Calci-Sand

[jennasaur]

I wasn't really sure where this should go. I was at the pet store and a woman came in with an iguana. The people at the pet store told her to buy calci-sand. I've been told that calci-sand or any type of sand isn't good for iguanas. So I told her that the carpeting would be better. But the people insisted and she bought the sand. Am I wrong about the calci- sand? Is it good for iguanas?

[SurvivorSteph]

You are absolutely correct. The REASON the sand, or any particulate substrate ("bedding" that's made up of particles), is bad is that iguanas can--and will-- eat it. They constantly tongue flick and the particles will stick to their tongues. A few grains of sand isn't really a problem; the problem comes from the continual ingestion of a "few grains" thereby building up inside the gut and causing a blockage (called impaction) that the iguana can't pass when it goes to the bathroom.

Next time you're in the same situation, you'll be equipped to explain why sand is bad; which will hopefully make the customer realize that you know more than the pet store employee.

[Merlin]

Some pet stores will tell people ANYTHING to make a sale!
There is no particulate substrate that is safe for iguanas!