Is Quikrete playsand useable as a substrate for bearded dragons?

Question

Is Quikrete playsand useable as a substrate for bearded dragons?

Answer 1

wash it well first and make sure that your guy is at least 8 inches total in length. I have my bearded dragon on sand and all my other lizards are on sand or a sand mix and no one has ever had problems with impaction.  

Answer 2

I don't listen to people who say "Sand isn't suitable" Were do they think they live? Moss and newspaper land? HAHAH!   As long as your bearded dragon is old enough (9 months and older) He should be fine in sand. Compaction is MOSTLY common when people feed there beardies meal worms (They have a hard outer shell- or Chitin) Play sand is fine, (AS LONG AS IT'S FINE GRAIN) I'd recommend using the calci sand. It's really fine. Make sure you bake the sand as well.

(300 degrees 5-10 minutes.) I haven't EVER had one of my beardies eat the sand... I don't see how they could unless you got a messy eater for a beardie.

Answer 3

Please do not use sand of ANY kind as a subtrate for your lizard.  Bacteria and impaction issues are just some of the reasons it's not a good idea.  Most of the sites you google will suggest not using sand until the dragon is at least 18 mo. old, but I disagree with even that.  Don't take my word for it though - ask your reptile vet for their opinion.

If you don’t already know of a qualified exotics/reptile vet in your area, google: “Herpetological Society” -or-

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/  for the one closest to you.

Calcium sands are not digestible forms of calcium; are generally coarser than play sands, and cause impaction easily.  If you love your beardie - please don't keep it on any kind of loose substrate, regardless of age.

I'll post some sites below so you can be sure you're providing the proper care for your beardie.  Study up on UVB and MBD, as well as diet and behavior changes as the reptile ages.  After all - you only want to do what is best for your lizard.

http://www.dachiu.com/care/abeard.html

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/

An informed owner is a happy one with a healthy and content pet.

Good luck, and I hope this has been of help.