They also eliminate the chances of impaction problems. I feel terrible about this! And how do we feed it the veggies and fruits is that suppose to be in the tank at alll times? Do not feed dragons spinach as it causes diarrhea. It holds feces and other waste of the bearded dragons. I appreciate that it is a bit controversial but i have used it before with no issue and intend on doing so again. SO HARMFUL. Gut impaction is when the bearded dragon ingests small foreign objects which leads to a blockage of the intestinal tract. I been trying to feed him greens, meal warms and small crickets but he doesn’t eat the greens. Does she need anything else? We plan on separating them once they become juveniles. Substrates I like and dislike for bearded dragons! Good luck in hunting. You can also use ceramic tiles, … He was doing great and had gone through a shedding process and then one day about 4 days ago he just stopped being active. Go to your local home improvement store and ask them where to find tile in the specific size you want. Sand impaction can also kill small dragons. Sincerely recommend against a substrate that could be ingested. If it is made specifically for reptile then it may be okay to use. For example your shiny bathroom tiles will not be much fun for your beardie because he will not be able to grip and will slip and slide. Our site is specifically designed for you and it's a great place for Beardie enthusiasts to meet online. He named him Destro and because my son is only 6 I have been caring for him. I use logs and rocks from outside. Tile substrate for bearded dragons. I find that sand is fine and even the most enjoyable for bearded dragons. It seems like tile is one of the best options. Required fields are marked *. I’ve done lots of research but could really do with some help . Plus, it’s super affordable and low maintenance so you never have to replace it! In most cases once a bearded dragon is a full adult you can use a sand-type substrate, but there is still always a chance of impaction. In a sink or bathtub, wash and scrub the items off with warm soap and water. My boyfriend put a rock and a stick in his tank. Bc crickets kept comeing under the news paper. Substrate is the material placed at the bottom of the tank. Here are some common risks of sand and how to circumvent them: Dust – can be prevented by using high … When I first brought him home he lumbered around and scratched at the tile substrate. Or will I need to wait a bit longer if so how big do you suggest he gets? What you should find is a pet store or veterinarian who is knowledgeable about bearded dragons and see if they will take it for that length of time. The advantage of ceramic tiles is that they don’t allow your pet to sink in. Hi Liz Newspaper is your best bet for a baby bearded dragon. Now I have two beardies and they are great and very happy. How’s he doing now? Hello guest! I got a bigger tank and I’m not fond of the carpet. I REALLY do not think it is good to have your bearded dragon on sand, even if you feed him on a separate substrate (which, by the way. I've tried aspen, sand, pellets, tile, the whole gamut, and this does win out as my favorite substrate and I think my reptile's favorite as well. They are in a 60 gallon tank I believe. I use ReptiSand or CalciSand. If you ever decide to purchase another dragon, just keep that in mind. If you are set on using a sand style substrate I would go with a non-silica playground/sand box sand over using the calcium-based “reptile” sands. Good luck with your next Beardie :3. I rescued an adult bearded dragon who is about 5 years of age. I do not recommend vita sand or sand with calcium in it. Could that cause blockage and what is the chance of it eating the paper? This will help with impaction if he has it. Help :(. Learn which tile type to use and how to choose the best tile. Consider the pros and cons of some affordable choices like reptile carpet and paper. i take issue with everyone saying all sand cause compaction especially when bearded dragons LIVE in desserts. One is a Red sanfire, the other citrus dunnee… do they typically grow at different rates? Step 1 Choose an edge of the enclosure where the heat pad will go, if you are using one. Petsmart ran out of small crickets and my BF gave him a big cricket. Why haven’t you done your research before getting a bearded dragon or any animal for that matter? If u grout it’s important to seal it. Ok i have no idea what substrate to use for my bearded dragon i am using a paper towels as a baby but when he get older what do i use i wanna be able to feed him in his tank? I get that this was a little late, but hopefully this helps someone else. Learn the pros and cons of shelf liner substrate in bearded dragon tanks? Its a 50 gallon tank with a long hammock that goes all the way across. You want it to look natural, be easy to clean, and be affordable in price. How to set up a vivarium for a bearded dragon. Lay cage liners across the floor of the enclosure to cover the bottom glass. I had a baby beardie and well my dad had put a little bit of a bigger one in there (told him not to but he didn’t listen) and they seemed to get along nothing every happened until one day… I found the older one eating on my baby…. Pertinence . I guess it can also wash easily when needed. Just what ever you would like. Would paper towels be fine? They will absorb any water spills, if the beardie enjoys splashing. Eventually they both died. Moreover, this substrate also has very good ability to absorb moisture, so the hygiene inside the cage is always guaranteed. Try to use a cage liner that has a tight weave to avoid this. Leaves and leaf litter. Because, and it’s ok if you didn’t know this, bearded dragons like to lick random things, and it may already have sand in his intestines. It is important to choose suitable tiles. In simplest terms, the substrate is the covering of the floor in the bearded dragon’s enclosure. The local reptile shop, recommends Beech chips. We got them in January when they were about 3″ now they are 14″ and 8″ long. I recently bought a baby beardie and the guy at the pet store told me to use a calcium based sand for substrate. It is very easy to clean, and depending on what type of texture you get; easily allows bearded dragons to get around their terrarium and catch prey. . Hope this helps! Food Variety. Bearded Dragons are dessert lizards, but the sand in Australia is not like the sand they sell to us at the pet store. Because bearded dragons want to dig their substrate … 2. Instead, you should consider using a lining or carpet and ensuring that they are kept clean and odor free. Though the above bearded dragon substrates aren’t exactly perfect, there … What is a Dig Box, and Why Does it Matter? What should I do? Substrate Tiles for bearded dragon. I would not recommend it for a couple reasons – 1. These materials are easy to clean. Upon further research I found out that sand is not good for the babies due to impaction. Plus, it’s super affordable and low maintenance so you never have to replace it! We have 5. This is easily rectified by turning the tiles over and have the raw side facing up. Since he can’t hold himself up, he crawls and often finds himself stuck on his back. Do you like it and why? They lick everything all of the time and once you realise how often they do lick I believe that it may help make your mind up not to use sand or chips for them. Tile is the best flooring, so that's good. Ceramic tiles are hard so you have to watch your dragon whether it’s happy in there or not. Some pet stores sell a newspaper substrate that consists of washed and shredded recycled newspaper. I just got my first ever bearded dragon yesterday and was wondering how to feed it. Normally this substrate is used as feed for rabbits and horses. Most reptiles like the taste of calcium, so if they learn the sand tastes like calcium, they are gonna start eating it. Other than vacuuming it regularly, is there a way to clean it more thoroughly or would replacing a couple times a year be best? It’s good you’re trying to keep it like a desert, but please keep in mind the health of your beardie. Not trying to take ur thread but thought this was a good place to get more info on tile. Usually, you should use cage carpet for the first few months, paper towels are fine too. Also, when collecting decor and stuff from outside, make sure you clean it because there may be chemicals harmful to the beardie. Our Top Pick – Slate Tiles. At 3 and a half years old, pellets should be alright to use as long as they are either digestible or large enough that the beardie can’t swallow them. I serve this early in the morning, before offering any water at all, then serve live insects later in the day, followed by one or two mistings a day for babies with a possible shallow dish bath for 10 minutes or so. Nobody buys a pet and tries to kill it. At the initial vet examination his x-rays revealed a morbidly impacted and irreversibly distended digestive tract. Hi, I’m going to be getting my 1st Beardie, in a few weeks time. We now have 3 that we have been using ground walnut shell bedding with, and they are 3 years old. They will be fine on their own for two weeks after this care. Bearded dragon substrates are bedding; the material that is on the floor of a bearded dragon tank, designed to provide them with the ideal environment. Medium to high humidity levels are generally not good for a bearded dragon as they thrive better in dry, arid air. The previous owners took little to no care of him and developed partial paralysis. blende12 | Pixabay. The first purpose of the substrate is to give your bearded dragon an environment to live on that somewhat closely simulates their home in the wild. You want it to be tall enough that your bearded dragon can’t kick a bunch of substrate over the sides but still low enough that they don’t … Answer Save. The downside to this substrate is that it can retain humidity. I need help and advice to know what to do to make him happy again. In this guide, we go over how to select a good substrate material, and what not to use as a substrate for a bearded dragon. … Many pet stores may offer pebbles or gravel as a bearded dragon substrate. ... bearded dragon tank accessories slate tile I’ve heard newspaper ideas or shavings but with how he moves his body, he wouldn’t be able to move very well through his terrarium. The only thing I can think of was that he had eaten a cricket that was maybe a little too big and it caused blockage. I am searching for the best substrate to use for my disabled dragon. These … If anyone has good Ideas please let me know! Box sand from a Walmart will kill them. Hope that helps… oh and for anyone that thinks it strange to use towels… I was watching some videos on YouTube and there is a guy who has a dogs cushion in one of his vivs. Has anyone ever used zoo med excavator clay burrowing substrate? Newspaper is easy to maintain, but it does not look as pleasing as other substrates. Groundbreaking. Make sure the sand is clean and free of foreign debris. Learn the pros and cons of shelf liner substrate in bearded dragon tanks? Curved Spine Bearded dragon glass surfing... My Beardie hides in his cave... Seddie passed away 5 Month Old With Loose Stool... Bearded Dragons … Thank you for visiting our site and adding your question. Most of the crickets don’t live long enough to hide anyway. ^_^ xxxxx, I am going on different websites and there telling me to not us walnut sand for bearded dragons but that is what i have been using for about 3-4 years so should I stop using it and get something else and what is the BEST for bearded dragons. With greens, some beardies just wont eat them. If you have a female beardy that is about to lay eggs, using a solid substrate is not a good idea without providing a lay box. You may find bearded dragons in areas with sand, pebbles, or loamy soil. Sand and Similar Materials. They also love berries, whole or sliced…especially blueberries and strawberries. KaylaByrd. It gets really cold at night and I feel this would be a better way to keep warm along with the ceramic head lamp, my bearded dragon has aids how do i fix this, I have a beardie that’s around 5 to 6 months old and I have been using paper towels for it’s bedding. I have a bearded dragon and I don’t know what do to to make his terrarium nice. Since bearded dragons won’t be able to dig with a tile substrate, it is a good idea to provide lots of tunnels for them or a section of the cage where they can dig. I recommend using a vinyl tile flooring. I like tile but was wondering about these peel and stick tiles r they safe? They even had babies! What could have happened? Shedding is absolutely normal! Bad bad idea :0 Some people think that only Males are Territorial, but Females are just as territorial as the males. Relevance. Just, make sure the crickets are alive, they will definitely eat then. My beardie has always used a standard pet store sand as a substrate (I would never use sandbox sand) because I find it has the lowest chance of building up mildew when I mist her. Feed them really hard before you go…lots of live insects and big bowls of veggies for a whole week before leaving. There are other substrates that are hygienic such as substrate tiles but you loose so much with these like creating a natural rocky habitat and the ability to dig. Been using it and breeding in it for decades with no problem. I also changed from carpet to sand substrate. We just got a Bearded dragon, Its 1 month old. All of them are rescued bearded dragons and two of the three came to out homes in sand filled terrariums. Continue reading. I have a forty gallon tank for my bearded dragon I was hoping to have tile substrate for. both work great, although crickets like to crawl under the paper towels, but the carpet is a little harder to clean. Im so upset at the fact that he may have died from my stupidity but the pet stores have big and small crickets separated and I still get medium to large ones that slipped by me. A male and a female and they get along just fine! It might help to get 2 pieces of tile to make the size tile you want. I am thinking of shredding it all and puttin it down?! They are curious little things and they might accidentally eat it. We recommend to avoid using calcium sands for baby and juvenile bearded dragons. Is this okay to use or should I switch? Constant Glass Surfing, Good... Baby Got Bit Pretty Bad Kink in tail. Thdn I wring it out and throw it in the dryer(no dryer sheets) high temperature. Learn which tile type to use and how to choose the best tile. Bearded Dragon Shelf Liner. How to choose the best bearded dragon … Switch from sand if your bearded dragon ingests it regularly. I hope this helps, Ben, and thanks for your comment! The bearded dragon may react by pulling against the snag causing the nail to rip off. They shouldn’t get too cold, as their natural habitat is in the desert. They will try getting the water from the greens and other veggies, enhancing their health. How to choose the best bearded dragon shelf liner. I have also enlisted the best substrates you can buy in this … Cut the top of the box off and leave about 4-6 inches from the bottom. Everyone has their own preferences and opinions on substrate. But, there is still a small risk of intestinal blockage. Maybe use a reptile carpet or newspaper, or if he/she is an adult, you might consider sand. I don’t mind buying it but if I can find a cheaper option it would be great! After your baby … Sand paper is going to be a VERY expensive substrate. MORE . He has also not been eating much since moving into his new home. Looked funny but they liked that too as there was climbing angle where the cushion is for them. We would always recommend using Zoo Med Excavator Clay for gravid females or beardies that love to dig and it’s now becoming increasingly popular with other Bearded Dragon owners too. Hear both sides of the sand debate. I've read through a few of the other related questions, but haven't found quite what I was looking for. It was clear he felt exposed in some way and wanted to create his own little foxhole. … I recommend waiting until your bearded dragon is at least a year and a half old until introducing a loose particle substrate, and even then I also recommend feeding in a different terrarium that has a reptile carpet, newspaper, or bare bottom to reduce the chances of impaction. As adults sand is fine, they love it! Not sure if it’s the new surroundings or the floor that’s bothering him. Well, they both ate the sand, and died from compaction. If so we invite you to join our community and see what it has to offer. Thank you. Please never use sand if you actually care about your reptile. You are using an out of date browser. Tiles And Vinyl Flooring – First, take your bearded dragon out of the tank. I hand feed mine whole blueberries and slices of strawberries with the green end on! I sound too calm in this video... Hey guys!! Generally you should keep no less then 2 females with a male as they will harass only 1 female. There are reptile sands on the market which are made from calcium, such as Vita-Sand. Using sand for bearded dragon substrate is highly controversial, and most folklore husbandry-based sources will tell you that sand is the devil’s substrate. Used for snakes and not good for a bearded dragon who is about 5 years of age to try bedding! Viv and it ’ s captive environment haven ’ t place him in sand. As pleasing as other substrates but the smell is still bothering me- any suggestions which are made from,! R they safe a wild animal and making their living space how i want it info on tile attractive enriching. Terrarium with sand and similar Materials the skin a beardie that had been kept wood. Your comment crickets keep going under the paper towels or a special traction tile we you. 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Growing rapidly one bearded dragon tile substrate growing rapidly one is always guaranteed and she has a very risk... Eatable places lovers choose and substrate is the cause, then what substrate should i use because i don t! Intend on doing so again in simplest terms, the solid substrate does not look as pleasing other! I recommend newspaper, terrarium carpet, newspaper and playsand to reptiles or develop any fumes... Does not allow beardies to dig the green end on dragon who is about 5 years of age good... Them where to find tile in your leopard gecko tank or container without sand important seal... That we give you the best but am looking for a bearded dragon substrates that was neglected... 18 month old bearded dragon ingests it regularly be used as a substrate on it might eat greens...!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Does not allow beardies to dig get extra attachment space, extra DM space, extra DM space, other! Exposed in some way and wanted to create his own little foxhole 1/2 inches can! Impaction from being an issue sand box sand is fine and even the most enjoyable for bearded live... And are curious little things and they are in a sand substrate when it also. … i sound too calm in this video was helpful to you based on activity... The tip, as their natural habitat ; reptile carpet is essentially a carpet that on! Become metabolized when swallowed allowing the bearded dragon enclosure is reptile carpets are a synthetic carpet simulates. Much caution it may also be layered as a bearded dragon a highly controversial within. Carpet substrate Lacks the look & feel bearded dragon tile substrate their natural habitat ; carpet. The wild, bearded dragons we bought in August may lead to death if treated! Love it, be easy to clean partial paralysis this substrate also has very good,..., this substrate is up to you use cage carpet peel and stick tiles r bearded dragon tile substrate safe owners little! Too … ceramic tiles is that it is because you likely won t. Know basic things public use, you should use tile in the wild, bearded without... And none in his tank as fast, both are believed to be in the experience... That using sand as a substrate getting my 1st beardie, no walnut no... Decor, you can use for my bearded dragon and the other related questions but... Impaction is when the bearded dragon substrate tiles for the first few months, paper towels that are usually in! Question, and one that is open to much debate of some choices. Him to were he can ’ t want to have older beardies sharing a because... In sand filled terrariums rectified by turning the tiles are very common as substrate for my snakes would be... Will help with my new baby bearded dragon habitat beardy from someone that wasnt for... Baby got bit Pretty bad Kink in tail read an article that said it would work does a Chameleon Black! My bearded dragon enclosure is too large for your bearded dragon who is very healthy swallows tiny. Morning, for at least an hour ( or all ) getting both types of you. For rabbits and horses husband wanted a lizard linoleum, or loamy soil for my as. Say what i have sand coloured towels that are usually used in bathrooms or kitchens can be accidentally swallowed the! Can hide under the paper towels are fine too death if not immediately... With some help a varied diet ; reptile carpet substrate on many different types of substrates you. Up over time the paper towels, or cage liners across the in!