Fake grass, any problems?

[brigo]

Hi all, thinking of getting fake grass from Bunnings, to use as a substrate for baby beardies, and for when they become adults.

Just wondering if anybody has run into any problems? Too prickly? or uncomfortable?

So people who keep beardies and use fake grass, help me out! lol

Thanks!

[Miss B]

I've been using fake grass in some of my enclosures and the beardies seem to like it. I've noticed them having a good scratch on it when shedding. Haven't encountered any problems thus far.

[brigo]

So it shouldnt irritate them at all ? I thought so since their skin is rough..

Its a tiny bit prickly for us, but i guess our skins not half as rough as theirs lol

[alex_c]

only problem ive noticed is it does smell a bit when it gets warm

[Gecko_ProCs]

i use green golf sport carpet from bunnings
i got a 1.5 meter long roll for $20.75
and the beardies are doin great on it
its softer than astro turf if your worried about it being prickly
and is also really easy to cut to fit

[brigo]

ah yeah, how about the prickly looking one? its not that prickly, just not smooth, do you reckon that would hurt the beardies or irritate them?

Just interested to see if anybody has had that problem..

[Gecko_ProCs]

i heard something about astro turf cutting the inside of the cloaca when they poo
but i dont think its a common thing

[brigo]

do you think its better to house the baby beardies on newspaper, then when theyre a bit older put them on astroturf?

Or is there a chance it might happen regardless of age and size ?

If its not a common thing, and rarely happens, i might just go ahead and use the astroturf..

[dazza74]

i dont know about beardies but my snakes seem fine with it

[Gecko_ProCs]

i got told that they should be kept on paper towels while young then moved onto a different substrate when they reach "15cm TL".
but mine are on the carpet now.

and yes im pretty sure its an uncommon thing and many people keep beardies on astro turf so it should be fine

[Miss B]

I think the paper towel is recommended for very young beardies (ie just hatched), as they absorb their yolk sak over the first few days and it can get caught on sharp edges. After that, they should be fine on astroturf.

[Bombie]

the only tip i would offer is to be careful when you cut it that there are no loose edges that will peel off, they can sometimes try and eat any losse raggy bits. but other than that i have used it for beardies and snakes with no dramas, and its really easy to clean!
bombie.

[brigo]

Yeah, the beardies im getting should be a bit older than a few days, probably around 2-4weeks old.

I might just go the astroturf, since i havent read about many problems.

Also should my water dish be a deep one? and should i provide hiding spots for each beardie?

eg. 2 beardies, 2 caves.

Thanks!

[brigo]

Thanks bombie, to clean is it just hose and scrub, any disinfectant should be fine? then leave it to dry?

[Bombie]

to clean i usually soak in bleach mix, and scrub it down, then rinse, rinse and rinse again, hang out to dry and then replace!