Is switching an older leopard gecko to bioactive substrate safe?

As long as the bark pieces are large enough, the chosen substrate should be fine. Small bark pieces could be accidentally ingested though, so care must be taken when feeding. Other options include reptile carpet or a moss/soil mix.

Hi, Most likely he will not get impacted, but I would watch him closely for the next few days. I would suggest switching the substrate to something less hazardous like yesterday's news or artificial turf. It may not look as nice as the sand, but is safer. P.S. What a nice pattern Snuggles has :)

Thanks for reaching out about Blep. Using a aquarium as a terrarium should work well. Hamsters don't have anything that could be transmitted to a gecko, just clean out well. For geckos, husbandry is paramount, providing the correct temperature zone, UVB radiation exposure, humidity and diet will provide the best results. Good luck.

Give him a good soak (20-30 minutes) in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide hydration and warm him up which may stimulate his appetite. An exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet is always recommended for "new" pets or pets that may be ill or injured. Offer food about an hour or 2 after the heat lamp comes on in the morning. This will allow him to warm up and he will be more likely to eat what is offered. Use a variety of prey if possible. This can include crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worms and the occasional superworm. Superworms are good to feed if you have a skinny gecko that needs to put on weight. Review additional care info here: http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html

A 10 gallon tank can be purchased in the local Petco for less than twenty dollars ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fish/fish-aquariums-kits/aquariums-up-to-ten-gallons/aqueon-standard-glass-aquarium-tank-10-gallon ). It would be easier to keep and secure than a laundry hamper. Given the temps required for geckos, plastic may not be the best option either. You will need a a heat lamp for day use and maybe a heat source if nighttime temperatures drop below 70 F. You can use slate, reptile carpet, plain paper towels or a coconut fiber substrate. Review gecko care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/

Although some expert may disagree, as long as Ash isn't ingesting the calcium sand then you can continue to use it. Calcium sand is not the same as play sand which would not be recommended. If you don't want to use calcium sand, consider slate, reptile carpet or even paper towels for easy cleaning.

Reptile carpet, paper towels, butcher paper or even slate can be used as a substrate in iguana enclosures. If you choose reptile carpet/turf, be sure there are no strings or loose ends which could snag a toe or limb.