What should I use??

[Maize411]

I've collected (with the help of my boyfriend) some really nice things for my uromastyx tank..I'm trying to give him as close to a natural desert setting as I can..I've collected some good cactus plants (fake), a skull (just coo looking), Rock hide, and some pile stones...Now I want to switch his substrate..right now I have him on Alf alfa meal bedding..but it's not natural looking at all and throws off the whole look..I know people have mentioned millet being the best choice..but bird seed to me doesn't seem that natural looking either..so I'm here to ask..what could I use that could give a natural look to his tank? I know I simply cannot use calcium sand as I've heard nothing but bad things about it..so I know that's out..I have found one that included crushed wal-nut shells..I'm not sure if this is good or not but it is something that would be more natural then bird seed..then I was told that play sand is a good choice to...I don't want to harm him or put him at risk of any kind..but I do want his tank to look a little more..natural..so what do you guys suggest?:shrugs::shrugs:

 

[mele2511]

I dont know if this is bad but what about play sand from a sand pit. I am sure there are other kinds of sand made just for your animal. Try having a good look on www.livefood.co.uk , They seem to have just about anything.

 

[Nanci]

Crushed walnut shells cause impaction. You should probably stick with the safer substrates especially while he is a baby. The benefit of birdseed is it's easy to clean, he gets to munch it, and you can even recycle it by feeding it to birds when it's time to change it! I bet if you went to somewhere that sells seed, like a feed store or even a bird store or wild bird store, you could blend your own mix in a desert-y color that matched your furnishings!

 

[djfreebase]

If your going for a desert look try "Zoo med repti sand" i think it comes in a variety of colours.

 

[Matthew]

While I'm not a fan of particle substrates for MOST lizards, a Uro isn't one I shy away from them with. Uro's aren't as prone to licking everything in sight like Beardies and Leos are, though Juvies tend to lick a little. They also tend to be more vegetarian than insectivorous, so the chance of them getting a mouthful of sand going after a cricket is less likely than other lizards. That said, even though they're a desert animal, Uro's tend to stay away from overly sandy areas if they can avoid it, so using sand because 'it's natural' as an excuse isn't quite appropriate.

I like sand the best because it retains heat, making it a little easier to obtain the high degree basking spot Uro's love. It's a cheap substrate to replace and spot clean and to the human mind, it does look a little more aesthetic than other particles.

The impaction risk is still there with sand, though. Less of a problem than with other lizards, but if you're worried about it...go with Millet. It takes a little getting used to looking at it, but it's a nice, soft substrate that's easy to clean and is completely digestible.

Of course, you could always use non-adhesive shelf-liner or paper towels or regular old paper.

I'd stay away from crushed walnut shells. Whoever made that crap and marketed it to lizard owners should be hung upside down from his big toes.

^^ Okay, so I'm not serious about the toes thing, but the stuff is the worst choice ever. Piece of walnut shell goes down, it takes an act of god for it to come back out.

Hope some of that helped...

 

[Maize411]

Thanks guys..I think I'm gonna go with Nanci's idea and see what kind of bird seed I can find that could match what I am looking for..this way I know my llittle guy is staying healthy..I am never going to put him in a dangerous situation if it can be avoided :0)

 

[tricksterpup]

For our Uro we use alfalfa pellets, aka Rabbit food. It works great at absorption and if he eats it, its ok.

 

[Maize411]

That is what I am currently using as well..but I'm probably going to switch over to millet and bird seed..but thank you :0)