Sometimes it is simply just trial and error, exact ratios are only a guide, as Az said some people like the sub to be more loose (especially if they are intending to use live plants at a later stage) or to encourage digging behaviour, others prefer it more compact to prevent bits getting stuck between runners etc. It is personal preference how you do it.how exactly do you measure? knowing i wouldnt be able to get it bang on i tried do focus on 50/50, using a large 4kg protein tub i added half and half of each several times and give it a mix before adding to my viv. still end result it mostly looks like alot more sand over top soil
What we are saying is that you have to consider the animal you are getting and get a substrate thats suitable for it.Are we saying that ingested wooden bark such as orchid bark now pose no problems for impaction ??
I'm sure I read somewhere that whilst snakes can digest bones , beaks and feathers they can't digest wood !!?
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I've wanted to use clay for my ackie, but was told if it gets damp or wet it sticks to their toes, interferes with shedding, and they end up losing toes. Thoughts? Anyone? Surely the sandy dirt in Australia has clay in it? That one scared me out of using it though. And I have a huge bag of excavator clay just sitting there:sad:Your current substrate is really not suitable for a bearded dragon, you should be looking at a sand/soil mix (and clay content if possible).
Proper husbandry routines will mean it wont dry out, clay content will help it hold and retain both moisture and shape.
Wood chips are dangerous for beardies, and are the number one cause of impaction through ingestion of a foreign object with reptiles.
Shredded corn is not something i am personally familiar with, im hoping its like a hay or hemp like material, rather than corn husks which are not digestable and also known to be impaction risks due to how it doesnt breakdown in the gut and it can absorb water and swell causing a blockage.
The most important thing about substrates is choosing one thats suitable for the animal and also seeks to recreate something like their natural environment.