Pet Lizards and Reptiles - Cage Accessories and Substrates

Generally when choosing cage accessories for yourSubstrates are another consideration when
pet lizard, you want things that closely resemble theaccessorizing your reptile cage. Cage carpets are a
type of environment your pet lizard comes from infavorite since they are easy to clean and if you have
nature. Even though your reptiles are usually bred inmore than one, you can replace the carpet while the
captivity, you still want them to feel secure in theirother is drying. Other substrates are clean white
surroundings and have the terrarium be pleasing topaper, calcium sand, and rabbit pellets.
the eye.Don't use substrates that a lizard cannot digest like
Always buy your cage accessories from a reputablecorn cob bedding,wood chips or any type of
reptile supply company. You don't want to purchaseshavings. These types of bedding are not designed
items that have been brought in from outsidefor your pet reptile, snake or lizard. When your pet
without being properly treated. Many items purchasedlizard tries to eat a cricket, some of the shavings or
in a pet store are made out of resin. The resin rocksbark could be ingested at the same time, and cause
are easy to sterilize especially if you have more thana bowel blockage. This can severely injure your pet
one cage, and you want to move the accessorieslizard.
from cage to another.The only type of sand that is safe for bearded
Bearded dragons love the smooth grape vinedragons is the calcium sand. It will say that is safe for
branches that have been specially treated for thepet lizards. Again use caution when purchasing sand
purpose of your pet lizard basking under a heat lamp.for your hatchling Beardie. If too much sand is
Make sure the branch is not so tall that your lizardingested, it can cause terminal internal damage.
can burn it self under the lamp.The safest and easiest substrate is either the reptile
Never use heat rocks for your pet lizards. Heat rockscarpet or clean white paper. We chose the green
can cause severe burns and cause internal damage toreptile carpet with a heavy resin basking rock than
your reptile. Always use a heat lamp that your lizardgives our Beardie something to hide under along with
can bask under.a grape vine branch that she loves to hang out on.