The JRS Pet's Dream Extra XXL Beechwood Substrate for Reptiles and Large Birds is a coarse beechwood chip substrate for terrariums and aviaries, made by JRS in Germany - the chunky grade meant for larger reptiles, snakes and big birds rather than for rodents.

Key Features

• Beechwood granulate in a large chip size, which is why it is called XXL. It does not pack down the way fine shavings do.
• For terrariums and aviaries: larger reptiles, snakes and large birds such as parrots.
• Highly absorbent, and JRS states it binds odour and stays reliably dry.
• Low dust, which matters in a closed terrarium or an indoor aviary.
• JRS states its plant-fibre treatment helps prevent mould and fungi forming in the substrate.
• Light for its volume, so a 40 litre bag is easy to carry and easy to spread.
• Ingredients: beechwood granulate, nothing else.
• Made in Germany - the pack carries the Premium Quality, Made in Germany mark.

How To Use

• Spread an even layer across the floor of the terrarium or the aviary tray.
• Spot out soiled areas daily and turn the surface over so damp patches do not sit.
• Replace the whole layer regularly - more often in a humid or heavily used enclosure.
• Keep it clear of heat mats, ceramic bulbs and basking lamps.

Good To Know

• Feed reptiles off a tile, a dish or in a separate container. Loose chip substrate gets swallowed along with food, and impaction is a serious and sometimes fatal problem in lizards and snakes.
• Not the right substrate for species that need to burrow into damp bedding, for very small or juvenile reptiles that might swallow a chip, or for a bioactive setup unless you already know it works there.
• Wood chip holds moisture. In a humid setup it can go mouldy under the surface despite the treatment, so turn it over and check beneath regularly.
• In a bird cage or aviary, change it before it gets damp. Droppings plus warm damp wood is exactly how aspergillosis takes hold in birds.
• Loose wood substrate burns. Keep it well away from heat sources and never let it touch a basking bulb or a ceramic emitter.
• This is a JRS Pet's Dream product, not part of the Chipsi small-animal range - different line, different wood, different purpose.
• Store the bag sealed and dry.
• Reptiles and birds hide illness. Refusing food, laboured or open-mouthed breathing, a change in droppings or sitting fluffed up all need a vet who sees exotics, and quickly.