Reptiles/bearded dragon

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Expert: Yexalén - 9/24/2007


Question
I have my beardy on filtered(by me) playsand. Got him around 5" now he is 10"; eats well(veggies and worms and crickets)and is alert and has shed a few times. Why do some people say sand is bad when they come from desert arid areas?

Answer
Hello Mike, the reason why sand is bad (any type of sand) is because in the wild the sand is a "population control" factor. If accidently ingested sand of any sort can gum up in the intestines and clog everything up and if not caught in time can be fatal. It is a very horrible way to die and it causes the animal to suffer. Some adult dragons can digest it while smaller dragons have less of a chance.
In the wild it causes the lifespan to shorten by years compared to some properly cared for captive bearded Dragons.

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Yexalén

Expertise

I can answer any care, habits, housing, breeding, egg keeping, supplies, and feeding questions you may have on Australian and Chinese(Green) Water Dragons, Bearded Dragons, Chameleons, Leopard Geckos, Anoles, Skinks, Moniters, Most Geckos, Uromastyx, and other lizards. I can also research any other question you might have and questions about semi-aquatic turtles. I can not answer medical questions or questions on snakes and only some questions about frogs/toads. I can research snake, frog, toad and medical questions to the full extent but can not give you an answer only a link to help you find what you are looking for. I prefer not to answer questions on wild caught animals unless it was a rescue mission. Taking animals out of their wild habitat for your own fun is not something I like to deal with. Please if you want a reptile pet go to a breeder or a good pet store and do your research FIRST! Thanks--------------------------------------------- I am here to help and there is no such thing as a stupid question or too many questions. I would prefer you ask as many as you can to ensure your animal is getting the proper care and is happy and as healthy as ever. Thanks for caring.

Experience

Have owned several reptiles over the course of 5 years. Always researching and learning new things in this subject.

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Have researched and owned reptiles for over 5 years. I have been involved in many q&a sites such as this one and leaded in best answers. I belong to many reptile groups and forums. I am always researching new topics on all types of reptiles. I love to read and learn in order to answer questions to the best of my ability.

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