Sand

[DoubleZ]

I know that using sand for leos is something the majority of people or here are strongly against. I was wondering though, don't they live in fairly sandy areas in the wild? As long as you monitor your gecko and make sure they are passing fecal matter normally shouldn't there be no problem?

 

[DoubleZ]

I was wondering because my leos are currently on Calci-sand, though I am switching them tonight.

 

[Jaiden23]

It's actually a misconception that leopard geckos live in sandy areas. They actually live in areas composed mostly of clay, rock and tightly compacted sand. In the wild, they avoid loose sand.

With that being said, alot of people have housed their leos on sand with no problems, but there is always a risk of impaction, reguardless of how much you try to monitor them, and that isn't a risk most of us here are willing to take.

 

[Mel&Keith]

What Morgan posted was all accurate but to add to that...

Sand is less hygienic then solid substrate options because it cannot be sanitized. Tile can be cleaned properly and paper or paper towels can be replaced when dirty. Why risk impaction and a bacteria infested living conditions when you don't have to? Just my opinion.

 

[DoubleZ]

I'm planning on switching them as soon as I can, but they have lived on sand for almost a year and seem to occasionally enjoy digging. I have put them on paper-towels when they were ill for easier cleaning and they didn't seem to like it. Any recommendations?

 

[ReptileMan27]

It's actually a misconception that leopard geckos live in sandy areas. They actually live in areas composed mostly of clay, rock and tightly compacted sand. In the wild, they avoid loose sand.

With that being said, alot of people have housed their leos on sand with no problems, but there is always a risk of impaction, reguardless of how much you try to monitor them, and that isn't a risk most of us here are willing to take.

exactly:main_thumbsup:

 

[LeoMartin]

I have sand for my leo and he is fine with it!

 

[RepBex]

we have 5 leos at my college all on sand and they are okay

some times they dont get impacted but the bacteria is a high risk factor your gecko could go 10 years or more with no affect till it shows

 

[Amber7399]

I have seen this topic a million times already!! and several today alone!! There will always be people who are going to do what they want to do.. no matter what,or how many times they are told different. I understand trying to spread expierence gained knowledge. but if they don't want to head the warnings there is nothing you can do. yes i agree and understand that there are several owners that have had "success" with keeping them on sand. but lets look at it this way!

You leave your dog in the garage everyday while you go to work. it has food. bedding, right temps. and has a limitless supply of water for the day, but you knowingly leave an open container of, lets say antifreeze within the animals reach

would you take the chance and leave your dog in there knowing there is the slighest possiablity he may ingest it. and get sick or die?
I wouldn't

I'm sorry but this is just my opinion, my way of looking at it. :main_huh:

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Personally, I am sick to death of "sand debates"... and I wish it was part of the TOS of this website to be against the rules to even discuss sand as a substrate. There is no point to try and argue or reason with anyone who insists of using sand, especially calci-sand, for their geckos. So let's just end this thread.