There are no dyes or chemicals that can transfer to your pets skin, and we found this sand to create very little dust. The amount of clumping and easy cleanup depends on the material, grain size, and brand. In addition to their age, burrowing habits, and budget, your bearded dragons substrate should reflect his or her personality. If you only want to make the investment once, purchase a tank that will be large enough for an adult bearded dragon and let your baby bearded dragon grow into it. Not only that, but a soft texture will also bring a bearded dragon the most comfortable and smooth operation. Terrariums should undergo a more thorough deep-clean every week when the bearded dragon is not inside the enclosure. It also helps to provide a natural feel for your bearded dragons habitat and is an effective way of retaining heat in the enclosure. It is non-toxic and safe for your pet, so you can feel confident that your bearded dragon is in a safe environment. These lizards are suitable for bearded dragons, sand boas, soft shell turtles, and other reptiles. Therefore, feeder bugs should be given a nutritious over-the-counter diet at least 24-48 hours before feeding to the beardie. Its also a little dusty despite the extra sifting that takes place at the plant. Create bioactive terrariums and tropical set-ups. The company that sells a product that has killed many adult bearded dragons is invested in convincing sellers that the product is safe. A: YES! The most common substrate for bearded dragons is sand, soil, or tile. This type of slate does not require frequent replacement and is easy to clean. Another option is to grow food in soil. It is also important to provide your bearded dragon with a wide variety of plants and branches to create a natural and stimulating environment. As with sand, the beardies can burrow easily, which is one of their natural cooling behaviors. Zilla offers this product in 5, 10, and 25 qrt options. Commercial feeder insects are frequently devoid of nutritious value. To replicate a natural day-night cycle, provide visible light for 10-12 hours during the daytime. The 20-pound bag is the largest size on this list, so you wont need many to fill your tank. The substrate should be packed between 4 and 6 inches deep in order to achieve the best results. Good luck! One solution is Excavator clay, which provides one compromise. Freeze-dried insects do not have sufficient nutrients and are not recommended. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. This sand by ZooMed is the same as the first on our list, except white and in a 10 lb bag. This contributes to a cleaner enclosure and a cleaner environment overall. Safety is a huge concern when it comes to sand for bearded dragons. We tried to point out any brands that could cause discoloration in our reviews. If you have just purchased your first bearded dragon, you might have a lot of questions about setting up its habitat, especially in regards to what type of sand to use. Its important to note that Australian sand should be kept dry and not dampened when used in a bearded dragons enclosure as this can cause impaction. Substrate with a fine texture like sand is recommended because it is gentle on your bearded dragon's feet and not large enough to cause an intestinal obstruction if it accidentally ingests some. Relatively cheap and easy to care for. Carib Sea SCS00711 Reptiles Substrate Sand is our premium choice sand for bearded dragons. There are two main things you need to watch out for. up after. The average bearded dragons lifespan is 810 years, but the oldest ever recorded was 18 years old. While some people may opt for newspaper or paper towels, others prefer to use sand. It is recommended that solid topcoats such as a rubber shelf liner or newspaper be used for the substrate of your bearded dragon. Bearded Dragons are among the most popular pet reptiles in the hobby. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know, Carib Sea SCS00711 Reptiles Substrate Sand. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Desert Blend Walnut, 10-Qt. Like all animals, beardies are susceptible to infections and other illnesses. Substrate may also be referred to as bedding. Make certain that you do not use vinyl or linoleum, which will cause your bearded dragons claws to become slippery. Many bearded dragon owners wonder why their pets eat sand. Your email address will not be published. Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor's degree Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. It has a high heat conductivity and is an excellent heat conductor. ReptiSand from ZooMed mimics the natural environment of the bearded dragon by being made of quartz desert sand. All bulbs that emit UVB/UVA must be replaced every six monthseven if they still appear to work. Another smart choice is our pick for the best value. This type of sand is light in color and made up of small, round grains that are easy to digest and wont irritate your pets throat or stomach. Guinness World Records. This is a budget option for those wanting good sand-type bedding, but not pay the extra price. But there is a lot of sand out there to choose from. Burrowing and egg . The sides can be glass or mesh, although full mesh is difficult to maintain proper temperatures. In some cases, the products are directly harmful to bearded dragons. Youll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article. Most experts recommend following the rule of 12 pounds of substrate per one gallon of tank space. It is possible to categorize these substrate options based on their loose particle and non-particle characteristics. Ways to successfully keep bearded dragons from becoming dehydrated include: Giving showers or baths two or threetimes a week, Providing a shallow pan for soaking once or twicea week, Ensuring increased humidity in a shelter/hiding area, Rinsing dietary greens with water prior to feeding. The 15 Best UVB Lights for Bearded Dragons & Leopard Geckos 2021, The Best Bearded Dragon Supplies Reviews & Guide 2021. It also has a natural appearance that will boost the look of your tank. You want to avoid chemicals as much as possible. It promotes natural digging and burrowing behavior. These animals digest the substrate because it is made up of natural materials that they can easily digest. Never feed your bearded dragon dog or cat food, and only use products made for bearded dragons or recommended by your veterinarian. It will also get on the glass and can even escape the habitat into your home. Ground to a uniform size, this bedding provides a comfortable home for desert-dwelling reptiles by retaining heat. On top of this, the sand works well with almost any reptile. The best source of UVB is the sun, but special bulbs like Reptisun are typically used instead. When fed dirt in the wild, bearded dragons eat it as a source of calcium, which explains their appetite for sand. the best sand for bearded dragons. I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. Therefore, in captivity, bearded dragon housing must create a temperature gradient providing a warm side, a basking area, and a cool side. Without it, they cannot process calcium and vitamin D appropriately, leading to fatal conditions like metabolic bone disease. . The dirt and gravel on the ground are also excellent choices, but they can also be difficult to remove. Aspen chips are safe and are a common choice for bedding bearded dragons and other reptiles. Do you want to give your reptile the best tank setup? The main concern with sand is what will happen if your bearded dragon eats it. It also varies in quality, and the two bags we ordered were different when they arrived, with one having a noticeably higher level of dirt. The last thing you want to check is the bag sizes available. Your veterinarian can help determine the length of quarantine, but quarantine typically lasts three to six months. Bearded dragons make fantastic pets, and they are getting more popular every year. Zoo Med Vita-Sand - Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Zoo Med Vita-Sand is our pick for the best overall sand for bearded dragons. The reptile will not be harmed by the fact that it looks and feels like the real thing. Desert lizards are currently being studied for a variety of bioactive substrates and their environment. Tile is an excellent flooring material for your bearded dragon enclosure, making it an ideal choice for the occasion. Bearded Dragons are beloved pets, and it is important to ensure their health and safety. When threatened, a bearded dragon will open its mouth, raise its chin, and puff out its beard to make . along with the user experience of the sand. Exploring The Benefits And Safety Precautions Of Taking Your Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage, Understanding The Benefits And Risks Of Feeding Cauliflower To Your Pet Bearded Dragon, Pet Care Shopping 101: How to Pick the Best Modern Dog Crates for You and Your Pooch, Leatherback Sea Turtles: Discovering Their Global Habitat. Lightning bugs are toxic to bearded dragons and should never be offered. Featured Image: iStock.com/lindsay_imagery. The best sand to use is calcium-based sand, such as crushed coral or seashells. Food can build up in the digestive tract and put pressure on the spine resulting in paralysis. Bearded dragons should be exposed to 12-hour photoperiods, which can be easily accomplished with timers. Use in Naturalistic Terrariums and paludariums with tropical lizards, amphibians, box turtles, hermit crabs, tarantulas, and other invertebrates. A bearded dragon can live in a single large litter box with its sand substrate. Avoid sand, fine gravel, wood chips, crushed walnut shells, or other substrates that could be ingested by a bearded dragon. Alternately, you could also purchase a UV meter to monitor UVB output. . is a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. When using a UV bulb, a second bulb must also be used to provide proper heat gradients. Are you looking for a natural bedding for your bearded dragon? Bearded Dragon Substrate: Top 5 Best & Worst By Nigel Robert | Last updated on March 10, 2023 Substrate is a very important part of keeping bearded dragons. ZooMed is a pillar in the pet industry, and its products are known for their quality. Their interesting behaviors and docile nature make them an excellent pet for first time reptile hobbyists. breeders. This Zoo Med ReptiSand is a great option because it comes in a natural-looking desert white and it is fine-textured so your bearded dragon can dig through it. Some beardie keepers believe that loose substrate for beards of all ages is not recommended. Most experts advise using 1-2 pounds of substrate per gallon of tank space. I have everything I need for him except the substrate. Tank setup and supplies Any ideal tank size should be 40-55 gallons. However, this can cause gastrointestinal impactions and can even be fatal. This product comes in 4, 8, and 24 qrt options (when I last checked, the 24 qrt was on sale, so make sure to click the link to check the price). Our pets seem to enjoy this surface, and its extremely easy to clean. The Brightly Colored Orange Spots Of Bearded Dragons: Exploring The Benefits And Care Of These Unique Reptiles, Why Do Bearded Dragons Lay In Water? . Pick from any of these on our list, and your Substrate is a material that is used to line the bottom of an enclosure. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Shopping for the best sand for bearded dragon substrate is tricky, but were here to help. A Complete Guide 2022. It's also a good idea to wait until your Bearded Dragon is at least 6 inches long before you can handle it. Bearded dragons are desert animals which means they are used to hot, dry climates. As a result, 40 to 80 pounds of sand will be required to fill a 40-gallon tank. This vehicle is not only extremely cost effective, but it also comes with a low annual maintenance fee. Deserts are low-humidity environments that pose a threat to bearded dragons, who are at risk of impaction. The use of substrate improves the safety and usability of bearded dragon enclosures. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. However, the bag is quite flimsy and easily punctured with your fingers. Weve also included a short buyers guide where we discuss what makes sand suitable for bearded dragons. It is important to avoid substrates that contain sharp particles, such as gravel, or substrates that are made from walnut shells, as these can cause serious health issues in your bearded dragon. For a long time, pet stores have sold calcium sand for bearded dragons, but the substance is no longer safe and digestible. The cool end of the enclosure should have the thermometer 1 inch above the bottom. For more information, please see our Most adults are overweight and likely need to be fed every two to three days, but work with your vet to determine an optimal feeding schedule. Bearded dragons get their name from the scaled and spiked . If you are looking for the best bioactive substrate for your bearded dragon, look no further than a substrate made from natural, organic materials. There are several options that may cause severe damage and health issues, even if they are among the most popular. There is no definitive answer as to whether retinol vs peptides are better for anti-aging. Metabolic bone disease can cause the bones of your pet to become soft, affecting mobility. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. Best Substrate for Bearded Dragon 2020 Review Substrate is the material put on the floor surface. This much sand should result in 12 inches in the tank, providing your pet with plenty of room to dig. How do you find the best sand for bearded dragons? Zillas desert blend technically isnt sand, October 2018. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards in the world, but to ensure their health and wellbeing, it is important to provide them with the right environment and nutrition. While high-priced sand may work very well, if it costs too much, you wont be able to keep up with it. Slate tile is the best substrate for a bearded dragon terrarium, according to experts. Juvenile bearded dragon Crushed walnut shells are another common material. A carpet liner and newspaper are the most effective substrate for your bearded dragons terrarium. That it has never caused an issue does not change the fact that it is very dangerous, and can kill your dragon. There are no artificial colors or dyes, so the color wont get on your hands as you work with it. Tile is an excellent substrate for bearded dragons, whether they prefer slate, linoleum, or ceramic tiles. a reptile carpet or even newspaper. Therefore, a 40-gallon tank will need 40 to 80 pounds of sand. Additionally, it is important to regularly monitor the pH levels of the substrate and to replace it when necessary. They are safe because they do not put your beardie at risk of getting impacted, nor do they become easily stirred up, irritating your beardies nose or eyes. In the end, the Zilla Terrarium Reptile Substrate, a reptile carpet, took home the award. It also conducts heat very well and enables natural digging and burrowing behavior. The goal of decorating a bearded dragon cage is to create an environment that mimics your pets natural habitat. Many bearded dragons grow to enjoy this time, and it helps increase hydration and clean off any debris, shedding, or dirt from their body. Australian sand is an excellent substrate choice for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are typically solitary creatures. Ideal for Bearded Dragons, Monitors, Skinks and Uromastyx. Ground walnut shells are readily available and perfectly safe for beardies to use. I recommend buying in bulk whenever possible. These animals are . Because of its loose nature, sand substrate provides a more natural environment for your Bearded dragon than other types of substrate; therefore, sand substrate is the best choice for your Dragon. Adults may eat every 2448 hours, depending on their body condition, which can be determined by your veterinarian. Although it is a more difficult texture, the malleability of this texture is ideal for a bearded dragon. An excavator clay, which allows you to build tunnels and hills for your bearded dragon, can also be used as an substrate. A stroTurf is made of synthetic materials that deteriorate over time and have an impaction risk on bearded dragons. You might have heard clay substrate called excavator clay. While captive bearded dragons may face this issue, wild bearded dragons may not. Use the search! It is not a good idea to keep young bearded dragons on sand or loose substrate. A 75-gallon terrarium is the minimum size for an adult beardie. Is Sand Substrate Safe for My Bearded Dragon? Bark and mulch substrate may have some disadvantages, such as the fact that they tend to retain humidity, which can raise the humidity level in your dragons tank above what is considered appropriate and safe by experts. Choosing the right substrate is an important step in creating the right environment for them. Its fine sand, so it reduces the risk of impaction, and the naturally orbicular grains are softer on your pets feet and more comfortable. What is the best substrate to grow a beardy dragon? Insects and vegetables can be dusted with a supplement containing calcium carbonate or calcium gluconate a few times a week (more if breeding). Hello! In comparison to a number of the others, the pellets of alfalfa appear to be a better loose particle option. For example, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 increases collagen and hyaluronic acid . Keep the opposite end of the tank a little cooler and provide your bearded dragon with a place to hide. As little reptiles, you may want to stick with In this article, we will explore the benefits of Reptisoil, how to use it safely, and answer the question of whether or not Reptisoil is good for bearded dragons. The walnut shells are chemical free and safe for beardies. For the average bearded dragon, substrate should be between 6 and 8 inches (15-20 centimeters) thick. One of the biggest questions that bearded dragon owners have is what kind of substrate, or bedding, should they use for their pet. Pellets like these are safe to digest if consumed by your dragon. Zoo Med doesnt add chemicals to this substrate. picks: Read on for what to look for in sand as And Can They See in the Dark? Bearded dragons can have sand in their enclosure, but it is important to make sure that the sand is the correct type and that it is kept clean. An Investigation Of Their Complex Behaviors And Environmental Needs, Pet Care Shopping 101: How to Pick the Best Modern Dog Crates for You and Your Pooch, Leatherback Sea Turtles: Discovering Their Global Habitat. A fecal analysis should be checked for any intestinal parasites, and adult animals should have bloodwork performed to look at internal organ function and calcium levels. These aspen chips also make it easy to clean With the right mix, your bearded dragons habitat will be well-equipped to deal with CUC (Clean Up Crew) and will provide the reptile with a more naturalistic environment. January 2011. It is also easy to scoop for daily cleaning. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Often, a product seems cheaper because its smaller. Sand is the perfect substrate for an adult bearded dragon tank because it looks natural and holds heat well. There will be several health hazards and hygiene concerns as a result of loose particle substrates. One of the significant benefits for owners is how sand can make your pets tank much easier to clean. To keep it loose, a bearded dragon is an instinct eater, like sand. Well explain the various types of substrates, their pros and cons, and show you which is the most efficient for a given application. EXCELLENT for Aquascaping aquariums, terrariums, vivariums and other pet enclosures. Bio Bubble Pets. Includes: 40 Gallon Terrarium (36 x 18 x 18) with sliding screen top. You should use sand to make sure your Beardie has a natural environment. This look doesnt affect the use of the product, but it does have a specific desert look you may want to build your tank around. Keep your bearded dragon tank around 85F during the day with a basking temperature of 100F to 105F your nighttime temperature can drop as low as 75. All Bearded Dragons found in the USA are captive bred. The primary downside we experienced while using Carib Sea was that some of the color would transfer to our hands, and we would also see it on our bearded dragon when it spent a lot of time basking on the substrate. Follow the advice in this article to choose the right substrate for your bearded dragon tank. Wild bearded dragons are dust-colored, blending into their native desert background of Australia. Bearded dragons make wonderful pets because they are surprisingly docile and entertaining to keep. The total area of a pack of eight coasters, at 4 x 4 inches (10 cm), is approximately 256 square inches. It is strongly advised to avoid using pebbles as a substrate for bearded dragons. The ultra-fine texture is soft on your pets feet, and there are no artificial colors that can stain your pet. Reptiles have excellent color vision and can even see into the UVA spectrum, so it's essential your habitat has adequate lighting. . Their enclosures, hides, and climbs should be regularly rotated, as well. Bearded dragons get their name from the scaled and spiked area below their neck, which can change colors and expand based on mood. bedding for a bearded dragon enclosure. As a substrate, ceramic tiles are gaining popularity in the market. It is also very easy to clean with cold tap water and it doesnt tend to hold odor. As long as you do your research to determine what your bearded dragon needs and then create an environment to meet those needs, everything should go well. This compostable and biodegradable particle substrate is one of the few beddings that can be used disposable and biodegradable. In addition to providing the basking site and shelter/hiding area, the housing environment should include thick branches or rocks for climbing. Fundamentals of your bearded dragons diet include the following: Water should always be available in a shallow container and refreshed daily. Each bag contains 10 pounds of sand, so you will need fewer bags to fill your tank. This type of substrate is safe for the animal, easy to clean, and provides the right amount of grip for the animal to walk and climb on. The calcium carbonate is a natural way for the Below is a quick and handy summary of the 10 major pros and cons of bearded dragons as pets. Most owners that use a sand substrate feed their bearded dragon in a different location to prevent it from eating the sand along with its meal. Some reviewers have expressed concern about the quality of this slate, saying it is not as thick or high-quality as some other options. Through selective breeding, multiple color types are recognized, including bright yellow or orange variants, along with smooth-scale variants called leatherbacks. To pick up a bearded dragon, scoop one hand under the chest near the front legs and support the tail with the other. Great for bearded dragons, sand boas, soft shell turtles, etc. PERFECT for creating walkways, benches, steps, archways, caverns, ground cover and much, much more in miniature or fairy gardens, model railways and doll houses. can cause the bones of your pet to become soft, affecting mobility. Tile can not only look great, but it can also be cleaned and maintained, making it simple to maintain and save money on home flooring. Its durable enough to last for several years, and its soft on your pets feet. The 7 Best Sand for Bearded Dragons 1.
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