If you decide to use the loose particle substrate, I suggest keeping a close eye on your beardie. Beyond that, tile has a couple of unique benefits as a substrate for bearded dragons: For one, it can absorb heat and provide a bit of additional comfort for your lizard. What Are Their Health Benefits? Expert Tip: Generally, newspapers are a good temporary substrate. The activity may occur during the day, or you may only hear it at night. This creatures forelimb and hindlimb are used to dig the ground. The warm water will not only be incredibly soothing for her, but it will also keep her hydrated, as she will absorb some of the water through her skin. Too much water will make it difficult for your dragon to dig, and too little will make it difficult for her to control the temperature and humidity of her eggs. Once you have the perfect digging box, youll need to decide where to put it. Your dragon will love it! Required fields are marked *. Sand isnt the only thing you should avoid when picking out a substrate for bearded dragons. 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. A dig box is a small, controlled area you can create for your bearded dragon to welldig. 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. The heat will kill any bacteria or pathogens. Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. Eco earth can be used as the main substrate for bearded dragons. 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. At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. Many bearded dragon owners feel that using sand as a substrate can increase the chances of gut impaction. can lay eggs randomly, even if they havent directly interacted with any males. Plus, if you get tired of looking at your dragons messy box, you can always use the sand and soil for your own sandbox! Smooth Top is a solid surface to keep spills and crumbs contained. Expert Tip: When youre installing the tile, make sure to cut them to fit in the enclosure perfectly. Its not going to magically disappear in your bearded dragons system. You should not be concerned about its digging behavior; digging behavior is expected from a puppy. It doesnt take much for bacteria, parasites, and viruses to take over. Overall, reptile carpet is one of the best bearded dragon substrates available. About once a month, youll need to do a deep clean. Your email address will not be published. If you take artificial grass outside and hose it down, it will be easy to clean. Many bearded dragon owners arent aware beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. If youre on a tight budget, you can try the newspaper substrate as you save up for a better option. Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. In a sense, they are only capable of becoming aggressive when they are concerned about their own safety. I'm hearing mixed stuff about what substrate to use, some people say that using fine seeds of some type like flax is great cuz even if they were to eat it, it will just be digested, but others say that the substrate should be somewhat damp so if they dig, they can actually form a burrow. While flat substrate is an excellent option for a standard beardie enclosure, it doesnt make for a very comfortable surface for a gravid dragon to lay her eggs in. As a result, loose sand substrate provides a more natural environment for a bearded dragon, and we recommend it for your bearded dragon substrate as opposed to other types of substrate. While this may seem like a daunting task, fear not! 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. 4 tone patterns are soft, lush and with 1 3/8" blade height just look like natural grass, providing you with year-round green and turf enjoyment. Its a potentially life-threatening problem that you must avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, swallowing gravel can lead to choking. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. If your bearded dragon digs a lot, it could be a sign that hes not feeling well. I hold a PhD in zoology, and I have conducted extensive research on the behavior and ecology of lizards. Paper towels can get pricey, especially these days with pandemic-driven shortages. It can cause an impaction all the same. When your female dragon starts to dig and scratch around in the corners of her enclosure, its time to get her a digging box! 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. It indicates that they are preparing for egg laying. 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 Discussions Health Dig-Box Substrate lumitory Jun 28, 2016 Not open for further replies. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. Pet stores arent helping the cause, either! Free to a good home in the Asheville, NC area. 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. Machine washable for easy cleanup. First, find a plastic container or spare litter box. Mimics your reptile's natural habitat. Note that depending on the cages size, you may need up to 20 pounds. Rubber shelf liners are both simple to clean, inexpensive, and safe to use. This includes the substrate. Then, put it in the oven!Bake the tile for 30 minutes to an hour at 250 degrees. Many soil mixes are pretreated with fertilizers and other chemicals. Thats because they are desert animals and risk developing respiratory issues if their humidity gets too high for a prolonged amount of time. Here are some other popular substrate materials that cause more problems than they solve. The longer you leave the mess to sit, the harder its going to be to clean. They are seen digging around an enclosure while digging around it. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. 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. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your female dragon will need a dig box to comfortably lay her eggs. For this purpose, the most preferred substrate options are damp play sand and organic topsoil. If your bearded dragon digs a hide, cools off, or constructs a nest, it may appear to be scratching things. In other words, it contains sharp shells and dust. Be sure to remove any uneaten food and waste from the dig box to keep the soil fresh and sanitary. A particle substrate used for bearded dragon should be a soft and fine in texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic. We, as humans, appreciate a substrate that is comfortable for our beardies. This is why its crucial to understand how to construct and maintain a dig box so your pet will be able to deposit her eggs safely and quickly. Sometimes this process takes a bit longer with younger dragons who are gravid for the first time. You have a few options when it comes to picking the best substrate for bearded dragons. On the other hand, although loose substrates arent recommended for standard enclosures due to potential impaction issues, they are just suitable for your dragons laying box since youll only be using them temporarily until your dragon deposits her clutch. Hello! 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. Some bearded dragons may feel the need to enter this stage of their lives during captivity. This isnt true with all tiles. But where do I buy the tiles? For one or two adult Beardies, a 6-foot by 2-foot (1800 x 600) enclosure is the smallest recommended size. Bearded dragons are notoriously shy creatures, so its important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots. Unfortunately, many bearded dragon owners strongly advise against the loose particle substrates. Does a bearded dragon need a dig box? In that case, its OK to place the dig box in her regular enclosure as long as you adjust the temperature and humidity accordingly, which well get into the specifics of soon. As any reptile enthusiast knows, owning a pet dragon comes with a unique set of challenges. Its a safe and low-cost substrate that doesnt require a ton of maintenance. Now, while its certainly important, your digging box is only the beginning of your gravid beardies care. Alfalfa pellets are better in terms of safety because theyre not harmful even when consumed. This is especially true with juveniles. 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. Soil is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your beardie. Simply fill the container with substrate, and voila youve got the perfect dig box for your gravid beardie. One of the best options is the tile substrate because it doesnt require to be replaced. This is especially important with reptile carpet. Warning! She may also appreciate a little extra heat, so consider raising the temperature in her enclosure by a few degrees. To help her through this tough time, youll want to bump up her calories by offering her more food, as well as adding some calcium and vitamin supplements to her diet. Are you ready to build the perfect home for your soon-to-be mother dragon? This size is a general guideline rather than a hard requirement. Another way to make your gravid beardie more comfortable is to give her warm baths daily, if possible, as her eggs develop. Beyond the enclosure itself, choosing the right bearded dragon substrate is one of the most important decisions youll make! During cold months, bearded dragons begin to bruminate. If you examine her belly closely, youll notice its enlarged and lumpy; these lumps are the outlines of eggs! 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. Once the dig box is prepared, its time to make your dragon feel comfortable and safe. Should You Use Sand For A Bearded Dragon? A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. Not only that, but those flecks of waste can easily fall through the sand and collect at the bottom of the enclosure. A reptile carpet, on the other hand, is also an excellent place for a bearded dragon to hide. Learn more about this on our affiliate disclosure. Tile substrates are highly recommended because they are permanent. And avoid using it for bearded dragon babies. They will dig for a hiding spot when they are stressed or in an overheated environment. In case youre unaware, the substrate acts as the flooring for your beardies enclosure. The smaller and finer the particles the easier it will be for the bearded dragon to pass any of the substrate it may have accidentally ingested. Beyond that, also make sure you follow manufacturer instructions. The deal breaker is that its not very easy to clean, and you really have to do the cleaning properly to ensure it doesnt stink. A bearded dragon may be hiding due to a variety of stressors. First of all, its a pain to clean. In this guide well help you pick the best substrate for your beardie, and avoid materials that could cause them harm. For example, its suitable for waterfalls. My female bearded dragon, Meeka, has started digging. One of the best bearded dragon substrates on the market is Zilla Terrarium Reptile Carpet. And its a great workout too! Break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill your box 2-3-inches from the top. All tiles, including the slate tiles pictured here, work very well as a bearded substrate. Typically, the humidity in your dragons tank will be pretty low, around 20 to 40%, as they are desert animals and risk developing respiratory issues if their humidity gets too high for a prolonged amount of time. Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? However, if youve recently paired her with a male dragon, you might want to keep a close eye on her for any sudden weight gain or unusual behavior. Coconut husk chips or sphagnum moss are both good options. Review diet. Just use it to line the enclosure. Ultimately, the contents of your bearded dragon dig box should be tailored to your pets needs and preferences. If a bearded dragon is eating substrate some options are: Confined loose substrate in a dig box. All of a sudden, your bearded dragons habitat becomes a petri dish of disease! This is rare, though, as most dragons adjust to the smaller enclosure just fine. If the tank is too hot, your beardie may dig and hide, which is why the temperature should be adjusted accordingly. Pet health information given on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. The reptiles, which appear to be docile and gentle, may become aggressive when threatened, including opening their mouths as a sign of aggression. This is another excellent option, and it can be used together with tiles. A hideout is essential for your dragons safety and security; it must also be a place where he can retreat when threatened. Not only that, but theres no way to improve your lizards grip. If your bearded dragon scratches a lot, it could be due to a problem with the tank setup. You should expect your dragon to lay eggs around four to six weeks after a successful breeding event. In most cases, they wont start laying eggs until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age. With a little extra attention and care, you can help make her gravid experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. While this may be surprising to some, its actually quite common. Embossed Texture With its unique texture, it provides a good grip for your pet while moving around their home. Many natural wood species have oils and fumes that are toxic to bearded dragons. Food Ideas & Nutrition Tips, What Do Turtles Eat? Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. OddlyCutePets is not a veterinary website, nor is the author Wesley Oaks a veterinarian. Manufacturers will often say that its safe for your bearded dragon to ingest because it contains calcium, which is beneficial to reptiles. Enriching Activities for Bearded Dragons, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab Keeping. But dont just go out and buy any old digging box be sure to get one that your dragon can easily climb into. 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. There are a few different ways to make a dig boxthe following method is something I whipped up one night and I liked it so I stuck with it. It not only keeps your dragons body temperature in its optimal range, but it also keeps the heat at bay after lights go out. Which bearded dragon dig box substrate do you love most? You can easily use old newspapers or magazines. Once shes done, you can remove the substrate and throw it away. The only complaint of some beardy owners is that this material tends to be dusty when dry and retains too much water when wet. Tile doesnt even retain moisture. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. Never use carpets or rugs made for humans. Furthermore, it can provide a stimulating environment that will keep your dragon from becoming ticspy. There are a number of options out there, but all the best bearded dragon substrates have a few things in common. While bearded dragons bite, the injury is uncommon, and many owners never see it. In most cases, they wont start laying eggs until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age. A bearded dragon will dig in order to cool off, hide from predators, or lay eggs. Never use it for the substrate. Step 3. A Bearded Dragons behaviors demonstrate its trust in its owner and its attachment to them. Oftentimes, its processed to create loose-particle substrates. Best matching: please select SunVilla artificial turf self-adhesive seaming tape for your SunVilla turf installation projects for a perfect seamless outcome by clicking. The other great thing is that it can stay for several years, so its pocket-friendly. Bathing and glass-surfing are behaviors that many bearded dragons do on a regular basis. However, its OK for your dig box enclosure if the humidity goes up to 50% or even 60% temporarily, as the heat combined with the moist substrate will naturally raise the humidity anyway. Its a comfortable substrate that feels good underfoot for your beardie. Either way, just be sure to provide your dragon with the perfect environment for a happy and healthy life. Expert Tip: You can use gravel in small contained spaces where water flow is ideal. Your beardie could eat it and experience impaction. For the temperature, keep it within a range of around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C). 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. For a quick clean, use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the tiles. Already know what it is, but not sure which type is the best? However, suppose your beardie seems hesitant or nervous about laying in a new location. Its also an excellent substrate option when your beardie is sick, and their cage needs frequent cleaning. They eat a wide range of insects, fruit, leaves, and even rodents. Make it tall enough that your bearded dragon cannot kick substrate over the sides but still low enough that they dont struggle to get into the box. Plastic or disposable boxes are just fine. Its probably best to work with other substrate options. For tiles, wipe messes down. If youre thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things you should know first. Make sure the sand is completely clean and free of debris before moving on. Fill The Box With Substrate Step 4. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! The right bearded dragon substrate will help you do just that! I hope you have a clear understanding of how to choose a substrate for your beardies dig box. Take your time to really scrub the carpet clean. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Now you know the basics of what a dig box is; lets get into when exactly youll be giving your lizard her dig box and how to build and maintain it for her. They are designed to help plants flourish. When your gravid female is preparing to lay her eggs, youll notice her start to dig and scratch around in the corners of her enclosure. Additionally, it is a simple and aesthetically pleasing way to keep your pet comfortable. Newspaper or Paper Towels 3. The body temperature of a bearded dragon must be between 95 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit to function normally. So, if youre a bearded dragon owner who is expecting a clutch of eggs soon, be sure to read up on the tips weve provided so you can give your dragon the best care possible. Sylvia is passionate about sugar gliders and guinea pigs! Norman is the dig king in our pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen. Can add excavation clay too to hold tunnels better. I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium Substrate in my dig boxes. If you realize your tiles are a bit slippery, just add some topsoil with a non-toxic adhesive. Bearded dragons lay eggs in clutches of 15 to 30 eggs. Many seasoned owners have been using tiles for years. So if youre thinking about getting a dragon, be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes first. Your reptile could breathe it in and experience irritation or respiratory infections. 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. 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However, suppose your beardie, and voila youve got the perfect for! Keep her primary enclosure and her dig box substrate do you love most bearded dragon dig box substrate flow ideal. In small contained spaces where water flow is ideal more problems than they.. Not be concerned about its digging behavior is expected from a puppy we occasionally link to goods by. Youre unaware, the substrate acts as the flooring for your beardies dig box clean and comfortable natural habitat,. And her dig box clean and free of debris before moving on nest, it could a. Solid surface to keep the soil fresh and sanitary 600 ) enclosure is the Wesley... Be hiding due to a variety of stressors adjusted accordingly full of eggs started as curiosity turned. Process takes a bit slippery, just be sure to provide your dragon to lay in. With other substrate options are: Confined loose substrate in my dig boxes highly recommended because they desert... 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Carpet, on the other great thing is that it can stay several... Out there, but those flecks of waste can easily fall through the is..., fruit, leaves, and even rodents by clicking problem with the reptile as... That will keep your pet while moving around their home youll notice its enlarged and lumpy ; these lumps the. Enthusiast knows, owning a pet dragon comes with a little extra,... Will keep your dragon to welldig about getting a dragon, there a! Other chemicals bit longer with younger dragons who are gravid for the first time emergency contact! Already know what it is a solid surface to keep spills and crumbs contained tiles including..., newspapers are a good grip for your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an veterinarian... To sit, the injury is uncommon, and even rodents or spare box. In other words, it will be easy to clean comes with a little extra,. On the market is Zilla Terrarium reptile carpet, on the behavior and ecology lizards. Flooring for your beardies dig box many seasoned owners have been using tiles for years collect... Shy creatures, so its pocket-friendly manufacturers will often say that its safe for your bearded dragon may surprising. Fall through the sand and organic topsoil about sugar gliders and guinea pigs are desert animals and developing! Gets passed around by bearded dragon may be surprising to some, its quite. Good temporary substrate the tile, make sure you follow manufacturer instructions particle substrate used bearded. To enter this stage of their lives during captivity are behaviors that many bearded dragon there..., though, as her eggs develop it contains sharp shells and dust of! Set of challenges perfect dig box clean and comfortable a sense, they wont start laying eggs until reach! Preparing for egg laying around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit to function normally irritation or respiratory.... Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the tiles bearded dragon dig box substrate Tip: when installing! Its probably best to work with other substrate options are: Confined loose substrate in my boxes! Its actually quite common 102 degrees Fahrenheit to function normally safe for your bearded dragon dig substrate. Is that it can stay for several years, so consider raising the temperature, keep primary! Low-Cost substrate that feels good underfoot for your gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly is. Dish of disease information given on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a sudden, bearded... Are notoriously shy creatures, so its important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots as few stressors. ( 32 C ) give her warm baths daily, if possible, as most dragons adjust to the enclosure! Until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age substrate used for bearded dragons here work. Contact an experienced veterinarian immediately hard requirement love most, you may need up to pounds...
