Just got our first beardie a few days ago. We went to a breeder that has been around a long time who has a complete package to get a new owner started. The substrate he provides and recommends is sand. He mentioned having many debates about it for years and pointed out where they are from. I can't argue his success and experience yet I still find myself feeling nervous about the risks.
One thing I am going to try out is cricket feeding in a separate enclosure free of hides and stuff. Seems to make sense as he won't eat sand, won't have crickets crawling around his enclosure when he is done and may not eat them all, and it seems easier to get the crickets out of their bin because I put it right in the larger dragon feeding bin and any that get away from me fall into the bin instead of on the floor.
I feel more inclined to put some more hides and climbing things for him too if he is able to eat elsewhere without the crickets hiding behind all kinds of stuff.
So I guess I am still kind of leaning towards switching to tile but I am curious to hear others thoughts on this knowing I won't be feeding him on sand.
Thanks!
One thing I am going to try out is cricket feeding in a separate enclosure free of hides and stuff. Seems to make sense as he won't eat sand, won't have crickets crawling around his enclosure when he is done and may not eat them all, and it seems easier to get the crickets out of their bin because I put it right in the larger dragon feeding bin and any that get away from me fall into the bin instead of on the floor.
I feel more inclined to put some more hides and climbing things for him too if he is able to eat elsewhere without the crickets hiding behind all kinds of stuff.
So I guess I am still kind of leaning towards switching to tile but I am curious to hear others thoughts on this knowing I won't be feeding him on sand.
Thanks!