Is Sand Bad for Leopard Geckos?

Having sand in leopard gecko enclosures is controversial in reptile care communities, but why? And should you avoid it? Jessi and her friends Freckles and Jelly the leopard geckos explain what this is all about.

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[CosmicFisherman]

I don’t like sand, It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere.

[WickedWildlife]

we get this question with bearded dragons all the time, living in Australia most people keep beardies on sand, where as social media is full of people against it, mind you mostpeople here use real desert sand

[ProfJCsCritters]

Thank you!!! People need to understand the dangers of calcisand, and not generalize about *all* sand. (Providing that people provide proper care...)

[Thiriously]

We had a Snow Leopard Gecko and he was on black aquarium sand with big plastic gems riddled throughout the substrate and multiple hides. It was always adorable to watch him discover the gems, he'd glance down and investigate before continuing with his day but he'd also continue to discover them even when he was used to them. It was adorable.

[losandersox]

I own a leopard gecko and I house her on a type of loose substrate called Arid Earth - it’s quite a good substrate if you want a loose substrate,
Either way, this video is filled with information! ♥️🐾

[Lerrae]

My number one tip when people seek husbandry advice for substrates in any species: if it digs or burrows it NEEEDS something to dig in, ao avoid the paper towel/sterile situation. For everything else, precenting neurotic behaviors is key via enrichment. But the most important factor by far is to keep heat and humidity correct - reptiles can deal with a LOT so long as those two factors are correct!

[enrichmentandbeyond]

I appreciate so much how thoroughly Jessi addressed this question! Yes or No would not have explained this enough.

[Ravenzpeak]

Your channel has the best content! Thanks so much Jessi!

[GeekyGeckoCreations]

Hey Jesse just wondering if you see "sand" in ur geckos poo if that is bad or if that is "passing thru" naturally? I use play sand and have basking spots of 90-93 about - is it not warm enough? thank you!

[veledwin]

I hope the same applies to sand boas? There's a lot of conflicting information on sand's compatibility as a substrate for them. I keep mine on sand without issues, but I moniter him closely and feed him on a dish to be safe.

[woutert]

I'm quite happy with the hardened clay-like substrate I've started using for my leopard geckos in the past year. When you first pour it into your enclosure, it's loose and you can create some variation in your environment but once it dries up, it forms a hardened, rock-like substrate with a very thin loose layer on it. It still looks deserty but there's no threat of impaction, though I've never had that problem on sand either. It's really good stuff to create (termite) mounds or hills with as well.

[brandongibbons]

Jesse, you and your team are so good at what you do. Keep up the great work. I'm sure many animals lives have been improved all over the world by you collective efforts :)

[AdornThyHeadset]

Great video! I've had a gecko for nearly 16 years now and have always kept her on sand (not calci-sand) without issue. However, last year I decided to add terrarium carpeting to half her tank and I now try to feed her only in a bowl. She's happy either way!

[frankynstein]

I initially started out using calci sand as instructed when i first got my leopard gecko. When I started finding sand in his poop I switched him to reptile carpet, which he loves. It transfers the heat from the underfloor heat mat well without overheating, it's washable and makes cleaning time much quicker, which is great for both of us! His claws don't get stuck in it at all - probably because he has lots of rocks and logs to climb on and keep them short!

[makala]

I used the green felt mat for my Leo when he was smaller because I was afraid of impaction. But now that he’s an adult, I use Zoo Med Vita-Sand and he seems to really enjoy it. I also hand feed him most of the time just to be on the safe side.

[aidenphillips]

Thank you so much for this information! It’s the hallelujah of my day, I love having a natural feel for my two Leo’s and have never had any problems with them eating it as they have fair aim. But have had a lot of trouble with people attacking me about using it. It makes me feel better knowing other people who have more knowledge on the topic put the information out there so those who do use sand have defense and proof they can in fact use sand. 👍

[denisesheppard]

Thank you so much! I "inherited" my son's leopard gecko when he moved out. I have been wanting to upgrade his habitat but was unsure about what kind of sand and other things to include. I've already given him some different rocks and moved his heat lamp to one end directly over the rock he likes to stretch out on. Now I have even more knowledge and ideas!

[amys]

I wish you had posted this years ago! I never quite understood our leopard gecko.

[fenrkinex]

My 2 year old 9 inch male Leo just got switched to sand when I upgraded his tank, and I hope it works out for him. He has his calcium dish and a variety diet including crickets, super worms, and the occasional pinky when my snake is being a punk.

[thzaaaamthzadddy]

I used cleaned play sand (non-calcium) and wanna mix organic topsoil in it to make it denser, do you think that’s a good idea?