Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi any advice please? I have just changed Draco's substrate from beach chip to Zoo Meds Vita sand. He seems a little unhappy and has not eaten in two days, pretty unusual for him. Also the day after I changed the substrate he did not come out of his hide until really late in the day 1-2pm, he is usually out and about by 7.30-8am basking and jumping about like crazy. The vivarium has not changed and the lay out is exactly the same apart from the sand. Could he just be a little stressed/put out by the change?

Thank you for any help or comments you have.

Dan

Hi, If this is anything like the Calci sand or has any colors orange/which will color your collared as well whatever, I would say Sorry DUMP it!

Calci sand has been known to definately cause impactions, after they say it is fully digestable. HOG WASH ! It is not.

Alot of us use WASHED, playsand from home depot, with no problems. Comes in a 50 lb. bag, good price. And they seem to like it. As long as you have larger lizards, if hatchlings or very young , paper towels are best.

Heres a good link below for substrates !
Substrates used for Reptiles

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PHEve / Eve

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Hi Thanks for the quick reply. I'm sure it is not calci sand, it is very very fine, not sure if this is the same or similar to play sand or what the difference is? It is a white neutral colour. He has also passed what looks like a white pellet of the stuff and was acting normal today just not eating? If he was impacted do you think he would have been able to pass it? I changed from the beach chip as i was worried about impaction!!

Thanks Dan

Dan, theres an excellent article on my site about impaction, signs, symptoms, avoidance, causes, treatments.... done by a friend of mine on the bearded dragon forum, very knowledgable/experienced keeper.

Just scroll down to Impaction In reptiles, and click the article, it even names some brands of sands, that are bad. You could even email Cheri and ask about your brand, she sure will know, and will get back to you, nice lady!
Frequently Asked Questions/ Collared Care

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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Eve Thanks you for your help, will have a look now and let you know how i get on.
Thanks once again!!