Sand

[RampantReptiles]

Maybe I'll ask a reptile vet.

Sounds like a good idea.
I know there used to be a couple people on here that were vet techs or studying to be vets...

 

[Jusselin]

there is a local pet store here who keeps all of her geckos, beardies, water dragons and such on sand....I have pleaded with them several time to switch it out for tile and even offered to pay for the swap but they refuse.

 

[Dimidiata]

I was thinking the 'random' licking they tend to do in any environment could be what they do in the wild to pick up little particals to eat.
I would just like to know how their digestive system works. I found "well reptiles aren't birds" comment to be slightly patronizing, I'm sorry if I took it the wrong way.
Thank you for your opinions, I guess I'll never know.

You have been told by multiple reputable members, some alone could be their own sources. GGG said that it has no beneficent to them, thats enough said. They know what their talking about, trust me. These wernt opinions, they were facts.

 

[RampantReptiles]

If anybody knows the facts it would be Marcia. She has been keeping and breeding leopard geckos since the dawn of time (Im kidding of course ) but seriously. She was breeding when people were still learning how to properly keep and breed them. She knows what works and what doesnt.

There is no benefit to keeping leopard geckos on sand.

 

[PhoenixCoconut]

(I'm not talking about the thick calci-sand, just regular fine sand)

The calci sand is not bad because its thick its bad because it contains calcium and the geckos will lick it up thinking its calcium, so they usually get impacted calci-sand is the worst!

But just like every one else said there is NO benefit of keeping leos on sand! I would just play it safe and take them off sand.

 

[Jusselin]

Thank you for your opinions, I guess I'll never know.

:thumbsdown:

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

The calci sand is not bad because its thick its bad because it contains calcium and the geckos will lick it up thinking its calcium.

Sorry, but this is incorrect. Calcium sand is by far worse than fine-grade non-silica sand. Leopard geckos have a very short GI system, and calcium sand does not dissolve in their stomach/intestines. Instead, it gets soft and sticks together in larger clumps, causing impaction. Also, calcium sand is made of calcium carbonate, which is the same ingredient in Tums and Rolaids that cuts digestive acid in the stomach. This prevents the food from being broken down so it is digestible, further adding to the risk of impaction.

 

[Maddy123]

I have heard that sand causes inpaction so i would not use sand for the safe side.I use paper towels.:main_yes:

 

[Jusselin]

The calci sand is not bad because its thick its bad because it contains calcium and the geckos will lick it up thinking its calcium.

no way Jose....just as bad.

When i first started i had my geckos on sand, I went to the vet one day and saw SEVERAL different test tubes filled with "impaction results" the worst thing i could imagine happening to the animal, AND the surgery was a minimum of $300

Tile it up, paper towl it, or get rid of the animals.

 

[Russellm0704]

The calci sand is not bad because its thick its bad because it contains calcium and the geckos will lick it up thinking its calcium.

But just like every one else said there is NO benefit of keeping leos on sand! I would just play it safe and take them off sand.

Incorrect info, calci sand clumps up a lot more when dampened than sifted play sand. This making it even worse

 

[PhoenixCoconut]

Sorry, but this is incorrect. Calcium sand is by far worse than fine-grade non-silica sand. Leopard geckos have a very short GI system, and calcium sand does not dissolve in their stomach/intestines. Instead, it gets soft and sticks together in larger clumps, causing impaction. Also, calcium sand is made of calcium carbonate, which is the same ingredient in Tums and Rolaids that cuts digestive acid in the stomach. This prevents the food from being broken down so it is digestible, further adding to the risk of impaction.

I'm soooo sorry I posted that wrong it is VERY bad because they will link it up! THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME THAT I WILL ESIT NOW!:main_thumbsup:

SOOOO sorry!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PhoenixCoconut]

no way Jose....just as bad.

When i first started i had my geckos on sand, I went to the vet one day and saw SEVERAL different test tubes filled with "impaction results" the worst thing i could imagine happening to the animal, AND the surgery was a minimum of $300

Tile it up, paper towl it, or get rid of the animals.

SORRY I posted it WRONG! But I have edited it now!:main_yes:

 

[PhoenixCoconut]

there is a local pet store here who keeps all of her geckos, beardies, water dragons and such on sand....I have pleaded with them several time to switch it out for tile and even offered to pay for the swap but they refuse.

SAME HERE!!!!!! (it makes me sooooo mad)

 

[katie_]

Thank you RampantReptiles, those sites are very helpful!

 

[katie_]

I worked at a vet clinic too. Most gecko problems were cat injuries and egg bound females. We never had any SAND impaction, but we did have a little guy who was impacted by a giant butter worm. Poor little guy.

 

[RampantReptiles]

Thank you RampantReptiles, those sites are very helpful!

You're welcome