What To Look For In The Best Slate Tile Substrate. This will be especially helpful for those who hate trimming their pet's nails or have placed items such as rope hammocks in the enclosure that can catch their beardie's claws. A popular option at most pet stores, sand is one of the most frequently used substrates amongst owners. Ensure they are free from chemicals including fertilisers. Ground nut shells: These are also dusty and can lead to impaction if ingested. The sand in the trays should be free of chemicals and fertilisers. Summary and benefits: Tiles for bearded dragons, including slate tiles, are the absolute best all round floor surface. One of the biggest problems bearded dragon owners face when using tiles is that food and dirt can get caught between the tiles. To clean, hose down outside and then wash in a disinfectant solution. Wash them with dish soap and warm water. How Do I Clean And Disinfect Tiles? Some common loose substrate options include: - Commercially available sand and soil mixes. Trademark Innovations Slate Drink Coasters.
All the wood based substrates will trap fluids at the bottom of the substrate layer, many woods in this fine form can cause irritations, eaten they are dangerous and fumes can be an issue with many in heated environments. Excavator Clay (highly recommended). Whether slate, linoleum, or ceramic, tile is a great option for bearded dragon's substrate. This is what is referred to as impaction, and the health challenges that often result from it are usually life-threatening. Is Crushed Walnut Good for Bearded Dragons? Sand absorbs spills quickly and provides opportunities for the digging activities adding to environmental enrichment.
This is the case with slate tile for leopard geckos. It is possible to select an substrate suitable for a lizard tank's bottom. Then bake it in the oven for 30 minutes to an hour at 250 degrees. Read on to find out! Always keep in mind that once you have chosen a substrate you are not stuck. Note that even the textured porcelain tiles can be slippery when wet, which can make the enclosure difficult for your dragon to enjoy. There is potential the bearded dragon may be attempting to compensate for a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Hatchling bearded dragons will lick and taste everything in their enclosure, for this reason a loose substrate may not be appropriate for young beardies. Kathson Reptile Basking Platform. The Zen Mat is a great solid substrate choice because like slate it holds onto heat, but unlike slate, it has a rough surface which makes it easier for your animal to stand and not slip around.
Although bearded dragons are exposed to a lot of sand in their natural environment, they are not confined to a few feet of space take many opportunities to be off it. All my caves and ornaments are handmade and are not exact to the nature of slate been uneven, so each one will be slightly different. Slate provides an excellent grip, helping to trim down nails. Tiles can be a great substrate in a bearded dragon enclosure. Carpet can be purchased in a variety of colors and finishes. You have to clean the slate tile once or twice every week, which can be tiresome since you do not want to clean the whole enclosure. Or, perhaps you've selected your bearded dragon's substrate but need some advice on how to keep it from smelling and harboring bacteria and parasites?
If you can't maintain those temperatures, you may need a small ceramic heater. Summary and benefits: Artificial grass is great for bearded dragon floors. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? So, they easily get dirty, which may make your cleaning routine more frequent. Tiles can be an excellent floor substrate choice for your bearded dragon enclosure. Feeder insects will be able to get under newspaper to hide and it does not provide any natural environmental elements. Calcium carbonate can also neutralize stomach acid which can lead to digestive complications if swallowed. All edges are smoothed off for safely - pls wash off before using to remove any slate residue and trimming that may come lose during transit.
It is quick to clean and put back in the tank with ease. Are you looking to upgrade your bearded dragon's current enclosure? If you are creating a habitat for your bearded dragon, we highly recommend setting up your entire enclosure, before your pet arrives in its new home. 🤓Expert Tip: Don't let the name of popular brands like "Calci-Sand" fool you!
Combining solid and loose substrates together in an environment will provide enrichment that may encourage natural behaviours. To help with this, you may prefer a tree branch or one of the aforementioned substrates. Sand substrate is known to irritate other parts of the body in addition to the skin. Let waste sit for too long and the carpet will be past the point of simply spot cleaning. Disinfectant to have on hand. However, if you are able to remove waste in a timely manner and commit to a deep cleaning at least once a month, reptile carpet is your best bet. The paper will catch any dirt that may get through between the tiles, making it easier when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
This means you can easily and effortlessly customize your beardie's tank.