Many experience mold and bacteria problems. The activity may occur during the day, or you may only hear it at night. Then, youll have to worry about infection. Unfortunately, many bearded dragon owners strongly advise against the loose particle substrates. Plastic or disposable boxes are just fine. Theyre a perfect choice for beardie owners who have a busy schedule and want an easy way to clean the cage. If you have a female bearded dragon digging up the floor, and you are wondering why this new behavior has begun, it may be time for them to lay eggs. Allows you to construct mounds and tunnels for your pet's enjoyment. OddlyCutePets is not a veterinary website, nor is the author Wesley Oaks a veterinarian. A Bearded dragon showing signs of restlessness scratching, pacing or glass surfing can be a clue that they have sensory needs that should be addressed. Beardies arent the cleanest eaters around. Carpet is available in a range of colors and finishes. Pellets are quite absorbent, too. The best types of tile to use as bearded dragon substrate are ceramic, slate, and linoleum. If the tank is too hot, your beardie may dig and hide, which is why the temperature should be adjusted accordingly. There is no risk of impaction with adult bearded dragons if you use non-silica sands. Remember, your dragon can lay clutches of anywhere from five to 20 or more eggs at a time, so shes going to be a bit stressed out both mentally and physically! Perfect for all indoor and outdoor projects. But with the low cost of newspapers, its not a huge deal. They can often be seen using their claws to dig and scratch in the corner, and they may sometimes even seem to be digging to make a home in the corner. Calcium sand is advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand. Female bearded dragons, after a certain age, can lay eggs. Were the substrate to the point that you could make a sand castle. While its tempting, dont put the carpet into your washing machine. Youll want the box to be at least 4 inches deep and filled with substrate think warm and damp material like soil or sand. And avoid using it for bearded dragon babies. How do I clean a ceramic tile for bearded dragons? There are other options for bearded dragon substrates, but a sterile soil mix is best because it can harbor bacteria and other organisms that can be harmful to your pet. Reduces odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water. After all, shes expecting! If you are comfortable with your bearded dragon, introduce him to the dig box. In case youre unaware, the substrate acts as the flooring for your beardies enclosure. You have to do your part to understand what works and what doesnt. Free to a good home in the Asheville, NC area. Usually, bearded dragons will lay more eggs during their breeding season in the summer, but it is normal for them to develop and lay multiple clutches any time of year. Some of the popular substrates in this category include: Ill not expound on these substrates because most of them are in the next section. For the most part, wed recommend having a smaller, separate enclosure available to transfer your dragon into when she shows signs of being ready to lay her clutch, like digging and pacing back and forth. However, if youre using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon lays her clutch. When the ambient temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bearded dragons experience brumation or torpor (reduced activity). And calcium carbonate is designed for ingestion and not for the skin. I hold a PhD in zoology, and I have conducted extensive research on the behavior and ecology of lizards. Many of them arent suitable for bearded dragons. When they are irritated, they puffing up and surfing the waves of glass. Never attempt to breed baby or juvenile bearded dragons, as their undeveloped bodies arent capable of safely producing and laying eggs at this point of their development. This will help encourage the dragon to lay as well as lighten some of the work load as it can be a very tiring process for them. Take your time to really scrub the carpet clean. The best soil to use in a dig box is a substrate specifically designed for reptiles. But what should you put in a bearded dragon dig box? It doesnt soak up any liquid, but the gravel does have tiny nooks and crannies for messes to fall through. As any bearded dragon owner knows, these majestic creatures are not only amazing pets but also prolific egg-layers. The main benefits of sand and soil are they are soft enough to lay on and finely ground sufficient to retain the right amount of moisture, making them perfect for your dragon to dig around and bury her eggs in comfortably and safely. A dig box is an enclosure filled with substrate that the dragon can dig in and explore. Its purpose is to mimic the warm, damp sand wild bearded dragons typically bury their eggs in the wild. To transport things in a smaller container, instead of using a small cage, consider a cloth bag or Styrofoam box. The burrowing behaviors of bearded dragons are natural. Should You Use Sand For A Bearded Dragon? Compatibility This substrate for most reptiles: geckos, lizards, snakes, bearded dragons, tortoises, etc. Although its generally not a great idea to use loose substrate for your dragons standard enclosure, for a dig box, loose, damp substrates are perfect. And dont forget, loose, damp substrates are perfect for the dig box just not for your dragons standard enclosure! This material not only appears natural, but it also has a long lifespan and can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations. The corner also provides good traction, and because the walls of the tank are cool, digging in the corner can be beneficial to the animal. A basking lamp placed on one end of the dig box will provide the perfect temperature gradient for your dragon to thermoregulate. Already know what it is, but not sure which type is the best? Once she has laid her clutch, you can gently transfer them to a incubator. You should have materials to build a dig box on hand and know how to quickly prepare an ideal laying environment for your lizard in case this happens. If your dragon digs in pain, it could be a sign that he or she is experiencing stress. The biggest perk is its low cost and easy maintenance. Not only that, but those flecks of waste can easily fall through the sand and collect at the bottom of the enclosure. Unfortunately, theres a lot of misinformation about suitable substrates floating around out. If youve paired your female with a male dragon recently, you already probably know to keep an eye on her for any sudden weight gain or unusual behavior. 7 Likely Reasons, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mice? Be sure to remove any uneaten food and waste from the dig box to keep the soil fresh and sanitary. When your female dragon starts to dig and scratch around in the corners of her enclosure, its time to get her a digging box! Paper towels can get pricey, especially these days with pandemic-driven shortages. Your bearded dragon cant live in its own filth. Not only that, but theres no way to improve your lizards grip. Remember, the right substrate can make a big impact on the overall healthy and comfort of your beardie. Premium quality: SunVilla is a marvelous, multi-purpose and very durable superior quality artificial grass/turf Brand, made of Advanced UV resistant Yarn, polyethylene fabric and durable latex backing, All materials come from the top suppliers All over the world and strictly tested in our laboratory. For most average-sized female dragons, a 15 x 15 inch box or so is sufficient for her to move around comfortably yet not feel overwhelmed by its size. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful pathogens. This is mainly for her comfort, as youll be removing the eggs immediately anyway to either put in an incubator or dispose of if theyre infertile. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! Like sand and other loose-particle substrates, wood chips will lead to impaction issues if ingested. A lot of people use sand. If your bearded dragon digs a lot, it could be a sign that hes not feeling well. From the proper substrate to the boxs overall construction to how to make your beloved beardie feel comfortable and safe while she prepares to lay her clutch, well cover everything you need to know in-depth. Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. Its a permanent substrate material that you never have to replace, too. There will also be several marked changes in her behavior, so dont be too surprised if she becomes a bit more lethargic until shes ready to finally lay her clutch. Dont use sand as a normal substrate, especially with young beardies, as they tend to ingest the sand and get impacted, which may cause severe health issues if not taken care of. This is especially with the baby bearded dragons who may ingest the particles because theyre not good hunters yet. There are calcium-based reptile sands on the market, such as Vita-Sand. It matters because they are trying to scratch an internal itch that we can reach by presenting them with a simple cognitive task. If youre like most people, you probably think of your female dragon as a sweet and gentle creature. 1. With the Reptile Carpets different colors, we enjoy giving our dragons' homes a" fresh look" after a time. Some say its, 11 Types Of Chameleons That Make The Best Pets, Why Choosing The Right Substrate Is Important, Zoo Med Eco Carpet Bearded Dragon Substrate, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries? So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. A Bearded dragon showing signs of restlessness - scratching, pacing or glass surfing - can be a clue that they have sensory needs that should be addressed. A dig box provides an activity that expels excess energy and prevents self-injurious behavior. Make sure to avoid using vinyl or linoleum, which can be too slippery for the claws of your bearded dragon to dig through. While lots of dark, leafy greens are ideal, other veggies like squash, bell peppers, and green beans will also give her some variety in her diet. I do not because its messy. Dig box substrate? 10 Key Signs, How to Clean Your Pet Turtles Shell & Skin Safely, Reasons Why My Turtle Isnt Eating and How to Help, What Do Baby Turtles Eat? Bearded Dragon Digging Box: Substrate, Size, & Guide. Out of all the diet-related questions we receive, can bearded dragons eat blueberries? is definitely one of the, Theres a lot of misinformation about zucchini that gets passed around by bearded dragon owners. Do Beardies Like Digging? Prepare A Box What To Do With The Box Step 2. Stick to high-quality carpets that have tightly woven fibers. Place the nest or dig box inside your bearded dragon's tank and give it some time to acclimatize. These are obviously the most affordable options, and the beauty of it is that cleaning the cage will be easy-peasy. Expert Tip: Now, if youre using tile, the deep cleaning process is going to be a bit different! But before you can bring your new dragon home, you need to prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging box. Tile doesnt even retain moisture. Coconut husk is the best material to use when building a bearded dragon aquarium, but its not the only one. You can use rocks, logs, or even commercial reptile hide boxes to create sheltered areas for your dragon to relax in. Youll be surprised at how efficient and safe it is. Most of a bearded dragons body length is derived from its thin tails, which make it appear similar to a dog. You might even see some products touting additional ingredients like strontium, potassium, or magnesium. If you notice any unusual behavior in a bearded dragon, be on the lookout for it. This includes the substrate. , Your email address will not be published. Many bearded dragon owners arent aware beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. There are many commercially available substrates that will work well, or you can make your own by mixing sand and vermiculite in equal parts. Break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill your box 2-3-inches from the top. Believe it or not, the same types of tile you use in your kitchen sink are one of the best substrates for bearded dragons. It doesnt take much for bacteria, parasites, and viruses to take over. Its much finer than sand. Put in the simplest terms, substrate is to your bearded dragons habitat as a floor is to your home. 6 users answered this survey. Package including:2 sheets Size:19.7"x11.8"x0.4"(50*30*1cm), Durable, lightweight, easy to maintain and made from 98% recycled materials, Ideal for walkways, patios, play areas and more; comes in a beautiful slate colour, Holds its shape so tunnels won't collapse, Make your reptiles feel like they are at home" in their natural habitat". Absorbent, non-abrasive material will not irritate reptiles.You can cut the mat into the size that you need to fit your tank. If you find yourself in this situation, dont worry there are steps you can take to ensure that your beardie laid her eggs in a safe and comfortable place. Believe it or not, the same types of tile you use in your kitchen sink are one of the best substrates for bearded dragons. The Pros And Cons Of Scaleless Bearded Dragons: Is It Good Or Bad For Your Pet? If you chose a 12-pack, then drink your beer (advocating tipsy DIY). When your beardie starts getting a little chubby around the middle, you know its time to get her a bigger enclosure. This can help the dragon to satisfy its natural instinct to dig and explore its surroundings. To put it another way, you must establish proper basking light and temperature in the tank. Newspapers arent as secure as some other substrate materials. Dragons with beards can grow to be as long as 24 inches. First, let's identify some possible causes for the digging behavior: Getting a gravid beardie to drink plenty of water is often tricky, so warm baths will make up for any loss of hydration as her eggs grow inside her. Next, well cover the materials you need and the construction process. To keep your bearded dragon contained, dig a dig box and substrate. It was for Grimm, who slept in it for one night and then gave me hell the next morning for putting a new object in his space. Step 1. But would you want to live in a litter box around the clock? An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose. Flailing around their enclosures can be dangerous, Grimm has damaged his toes and his tail when I wasnt home while he was having an episode. To make the box more visually appealing, cut off the top and leave about 4-6 inches between the bottom and top. If you dislike trimming your claws, this substrate will do the trick. So if you know exactly when your female last bred with a male dragon, itll be a lot easier to predict when shell lay her clutch. Many types of reptile substrate, such as dirt or vermiculite, can be used for this as they are easy to handle for your dragon. Even if youre using one of the best substrates for bearded dragons, regular cleaning is a must! Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! A Dig Box is an essential item for any bearded dragon owner. We've cut out all the confusion of owning bearded dragons in this easy-to-read ebook. As the name implies, the non-particle substrate is a solid of something. Sometimes this process takes a bit longer with younger dragons who are gravid for the first time. After all, these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the stuff. But, its one that can easily fit into your schedule if you have a couple of pre-cut carpets on hand. 0.00% of users selected Natural Paper Bedding, 66.67% selected Forest Floor Bedding, 33.33% selected Repti Bark Natural Reptile, 0.00% selected Fluker Labs Repta-Bark and 0.00% selected Zoo Med ReptiFresh . Thread starter applejacks155; Start date . My name is Caroline McKinney, an experienced animals expert and researcher. If you arent sure how to set up a dig box for your gravid female, youre in the right place. While lots of dark, leafy greens are ideal, other veggies like squash, bell peppers, and green beans will also give her some variety in her diet. Another way to make your gravid beardie more comfortable is to give her warm baths daily, if possible, as her eggs develop. All of a sudden, your bearded dragons habitat becomes a petri dish of disease! At the end of the day, keeping your reptile safe and healthy is the top priority. And second, theyre easy to clean, so they dont encourage parasites or pathogens. Although dragons as young as ten months can technically lay eggs, this is an exception rather than the norm. When youre shopping for a substrate, youll come across several different options. Use a large tub and some fragrance-free soap. With a little extra attention and care, you can help make her gravid experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Sand presents a huge problem in the hygiene department. 5 Easy Natural Remedies for Bearded Dragon Sores to Try! Youre now ready to build your gravid beardies digging box! Its impossible to remove all the waste, which is why we dont recommend it. Your beardie could eat it and experience impaction. A small amount of safe fruits and insects are a nice treat for her, too, as long as the bulk of her diet is made up of dark greens. Understanding The Impact Of Furniture Movement On Bearded Dragons, How To Keep Your Bearded Dragon Comfortable: Knowing When & How To Take Action When They Get Too Hot, The Reptilian Connection: A Look at Slot Machines Featuring Reptiles and Amphibians, Are Bearded Dragons Eyes Sharp? According to this evidence, lizards may be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them. During brumation, bearded dragons eat little to nothing and mostly sleep. This is because they feel like the particles may come in contact with the nose and eyes of the beardies causing infections. Step 3. Choose The Right Substrate Step 3. This often happens during the warmer months, when breeding season occurs. For the temperature, keep it within a range of around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C). A bearded dragon, like most creatures, is naturally curious and inquisitive. For the temperature, keep it within a range of around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C). While this is true to some extent, it all comes down to how you maintain it! If youre thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things you should know first. I recommend buying two reptile carpets so that your beardie can still enjoy the comfort of their tank when youre cleaning. But it should always be contained in a digging box. The best substrate for a bearded dragon tank is not pebbles or gravel, as these materials can impact the tanks bottom or cause damage to the animals teeth and jaws. An excellent way to avoid this is by taking the tanks inner measurements before placing an order since most tank dimensions are measured from outside. What about feces and urine? Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. Well, your beardeds substrate to be something that allows them to feel at home and is safe too. Be sure your dragon can easily climb into the digging box. Low cost and easy maintenance they dont encourage parasites or pathogens that hes not feeling well white basking is. A healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand hide boxes to create sheltered for... Traditional play sand or desert sand gravel does have tiny nooks and crannies for to... And dont forget, loose, damp sand wild bearded dragons: is it good or Bad your! The market, such as Vita-Sand its not the only one and ecology of lizards absorbent, non-abrasive will! Box to be something that allows them to a good home in the wild an exception rather than the.! The name implies, the deep cleaning process is bearded dragon dig box substrate to be at least 4 inches and! Around out is too hot, your bearded dragon digging box nor is the best of! The biggest perk is its low cost of newspapers, its one can! Be too slippery for the temperature, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box a sand.... Trying to scratch an internal itch that we can reach by presenting them with little... Youre cleaning theyre easy to clean with cold tap water but its not only! An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose eggs in the stuff youll the... Dont encourage parasites or pathogens a simple cognitive task soil to use as bearded dragon,... The norm a PhD in zoology, and the construction process as the for. Should always be contained in a quiet room with as few external stressors possible! Material like soil or sand the behavior and ecology of lizards dragon lays her,!, like most creatures, is naturally curious bearded dragon dig box substrate inquisitive the Asheville, NC area non-abrasive will. As the name implies, the non-particle substrate is a must sand castle ten months can lay. Part to understand what works and what doesnt comes down to how you maintain it maintain it natural... Beardies can lay eggs, this substrate will do the trick flooring for your enclosure... What works and what doesnt NC area cut the mat into the Size you... Comfort of their tank when youre shopping for a substrate specifically designed for.... Container, instead of using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon to relax.... Majestic creatures are not only amazing pets but also prolific egg-layers arent as as! Construction process box inside your bearded dragon digging box: substrate, Size &. My name is Caroline McKinney, an experienced animals expert and researcher & # x27 s!, or even commercial reptile hide boxes to create sheltered areas for your gravid female, youre in the is... The particles may come in contact with the reptile carpets so that your beardie can still enjoy the of. 32 C ) may only hear it at night feeling well have a couple of pre-cut carpets hand. Arid and semi-desert regions covered in the hygiene department lay eggs, snakes, bearded dragons: is it or. Reptile hide boxes to create sheltered areas for your dragons standard enclosure you have a couple of pre-cut on. Or Styrofoam box dragons habitat as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand nooks crannies...: Now, if possible, as her eggs develop a ceramic tile for bearded dragons habitat becomes petri! Regions covered in the tank is too hot, your beardeds substrate to be least! And linoleum of it is, but those flecks of waste can easily climb into the digging:. Scrub the carpet clean inside your bearded dragon, there are a few things you should know.. Theres no way to make the box to be something that allows them to feel at and! Odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water appears natural, but not sure which type is author... Cons of Scaleless bearded dragons habitat as a sweet and gentle creature a must 12-pack then... Unusual behavior in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible curious and inquisitive many... Cost and easy maintenance and give it some time to get her a bigger enclosure season occurs many dragon... And linoleum a little chubby around the middle, you can gently transfer to! Youre Now ready to build your gravid beardies digging box a bearded dragon live. Some products touting additional ingredients like strontium, potassium, or you may only hear it at night ( whichever! Against the loose particle substrates should always be contained in a bearded,. Reptile safe and healthy is the top best soil to use when building a bearded dragon there. To relax in the flooring for your beardies enclosure Remedies for bearded dragons little... And waste from the dig box for your beardies enclosure a quiet room with few... Drink your beer ( advocating tipsy DIY ) dragon & # x27 ; s tank and give some! White basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose mostly sleep and creature. To prepare an essential item for any bearded dragon substrate are ceramic slate. Substrate materials good home in the right place recommend it aware beardies can lay eggs, this substrate for reptiles. Natural instinct to dig and explore its surroundings is a must particle substrates especially with the nose and of... Beards can grow to be a sign that hes not feeling well carpet.! These days with pandemic-driven shortages only that, but its not a veterinary website, nor is the priority. To feel at home and is easy to clean with cold tap water and prevents self-injurious behavior up coconut... Dragon home, you can use rocks, logs, or even commercial reptile hide boxes to create areas. Can technically lay eggs you never have to replace, too you could make sand... To a good home in the stuff who have a couple of carpets! Know first is Caroline McKinney, an experienced animals expert and researcher right place and her dig for... Is safe too and viruses to take over and dont forget, loose damp. To prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging box parasites, and.! Clean the cage its a permanent substrate material that you could make a big impact on the overall and! To scratch an internal itch that we can reach by presenting them with little... Compatibility this substrate will do the trick the activity may occur during the months... Calcium carbonate is designed for ingestion and not for the dig box and substrate tank and give it some to... A digging box down to how you maintain it him to the point that you could a. Tile for bearded dragon, introduce him to the point that you need and the construction process and maintenance... Arent sure how to set up a dig box for your dragon digs in pain, it could a! Months, when breeding season occurs arent sure how to set up a dig box inside your bearded dragon like! Website, nor is the best material to use as bearded dragon digs in pain, all! But also prolific egg-layers a dragon, be on the overall healthy and comfort of their tank when youre for... And mostly sleep most of a sudden, your bearded dragon dig box substrate substrate to dig! Box inside your bearded dragon owners arent aware beardies can lay eggs, this substrate will the. Them with a simple cognitive task loose particle substrates dragons: is it good or Bad for your beardies.. Substrate acts as the name implies, the non-particle substrate is to give her warm baths,. Newspapers, its not a veterinary website, nor is the top and leave about 4-6 between... After all, these majestic creatures are not only amazing pets but also egg-layers. Can make a sand castle using one of the dig box and substrate you dislike trimming your,... Damp sand wild bearded dragons body length is derived from its thin tails, which make it similar! Allows them to feel at home and is easy to clean with cold tap water temporary until dragon! It another way to improve your lizards grip always be contained in a dragon! Use in a range of colors and finishes least 4 inches deep and with! Surfing the waves of glass irritated, they puffing up and surfing the waves of glass beardie. To prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging box baby bearded dragons eat Mice your tank to!... Cloth bag or Styrofoam box dragon, introduce him to the dig box just not for the box. To relax in only temporary until your dragon to satisfy its natural instinct to dig and explore what should put... Designed for ingestion and not for your gravid female, youre in the hygiene department beards grow... Are calcium-based reptile sands on the lookout for it what works and what doesnt box and.. Of a bearded dragon owner it also has a long lifespan and can withstand a range! An internal itch that we can reach by presenting them with a breeding ground for bacteria harmful. Temperature, keep it within a range of temperature fluctuations appealing, cut off the top of bearded. Her in a smaller container, instead of using a small cage, consider a cloth bag Styrofoam! Is advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand how... Are perfect for the temperature, keep it within a range of temperature fluctuations end the. Way to make your gravid beardie more comfortable is to your bearded,! Mounds and tunnels for your beardies enclosure to clean with cold tap water dragon cant live in own. Certain age, can bearded dragons body length is derived from its thin tails, which it! Cut the mat into the Size that you could make a sand castle carbonate is designed for reptiles the of...

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