So i decided to look it up for myself and this is what i got!!!!!!
First site:
Substrates -
Most shops also provide a selection of reptile bedding and sand. (We suggest following the 'prey size rule' when selecting a substrate.)
Site 3:
Substrate is another very important factor in keeping a healthy Dragon. Babies and juveniles are particularly at risk of impaction and are often kept on paper towels or newspaper, as they are easy to dispose of and clean up after, and there is no risk of the baby ingesting substrate. Tile is another popular choice, as is reptile carpet and also nonadhesive shelf liner. As the Dragon gets older it can be put on finely sifted play sand. Calcium sand is often used, but is also reported to be a cause of impaction due to 'clumping' in the gut if ingested, while play sand will pass straight through a well fed individual. Rabbit food pellets, made of alfalfa, are the recommended choice by most breeders as they are digestible and also easy to clean up. Walnut Shells should never be used, though they are natural they cannot be digested and are highly likely to cause impaction. Wood chips, and anything else of that sort are never to be used. They are large, with sharp edges, and can be swallowed. They are not digestible, however, and will swell and clog the gut, causing a very painful and potentially fatal impaction.
First site:
Substrates -
Most shops also provide a selection of reptile bedding and sand. (We suggest following the 'prey size rule' when selecting a substrate.)
- Reptile Bark/Bedding -
This is definitely not a good idea. Crickets can hide under the bark, resulting in the dragon not getting its full meal and the possibility of the crickets coming out at night and bothering the dragon. Another major reason is that the dragon could accidentally ingest a piece of bark, which would result in terminal ingestion. Children's Play Sand -
We have found this to be an economically affordable and low maintenance substrate for dragons. Simply 'scoop' the poop and replace the sand, as it is visually needed. For hatchlings, be sure to run the sand through a window screen to eliminate any tiny pebbles that they may decide to taste. (If you do not sift and your dragon ingests a pebble, it will most likely result in terminal ingestion) There are many types of sand available in different grain sizes. We use fine grain children’s sterilized play sand in our cages. Be sure that there are no silica warnings on the bag before purchasing it. Reptile Carpet -
This works well and looks nice. It is fairly easy to clean also - even easier if you have more than 1 piece cut to fit in the cage. The only downfall is that dragons normally pass a bowel movement every day - requiring the cleaning and replacement of the carpet and decorations on a daily basis. Newspaper/Paper -
This is a good idea if you are concerned about ease of cleaning and cost. It is not the 'prettiest' set-up for your tank, but it works well. *The ink in the newspaper will NOT harm your dragon - its non-toxic. It may give them dirty-looking feet, but that is about all. Be aware that crickets will hide under the newspaper.
- Second site:
- Substrate
Substrate is a hotly debated area of bearded dragon care. For juveniles, any loose substrate includind sand should be avoided, as there is too great a risk of ingestion (accidental while eating or out of curiosity) and sumbsequest intestinal impaction. Paper toweling, papers, or indoor outdoor carpeting can all be used (make sure there are no loose threads on carpeting). For adults, washed play sand (available at hardware stores; not fine silica sand) can be used if desired, although paper or indoor-outdoor carpet works fine too. Do not use wood shavings, corn cob, walnut shell, or other substrates that could cause problems if swallowed.
Site 3:
Substrate is another very important factor in keeping a healthy Dragon. Babies and juveniles are particularly at risk of impaction and are often kept on paper towels or newspaper, as they are easy to dispose of and clean up after, and there is no risk of the baby ingesting substrate. Tile is another popular choice, as is reptile carpet and also nonadhesive shelf liner. As the Dragon gets older it can be put on finely sifted play sand. Calcium sand is often used, but is also reported to be a cause of impaction due to 'clumping' in the gut if ingested, while play sand will pass straight through a well fed individual. Rabbit food pellets, made of alfalfa, are the recommended choice by most breeders as they are digestible and also easy to clean up. Walnut Shells should never be used, though they are natural they cannot be digested and are highly likely to cause impaction. Wood chips, and anything else of that sort are never to be used. They are large, with sharp edges, and can be swallowed. They are not digestible, however, and will swell and clog the gut, causing a very painful and potentially fatal impaction.
- So preety much after reading alot of different sites i think the sand should be removed untill it is a full adult and put either newspaper,carpet or paper towel.
- Hope this helps!


