queiry on beddding/wood

Question
hiya,we have two chinese water dragons and wonderd if it is it ok to use normal garden wood chippings for bedding and wood out of garden for vivariuem or do they have to be specicaly treated? thanxs

Answer
Hello David, wood chips of any sort are not recommended for Water Dragons. Most importantly Pine and Cedar are poisonous and must be avoided at all costs. Wood chips or shavings can be dangerous if accidently ingested and can also give them eye infection when it gets kicked up into their eyes. The safest substrate is reptile carpet or linoleum/tile flooring. But if you are looking for something safe and natural try Eco Earth coconut fiber, I use it for both of my Chinese Water Dragons. It holds in humidity, is easier to flush out of their eyes if it gets stuck and easier for them to digest if they accidently eat some. Another option with the same benefits is Organic Potting Soil sold for vegetable gardens, no pesticides or chemicals just plain soil.

As for the wood you can use it again as long as its not pine or cedar. It must be sanitized first adn can not just be put into the viv as is. Put it in a tub or container with a bleach and cold water solution mostly water soak it and scrub it. Then rinse it VERY well so you can no longer smell bleach. If its a sunny hot day then put it on a table or blanket outside in the sun to bake off and evaporate any left bleach. Rinse with water again. If its not sunny or if you would like a safer way of doing it you can put it in the oven at 350F for 15-30 minutes to evaporate the bleach and kill any other living things. This should be sterile enough to put into the vivarium (after it has cooled of course) if it is too big try a large BBQ as long as it doesn't catch the wood on fire.


Best of luck,
Yexalen