So i just switched my bearded dragons carpet out and replaced it with vita-sand. he's fine but for some reason he keeps licking the sand and eating it. is this usual for beardies?? will he eventually stop? is there any way to stop them?

DRAGONS ARE NOT REAL EVEN IF THEY HAVE A BREAD

My bearded dragons lick the sand when I put them in there with it. One of my tanks has paper towels and the other has the calcium sand and I switch them back and forth.They only lick it for the first hour usually, but I bet they probably do it when Im not looking sometimes. I think they know they need the calcium and they just take in as much as they need. Its perfectly fine. Mine are doing great. :)

Yes, it is normal. Mine did it all the time. Why? I have no idea. Only concern with sand is the risk of impaction.

Owner of Bearded Dragons.

Sand is never a good idea for bearded dragons. With them intentionally eating it, it is even worse. There are many horror stories of beardies getting impacted and even dying from ingesting sand. A lot of people use tile for their beardies. It is aesthetically pleasing and functional at the same time. Maybe you'd want to look into that? Good luck with 'em!