Omg...it's been awhile, hasn't it?

[Kilala]

Hey, everybody! Wow, it's been awhile since my last post...I'm not dead though. And of course, I have a problem...seems like I can't do anything with my herps without feeling the need to consult you guys first...I'm so pathetic.

Anyways here's the problem: I want to do a complete change of the sand in my leopard gecko's (his name is Dexter, perhaps some of you remember him?) cage. Problem is, I'm completely out of sand. I won't use wood chips, god forbid he get a splinter or something. And the pet store sand isn't that cheap.

Question #1: Will play sand work just as well? Is there any specific kind of playsand to get? I live within walking distance of a home depot, so if I could save gas that would be cool (all the other places are really far, except for the pet store but the sand is ridiculously expensive).

Question #2: I realize that crushed walnut can cause an impaction. But I've got such a big bag full in my closet (long story, not pretty:toiletgra) that I'd hate to see it go to waste. If I smashed it up real good, like with a hammer or a pepper grinder, can I use it?

By the way, I never realized how well-organized this forum is. I lurked on kingsnake.com a bit, but I was completely disgusted with how it was set up. Everything was hard to find, the posts were hard to read, eyc. On top of that the people were mean. Cornsnakes.com rocks my socks! :cheers:

 

[Kilala]

Wow...35 views and not a single reply...

Perhaps my questions sound a bit stupid? Let me clarify...

I'm worried that playsand might have harmful stuff in it from being kept in a warehouse. I was hoping someone here could help me with this, I don't want to make any mistakes. And are there different kinds of sand? which would be best?

And as far as the crushed walnut goes...I wanted to know if I found a way to crush it even more (I'l figure something out...) could I use it in place of sand? Or is sand always better?

C'mon, please give me some advice!!!

 

[Rich in KY]

I don't know much about geckos, so I am just guessing here.

But since play sand is meant to be used for kids, I wouldn't think there would be anything harmful in it. Being from a place like Home Depot, I think it might be dusty and need to be rinsed off.

Again, I am only guessing. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will answer.

 

[Nanci]

Washed playsand is recommended for adult bearded dragons above all other types of sand, most of which are NOT recommended. If that helps.

You could post a thread with Leo Question in the title and probably find people who actually have them!

What about slate, though? Except if you are worried about expense- it's a little expensive, but then the maintenance is lovely! My daughter keeps her leos on slate.

 

[kathylove]

Yes, you are probably getting a lot of views by people who don't keep them, or don't have an answer for you.

Although I used to keep a few, I can't give you a specific answer either. But I have to agree that anything made for kids better not be too dangerous, or there will be lawsuits, lol!

I would be cautious about walnuts. I remember reading that gardeners use it as a mulch because it inhibits other seeds sprouting from some chemicals it produces. I don't know if it would have any effect on reptiles, but I would want to research it before trying it out.

I agree that a thread title with "leo substrate question" in it might get you more experienced replies.

 

[Kilala]

heh..thanks. I should've picked a better thread title... thanks for the replies though! I'll go with playsand..but I'm going to rinse it first.