Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have done a search on this forum and on the Web and have seen sand recommended over and over. I am wondering what the problem is with aspen bedding.

I hear the argument that it is their natural substrate. However, I am a firm believer that four glass walls is not natural and that what is good for an animal in the wild is not necessarily good for in captivity. I have personally seen animals suffer or die as a result of this logic from people who are naive.

I have had problems with sand in the past with other burrowing species. I had a hognose snake that spent a lot of time underground and its nostrils would easily become clogged.

Although I have only had this skink only one day, I am finding it hard to believe that it would have trouble living in aspen. I am considering the possibility of setting up a half-and-half tank and seeing what substrate it actually prefers. However that might be a few months away.

Let's get a meaningful discussions started here. Functionally, like and may not be kept on aspen?
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*Humans aren't the only species on earth... we just act like it.

".the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without
spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

I can only speak from experience, I've had mine on and in play sand for eight years now. They where adults when I got them. They seem to be doing very well. I've never had a health problem with them. I don't see a problem with aspen but I'm sticking with play sand. When I look at them, everything about them just says sand.IMHO

Tim
Southampton Herps

Same here. I've had my pair for just over half a year now, and they are doing extremely well in play sand. The special ear flaps prevent any sand entering the ear, and they sneeze out any sand in the morning when they rise. Aspen bedding can be a problem if ingested, as it is very sharp. Also, if they inhale any of it through their nose (as Schneiders will when they burrow) then this can cause a lot of damage. Don't worry too much about compaction, as they seem to be very good at catching food with minimum sand intake. Good luck

Any more questions, don't hesitate to ask

Thanks for the confirmation. I currently have him on play sand and he has already tried to swimming threw it. So far I am impressed with this guy and glad that I came across him.
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*Humans aren't the only species on earth... we just act like it.

".the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without
spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

Hi!

I use sand with my schneider's and have nothing but good to say about it. I have even raised hatchlings on it. Aspen works too and I've tried it in the past, but I find sand much better.

I have a bit of info about schneider's on my home page.

Here are few pictures of my growing schneider's skink hatchlings who are now 4 weeks old.

Aino
Aino's Skink Page

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www.helsinki.fi/~tuomola/