Sand?

[Lindsey]

I just had a question about using sand rather than chips. My pet store guy told me he was getting in this new reptile sand that is apparently parasite/bug free, very clean and is edible for the animal. Does anyone know anything about this stuff? I think he said it was an ExoTerra brand. Does anyone use sand for their snakes? Really, I'd just like any thoughts towards this. Thanks.
Lindsey

[Blu Mongoose]

Which are you referring to. Actual sand or this so-called edible bedding. Another point to add is what type of snake?? I myself would not keep a ball python on sand.

[tigerlily]

I'm not sure if you're referring to Calci-sand, but I wouldn't use it for most animals. Humidity being the biggest issue. I'm sure some people have used it successfully, but I wouldn't use it.

[Lindsey]

This sand is an all natural calcium substrate. (I went to the store today to get all of the info) It is 100% edible and digestible - the most soluble calcium carbonate - it's in spherical grains so it is OK to use with snakes (their scales) - its' 100% natural (no dyes or chemicals) - silica and phosphate free - contains strontium, magnesium and potassium - and should be replaced every 6 months.


K that's that

With the humidity thing too, I use a electronic humidifier which keeps the whole room at 60% humidity.

[tigerlily]

I'd still say no... sand getting inbetween scales, difficulty cleaning properly after bm/urination, and inability to control the intake of vitamins (which aren't necessary).

I use newspaper, and may eventually go to the corrogated cardboard. I love it for the ease of use and cleaning. Anytime there is urates/bm I can do a complete cage cleaning in no time.

[Shaun J]

The pet store guy proabably doesnt know Calci Sand is even WORSE than regular sand because I've heard it is less digestible.

Don't ever listen to pet stores.

[4theSNAKElady]

BPkid, I can attest to your comment. I used to keep my rosy boas on that calci-sand stuff. However, when I lost a baby girl due to impaction from the stuff, I quickly switched, and will never again use sand for any snakes ever again.....even my Kenyan sand boas are on crushed walnut.

[CTReptileRescue]

The only thing that Calci sands and the like are good for is waisting your hard earned money. If your going to use sand use playground sand, it's cheaper and as much of a danger for impaction (it can happen with any brand of sand).
I wouldn't use sand for a snake. all else fails and you don't want to use papertowel or newspaper, get some cypress mulch.
Rusty

[SarahMB]

We kept our first BP on that sand, and it was horrid. It says it clumps, but it doesn't. The pee would stay in a puddle on top of the sand, and the snake would go through it and get it all over the tank.
She also ended up with an inverted cloaca, I have no idea if the sand had anything to do with that. But she did pee out bits of the sand for a long time after I switched her to newspaper.
That stuff was the biggest mess, I would never buy it again.

[iceman25]

I've never used any tpye of fine grained substrate. I've read online that sand or the like can get stuck in between their scales and can lead to abrasions or infections. I'm not really sure about the validity of this because I have never used it and have never seen it have an adverse effect on a snake in person. I would however err on the side of caution and stick with the other recommended substrates.