This also performs the very important task of odor control. Poop on tile (another of our preferred substrate options) fills the entire enclosure with odor for a long period of time. Not so with Repti Chips. Second, while bearded dragons can dig in clay, it’s not the same thing as burrowing in a looser substrate like Repti Chips. We wanted Bacardi to be able to easily dig and bury herself (which she does quite often!), and clay didn’t provide that opportunity. Alfalfa pellets are also dusty. As previously touched upon, dust is not something you want to have flying around in your beardie’s enclosure. It’s a surefire way to cause a respiratory problem.

First, we didn’t want to have to pull out and wash the carpet when it was soiled. Our beardie can poop a couple of times a week, and we didn’t want to have to mess with changing out the carpet that often. A good thing about ceramic times is that once you have fit them into the tank they will very rarely need replacing if ever. Many of those articles described loose substrate as dangerous and put it on their “never use this” list. They insisted that bearded dragons will eat the substrate and become impacted. This simply isn’t true and isn’t based on any real-world experience. Bearded dragons love to dig and burrow. The substrate you use will end up in their eyes, ears, and lungs on occasion. Ground walnut shells are a terrible choice for these reasons alone. Bark, mulch, and coconut fiber Another downside of tile is that while it is the easiest to clean, that only counts if nothing gets between the tiles. If your bearded dragon poops where the tiles come together, you will have to pull the tiles completely out to properly clean. This will also mean cleaning whatever you have placed between the tiles and the bottom of the tank.

Reason #4 Zoo Med Excavator Clay 20lb Can Hold Its Shape

The clay can be formed into hills, mounds, flat areas, tunnels, or any other terrain you can think of. It holds its shape extremely well. Once it’s in place, it will dry to a hard, clay surface. First, lizards can’t dig in this kind of substrate. If you have a female that needs to lay eggs (this can happen even if you don’t have a male around) but doesn’t have a place to dig them in, she might hesitate to proceed. That increases the risk of egg binding– a condition as critical as impaction.

That’s right! Every paludarium owner’s dream is to have an aesthetically pleasing ecosystem. With the Zoo Med excavator clay substrate, you’re able to mold and create terraces/burrows for your reptile.

Conclusion

On the other hand , impaction is easily prevented with the right substrate and food choices. There is no need for any leo to suffer or die of this terrible health issue just because of the wrong substrate. Reptile carpet is a popular substrate choice as it is soft, does not create dust, and provides a natural look. It’s also easy to clean, as you can remove it and wash it. Reptile carpet is a great option for young beardies who not only poop more often than older beardies but are also more likely to eat loose substrate.