Aspen Bedding for Beardies?

[Bighead]

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this one, but thought I'd check anyway. Would it be a bad idea to use aspen shavings with beardies? I use them for the rest of my herps and mice, rats, etc. so it would be convemient. I either hand feed crickets or put them in a bowl they can't get out of so they won't get lost in there. I also use a Reptarium and sand would get through the mesh. I'm using newspaper and/or paper towels right now. I'm assuming it's a bad idea, but I've never seen it cautioned against. Impaction? Thanks.

[Bighead]

P.S. Don't worry - I'm not using it for my leos or anoles.

[chamitch]

well, it absorbes moister. and moister is no good for a beardie. just get soem astro turf.

he could be fien but why risk there health.

peace

[eyespy]

Yes, impaction is one problem. Molds are another, beardies have very few natural defenses against fungi since they come from such a dry climate and anything wood-based carries the type of microscopic fungi that are very tough for beardies to fight off. Skin, respiratory and digestive system infections are fairly common for beardies kept on aspen and other wood-based substrates.

[Bighead]

OK. switched to astro turf. I got the outdoor carpet stuff at home depot. I know I've heard something negative about it before but I can't remember what. I've heard the edges can unravel and the beardies might eat it, but it doesn't seem to unravel for me. Anything els I should know?

[sheldon]

We recently switched to wheat bran for our beardies. It looks nice and is as easy as sand to mantain...cheap too!

[chamitch]

if you are worried abotu unravelign jsut sader teh edges. with a lighter or normal souder iron.