Sand in sulcata hatchling substrate?

[badger16]

I've read several times not to use any sand as substrate for my sulcata hatchlings, but now I'm reading that I should use like 50/50 soil to sand ratio combo as a substrate for them. Can anyone weigh in on this please. I have 2 Sulcatas. 1 is about 3inches and the other is only about 2.5 inches. I want the best substrate possible for them. Please give me your advice folks. Am I gonna have impacting problems if I use sand like this? Should I use any cypress mulch? Or does that run the risk of being too moist?

 

[Jacqui]

I think 50/50 is to high a ratio. I would suggest more like 20 or no more then 30% sand. I use it in all my enclosures, as I do not like cypress for a base substrate (I use it in patches), as I think the cypress is too big of hunks, too sharp, too hard to burrow into, ect.., The sand mixed into the soil or coir, should not at the lower ratio, be a danger if your animal is correctly hydrated and is eating well. All substrates of course, carry some risk of impaction.

 

[badger16]

Thanks Jacqui!