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i just got some repti sand for my dragon and i was wondering if its a good idea to put it in his cage with him. if there are any problems with it plz tell me

thanx
Zach

How old is your dragon? I wouldn't put him/her in with sand until it is at least 6 to 8 months old. When mine reached that age, I started keeping them in filtered play sand which you can get in 50 pound bags for $5.00. When you start trying to fill an area 2ft X 4ft with calci sand it could get pretty expensive. Until they get older, I keep them on some smooth easily washable material you can get at wal-mart. I can't remember what it's called right off - it's like the stuff you line cabinets with. Hope this helps.

thanx today i jsut went to the store and bought wheat bran for him and he seems to like it fine. he is 5 months old i think. somewhere in that range. is wheat bran alright
thanx
zach

I've never used it, but I hear it is ok. I use it for my crickets. Wait for some other replies from people who have used it. I seem to remember it can get moldy, and you want to make sure no bacteria builds up in it. I really like sand whan they get big enough, in a couple of months in your case. You can get a fish tank sifter and use it to scoop up their daily messes and the sand will filter through it - really easy clean up. Good luck.

Haven't used that stuff, but if it's anything like exo-tera then it might clump when wet and not dry out. Gneraly this isn't a problem, unless your beardie is willing to, and does, drink from a water bowl, in which case you'll get some sand clumps around the water bowl. I use aqaurium sand, it's slightly larger grain than most of the sand I've seen on sale, visualy attractive, and if you do use a water bowl, it'll absorb the water and be able to dry out to it's original shape.

I would not use the reptisand. Keep em on paper towels until they get to 12 inches or more (my philosophy at least) and then switch to whatever. Regardless, never use the reptisand and calcisand, I have had bad experiences with them in babies and adults alike. Ive also used bran, the dragons loved jumping and digging in it. One problem is that wheat flour (dust) gets everywhere and it molds if wet.

Good luck!

David
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David and Kevin

KDRKreatures.com
Exotic Reptile Breeders - Specializing in Bearded Dragons

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Definately do not use Repti-Sand, Calci-sand, Vita-sand or any other bogus products. Not only are the prices a total rip off, the product is also dangerous and potentially life threatening. This "digestable" sand actually is not, and instread forms hard sand clumps in your dragon, cutting their insides or leading to impaction which, if not treated quickly can result in death. Internal damage can also be a problem if any organ linings are torn by the sand.

Paper towels, newspaper, or other flat un-edible substrate is best for beardies under one year. After that you have many choices for substrate, if you go with sand by the screened washed fine grain play sand you can buy at Home Depot, it is very cheap.
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