Reptile & Amphibian Forums

has someone use sand as substrate for crocs???

I´m thinking to use sand for the outdoor enclousure for my dwarf caiman...

think it could be easy to keep clean and to be cleaned... but it migth get too hot with the sun ligth...

or may use soil, like the one that is around nile crocs, but it gets mud with water...

any opinions????

thanks

Rick

I use pine mulch for my outdoor substrate. It works well, holds a level of moisture, but dries easier and much easier to clean up than sand.

nothings wrong with that... but I live in Mexico and its difficult tome to find quality pine mulch... its easyer to get sand... belive me... its not easy to be an herper in Mexico... 99% of my pets are from US

also think its a clean substrate, its not a good home for bugs...

goini: please give me your opinion about useing sand or soil (mudy one),
thanks

Rick

Well in that case, I would have to say sand. Sand dries easier and doesn't stay muddy and messy quite like soil. Not to mention, when you go to handle or work with your croc, it's going to be muddy and thus making it harder on you.

I am not totally sure, but I dont feel that heat from the sand will be that much of an issue. If it get's too warm, I am sure he will relocate to the cooler water. Besides, I have been on hot sand before and didn't really think that much of it and I am warm blooded. Most likely he will enjoy the sand much more.

Hope that helps!!

chris

not to mention think about the muddy water that will be created from consistent in and outing of the pool. If you plan on keeping the water cleaner, soil definitely woudnt be the way to go. Sand will simply fall to the bottom and not much gunk will build up inyour pool as a result.

Just my opinion. Perhaps, someone else in here might have an idea otherwise.

thanks Chris...

i would buy play sand from HomeDepot... how do you think my dwarf caiman feels with it... and do you think it could be a problem if he eats some sand when feeding, just a litle beat, i feed him over a plate, but if food goes down and he pick it up again with some sand he will eat some

thanks

Rick

as dwarf caiman defecates in land, I think play sand could work like "catsand", and poop cuold be scooped out

opinion?

Rick

"how do you think my dwarf caiman feels with it."

He will have a nice, dry, toasty basking spot. I am sure he will be fine with it. A good portion of the alligators at St. Augustine alligator farm appear to be on sand. I dont think they ever have any problems.

"and do you think it could be a problem if he eats some sand when feeding, just a litle beat, i feed him over a plate, but if food goes down and he pick it up again with some sand he will eat some"

If he eats a little bit it shouldnt phase him at all. Crocs get dirt and all kinds of stuff all over their food many times. Doesn't appear to hurt them at all. Crocodilians also ingest stones pretty frequently, and this actually works to their digestive benefit.

Also

"as dwarf caiman defecates in land, I think play sand could work like "catsand", and poop cuold be scooped out

opinion? "

Sounds like a plan to me!!

thanks Chris...

its really helpfull to share ideas with you...

will post some pics when finished

Rick

by the way... wich sand would be better... regular play sand or aquarium sand (silica sand)..???

thanks

Rick

the previous pic is from my indoor enclousure

Well I have a few fish tanks and experience with them, I can tell you that pool sand is the way to go when it comes to aquariums, so for in a Camiens enclosure I would do the same, ALOT cheaper than "aquarium" sand, and it looks better and is alot easier to clean in my opinion.

HTH

Either should be fine in my opinion. Silica sand MAY (dont quote me on this)be more natural for them.