Substrate: ground walnut?

[Pokersnake]

Has anyone used this for their leos? I have a friend who uses it for his beardie and cresteds and they seem to do fine. The idea is that the walnut shells are ground down to a sand-like consistency. However because it is a fiber, the digestion system just passes it through without impaction.

http://reviews.*****.com/3554/102881/reviews.htm

I have mine on terracotta tile and paper towels. Not really looking to switch. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

 

[triplegex]

"Ground walnut shell has also been suggested as a good bedding and is advertised as an attractive, digestible, odor free, safe bedding by the manufacturers. While we agree it's quite attractive, it is otherwise a nightmare of a product. Walnut shell is composed primarily of lignin which in fact is not digestible by vertebrates, and the crushing process basically leaves most the resulting pieces with jagged edges. These edges have been indicated in the deaths of several Uromastyx -necropsies revealing their stomachs had been extensively lacerated by ingested bedding. All in all, we strongly suggest avoiding it"

Taken from http://www.deerfernfarms.com/Uromastyx_Care.htm

Written about uromastyx but I feel that it applies to all reptiles.

 

[jemjdragon]

"Crushed walnut (packaged as Desert Blend) gets a big thumbs down. Firstly it is sharp! and the pieces are quite large. If swallowed, it can irritate and cut the digestive tract and can also cause impaction. It is also great for culturing mold! Should it get damp in the vivarium."

From: http://www.thegeckospot.net/leoquicklist.php#substrate

And I agree. Its not digestible, has sharp edges, and can grow mold easily.. I wouldn't risk it with a leopard gecko, bearded dragon, or crested gecko.

 

[pawsible]

not a good idea

In my research "Aquarium gravel and walnut shells may also be dangerous, as they are small enough to eat, but not large enough to pass successfully through the digestive system. "
http://www.theultimateleopardgeckomanual.com/

 

[aburningflame]

Walnut shells doesnt even get a mention in "The HerpetoCulture of Leopard Geckos" - Ron Tremper.

So that should tell you its bad.

 

[triplegex]

Walnut shells doesnt even get a mention in "The HerpetoCulture of Leopard Geckos" - Ron Tremper.

So that should tell you its bad.

Why should something automatically be bad if it's not mentioned in one book?

 

[aburningflame]

Why should something automatically be bad if it's not mentioned in one book?

I just see him as a highly reputable source. If he mentions other substrates and the risk involved - i think the fact that he fails to mention walnut shells would mean they are not even in the question.
I understand what your saying though - maybe I was wrong to jump to that conclusion, but I think there are better substrates (tile, paper towel)