pinefamily
Very Well-Known Member
My wife showed a post from the Dark Side (Facebook) yesterday, where someone lost a monitor due to impaction. Apparently they kept it on sand. I don't know any more details off the top of my head, but thought it was a good opportunity to reinforce a couple of points.
Sand is a great substrate for most lizards, especially dragons and monitors. However, you need to use the right kind of sand. Too coarse a sand can cause problems. There are several good options out there, but one of the best for most keepers would be the washed playsand from Bunnings (and other hardware stores), or the sands sold by reptile and pet shops. It is finer, and should not cause any issues.
I say "should" because you still need to have good husbandry as well. Incorrect temps, humidity and diet all have an effect, and can play a part in your lizard having impaction.
Having said that, we have used the playsand for years now, and combined with good husbandry, have had no issues at all.
Does anyone else have any thoughts, or anything else to add?
Sand is a great substrate for most lizards, especially dragons and monitors. However, you need to use the right kind of sand. Too coarse a sand can cause problems. There are several good options out there, but one of the best for most keepers would be the washed playsand from Bunnings (and other hardware stores), or the sands sold by reptile and pet shops. It is finer, and should not cause any issues.
I say "should" because you still need to have good husbandry as well. Incorrect temps, humidity and diet all have an effect, and can play a part in your lizard having impaction.
Having said that, we have used the playsand for years now, and combined with good husbandry, have had no issues at all.
Does anyone else have any thoughts, or anything else to add?