)
1.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Bruce and Sheila)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)
And several miscellaneous community fish

spook Oct 21, 2004 12:58 PM

I like sand and my uros do too. It is easy to clean if you scoop up droppings right away and cheap ($4 per ton) and they love to dig in it and burrow in it.

plainjane Oct 24, 2004 08:37 PM

I think i will just keep him on sand he seems to like it and its working for me.at least for now.
thanks for the opinions
-----
Michelle Bowles
Safehavenpets
Northern Virginia

2.3.0 Bearded dragon(reggie) A rescue
2.1.0 Iguanas(Miss T,Kupa,tiny) All rescues
0.0.4 rosey red corn snake(sam and 3 unnamed babies)
0.1.0 emerald swift(grettel)
0.0.1 red ear slider(fred) A rescue
1.0.0 nigerian uromastyx (Ivan) a rescue
1.0.0 veild chameleon (marty) a rescue
2.1.0 kids (kimberly,bradley,richard
and a husband

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