Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So my vet today recommended sand being removed. Due to not so much impaction however more so because the sand can cut the inside of the dragon if injested. He suggested for a "natural" look to use a vegatable based grain like dried oats because if injested it can't harm them. Anyone heard of this?

My vet has taken in rescue dragons and all other types of reps and I am not doubting his advice.. I just wanted to know if anyone else has heard of this?
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~Kayla
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1.1 Leopard Geckos *Astrid, Quin*
0.1 Pictus Gecko *Raine*
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon (unsexed) *Little Buddy*
1.0 Boxer *Apollo*
1.2 Hollond Lop Bunnies *Panda, Oreo, Smokey*

I've heard of this, normally recommending rabbit alfalfa pellets though. The problem is that when they get wet/humid they mold! (oats, pellets, etc.) I think the mold and fungus that can cause would be worse than the sand.

JMO

-Bonnie

Good at least I know it is heard of and he isn't TOTALLY crazy! I think I just looked at him like he was retarded at first haha. I'll leave where I mist my dragon with nothing but paper under it so water won't get to it to make it mold and I'll have to clean it all the time anyways. I always have even with sand kept everything clean.. (I'm a clean freak)

Having 9 animals your life becomes all about cleaning up after them!! Haha Oh well I love it!
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~Kayla
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1.1 Leopard Geckos *Astrid, Quin*
0.1 Pictus Gecko *Raine*
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon (unsexed) *Little Buddy*
1.0 Boxer *Apollo*
1.2 Hollond Lop Bunnies *Panda, Oreo, Smokey*

No he's not totally crazy, I've know several people who have kept their beardies on alfalfa pellet or wheatbran successfully. The major downside of it is that you can't get it wet, no water bowls or misting in the tank. You might want to look at shelfliner also.

Sean
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Heart Mountain Herps

Needless to say im glad you are leaving sand behind and moving on to safer substrates!!!

I have heard of many people using wheatbran. Again, the issue being that it molds. I believe i remember from an earlier discussion with you that you liked the natural sort of look. If thats true then unfortunately whet bran or alfalfa may be your only options. Although im sure if we put our heads together we can come up with a couple others. Mold is a big issue though and it doesn't take many mold spores to cause serious issues with your beardie so be extremely careful. I would probably remove your baby to a seperate cage for misting and not mist in the cage at all.

If you dont mind going "unnatural" looking you could try shelf liner, paper towels, newspaper, tiles (still kindof natural looking!) , indoor/outdoor carpetting, or lineliom. The choices are endless.

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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake
1.1 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
1.0 Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn
0.1 Anerythristic Corn
0.0.1 Red Tegu
0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats

actually where i mist him i have put a large piece of tile under his log that he sun bathes on so when i do mist him it will not hit the oats.. he seems to enjoy playing in the oats because it's softer!
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~Kayla
*********************
0.1 Pictus Gecko *Raine*
1.0 Bearded Dragon *Little Buddy*
1.0 Boxer *Apollo*
1.2 Hollond Lop Bunnies *Panda, Oreo, Smokey*
2.0 Chinchillas *Snoop and Roo*

My vet recommends and uses sand for his own dragons. I guess it's a matter of opinion.

what about vita-sand. i know it's expensive. but is it recommended?

Nope it's not. My vet didn't and hasn't had problems with impaction due to sand as much as little cuts from the grains in the beardies stomach and bacteria can build and cause infection.
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~Kayla
*********************
0.1 Pictus Gecko *Raine*
1.0 Bearded Dragon *Little Buddy*
1.0 Boxer *Apollo*
1.2 Hollond Lop Bunnies *Panda, Oreo, Smokey*
2.0 Chinchillas *Snoop and Roo*