Sand (not sure this is the correct place)

[Wendyj]

When we adopted Lucy she was (is) on sand. She seems to love it but I can't stand it. Keeping it clean is HORRIBLE. We want to take it out. Do you think she'll freak out? I don't want to stress her out. Ideas?

 

[Eavlynn]

Away with the sand, I say! It has the potential to cause impaction, can get into their eyes and cause irritation, and it's a nesting ground for bacteria. I'd switch to something that you can easily clean and sanitize. We all have different preferences for substrate, I use fatigue mat, and will be picking up some rough textured tiles to give my beardies something to run around on that will help file their nails. Some use just tile, others like repticarpet (though it needs washed frequently), while other members use shelf liner. It's up to you, what you think would work best for you and your dragon.

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[Wendyj]

Eavlyn thank you so much. May I ask may I ask what is fatigue mat and what are your feelings on a dig box with sand?

 

[Canicke]

welcome - dig box with sand : in a spot away from food. watch her to see if she licks the sand (some will) if she does - AWAY with the dig box. if she poops in the dig box - ditto - get rid of it. I got a dig box for my female when she was laying (infertile) eggs. she wanted nothing to do with it. my male didn't give it a second look. she'll live without it. fatigue mat - don't know what this would be in reference to reptiles - we use them at work to stand on all day to give our feet and legs a break. hmmm

 

[Eavlynn]

Fatigue mat is that spongy mat that you stand on in some places where you stand in one place at a register. You can buy it off of a bulk roll at most hardware stores. I like that's it's easy to clean, and provides some cushion for beardies that like to jump off of their tank decor. It's also textured enough that my girl with MBD can get around on it with ease. Its definitely an unconventional choice of substrate in the reptile world, but I'm really happy with it. I will be adding a few tiles to help keep my dragons' nails from becoming overgrown.

I have to agree with Canicke, I wouldn't worry with a sand box. Not worth the hassle.

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[Wendyj]

Thank you both. Luckily Lucy doesn't lick the sand, I watch her as much as I can. I ordered some tiles and will get busy as soon as they arrive! I'll try a day g box for both my babies. See how it goes. My male, Charlie loves to dig. He tries to dig outside in my flower garden all the time. He digs now in his viv and he's on tile.

 

[KrissyLeigh]

My male, Charlie loves to dig. He tries to dig outside in my flower garden all the time. He digs now in his viv and he's on tile.

That's so cute! Have you tried putting some cloth in there? I put a handkerchief in Skittles tank and he loves it. He doesn't seem to dig so much as nest, though. Especially when it's bedtime. Just make sure to wash it regularly

 

[Wendyj]

Krissyleigh that's a great idea. I have an old fleece blanket I can cut up and give it a try. Thank you.

 

[KrissyLeigh]

Krissyleigh that's a great idea. I have an old fleece blanket I can cut up and give it a try. Thank you.

You may want to hem it so there are no loose threads though. I don't know about yours, but Skittles likes to taste everything. I like the handkerchiefs because there are no loose threads. The blanket would work too, I would just make sure there's no way he can ingest any of it.

 

[PatsyB]

Fatigue mat is a great idea, never thought of that before! As far as the switch from sand goes, she may be a little thrown off with the new substrate but she will eventually get used to it, just give her time. Getting rid of the sand is the best idea!