Help! Wood chip substrate??

[Amzaeff]

i was told by 1 pet shop and 2 reptile shops here in the Uk that wood chips would be OK to use for my bearded dragons viv. But I have noticed my lovely beardie hasn't pooped in 3 days and I have read that this could be because he accidentally ate the wood chips! I watch him while he eats and I haven't noticed he has been eating them because I place his crickets away from the floor so he has to move around and climb to catch them. I am starting to get worried and would like to change the wood chips asap - what is the best substrate to use please? And should I be worrying about the non-pooping situation?

 

[Hdrydr31]

Yes remove him from the wood chips and anything that is loose, tile, newspaper, paper towels are best.. you may not have seen him eat any but unless you watch them 24/7 you can't be sure and they lick their environment to know where they are...
how long has it been since he pooped, is he eating normally? give him nice warm soaks in the sink/tub dribble water on his nose give him the opportunity to drink... offer him nice juicy bugs, you can also give him some pure pumpkin that's a natural soffener, gentle belly rubs...

 

[Amzaeff]

Yes remove him from the wood chips and anything that is loose, tile, newspaper, paper towels are best.. you may not have seen him eat any but unless you watch them 24/7 you can't be sure and they lick their environment to know where they are...
how long has it been since he pooped, is he eating normally? give him nice warm soaks in the sink/tub dribble water on his nose give him the opportunity to drink... offer him nice juicy bugs, you can also give him some pure pumpkin that's a natural soffener, gentle belly rubs...

He pooped today and is acting perfectly normal - still has a big appetite ate his veg and crickets. Very happy but will remove him from the wood chips and replace with newspaper for now. He is happily sat in the sun on the windowsill thanks for your help

 

[Hdrydr31]

He pooped today and is acting perfectly normal - still has a big appetite ate his veg and crickets. Very happy but will remove him from the wood chips and replace with newspaper for now. He is happily sat in the sun on the windowsill thanks for your help

Good to hear! Tile works really well as it's easier to clean up messes and it helps keep their nails somewhat trimmed down.

 

[Spikefin]

Good to hear! Tile works really well as it's easier to clean up messes and it helps keep their nails somewhat trimmed down.

Hi sorry if I sound daft but what tiles do you mean, normal ceramic tile?

 

[PatsyB]

Hi sorry if I sound daft but what tiles do you mean, normal ceramic tile?

Slate tile or ceramic tile. You don't want to use anything that has a smooth coating on it because then the dragon won't be able to grip and you don't want to use anything that has any sort of glue on it that can be toxic.

 

[Spikefin]

Slate tile or ceramic tile. You don't want to use anything that has a smooth coating on it because then the dragon won't be able to grip and you don't want to use anything that has any sort of glue on it that can be toxic.

Ah ok thankyou!