Generally, herpetology enthusiasts separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle substrates and non-particle substrates. Newspaper or Paper Towels 3. Finally, you know everything you need to know to build your beardies digging box. Sand presents a huge problem in the hygiene department. Some avoid carpets because of their reputation for holding onto smells. You have a few options when it comes to picking the best substrate for bearded dragons. If youre like most people, you probably think of your female dragon as a sweet and gentle creature. Many kinds of wood will also irritate your beardies skin and can pose a health risk if consumed. Its crucial to keep an eye on the quality of the material, too. But dont just go out and buy any old digging box be sure to get one that your dragon can easily climb into. 6 users answered this survey. First, youll need to choose a material that will retain moisture but drain excess water quickly. Once youve gathered your materials, its time to get building! 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. The digging habits of a bearded dragon are nothing new. Should You Use Sand For A Bearded Dragon? When it comes to the tanks humidity, youll also need to modify it slightly. Beyond the enclosure itself, choosing the right bearded dragon substrate is one of the most important decisions youll make! While its tempting, dont put the carpet into your washing machine. Which bearded dragon dig box substrate do you love most? Congratulations! The same goes for loose-particle substrates if you choose to go that route. *This dig box is not designed for females laying eggs though the process is similar. So if youre thinking about getting a dragon, be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes first. A Bearded Dragon is an interesting pet to watch, and it can be even more interesting to watch them digging in a corner. Check out the table for a quick overview of these substrates, then read on for more details! For a quick clean, use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the tiles. There are many factors to keep in mind when building the perfect digging box and laying environment for your gravid beardie. SunVilla grass Doesnt require any infill for even high traffic. Your email address will not be published. According to recent research, iguanas can recognize their human owners and respond differently to their interactions with them. If so, what is the reason? According to this evidence, lizards may be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them. This is especially with the baby bearded dragons who may ingest the particles because theyre not good hunters yet. If your dragon digs in pain, it could be a sign that he or she is experiencing stress. Impaction is a very real problem among bearded dragons living in a loose-particle substrate. The Top Benefits odor reduction formula, as well as its ease of use, makes it ideal for use with all natural, no dyes, or chemicals. Enclosures. In addition to increasing your dragons calcium intake, its a good idea to feed her more nutritious foods in general to give her plenty of energy to lay her entire clutch safely and comfortably. Bearded Dragon Digging Box: Substrate, Size, & Guide. While this may be surprising to some, its actually quite common. Because they can dig with substrate, a bearded dragon enjoys digging, but ingesting the substrate can be dangerous to them. If your bearded dragon scratches a lot, it could be due to a problem with the tank setup. Yet, when the defeats mix with moisture; they form molds, which is both unsanitary and unhealthy to feed on. The whole egg-laying process varies in length from the dragon, but healthy females usually lay an entire clutch within a couple of hours or so. 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. Theyre a perfect choice for beardie owners who have a busy schedule and want an easy way to clean the cage. A Bearded Dragons behaviors demonstrate its trust in its owner and its attachment to them. Simple as that. The Real Answer, Why Is My Bearded Dragon Shaking? But as long as you stick with our recommendations, you cant go wrong! Substrate materials are a big point of contention in the beardie world. Norman is small and he fits perfectly inside the 12-pack so its really just a matter of them being aesthetically pleasing to me. Like sand and other loose-particle substrates, wood chips will lead to impaction issues if ingested. But most mimic the natural appearance of grass or sand. To be clear, a substrate is a material thats put on the floor of your bearded dragons dig box and can be referred to as beddings too. With a little extra care, you can help your gravid beardie through this challenging time. Some of the popular substrates in this category include: Ill not expound on these substrates because most of them are in the next section. A key component of the enclosure is the dig box, which allows your pet to dig and burrow and create a space for themselves. Artificial grass is easy to clean because you can simply take it outside and hose it. Those individual particles might not seem like a major deal, but in a beardies delicate intestinal tract, it could spell trouble! So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It is possible that they are looking for a basking spot, navigating through brumation, or simply digging in the corner. If your bearded dragon digs a hide, cools off, or constructs a nest, it may appear to be scratching things. What about feces and urine? A bearded dragon can travel at a speed of up to 9 miles per hour, but it is slower than some of its predators. Save money & always Green: no mowing, no watering, no spraying, no fertilizing, SunVilla artificial grass needs no maintenance and looks perfectly fresh and Green all year Round. Because they are cold-blooded, a bearded dragon must live in warm environments. Alfalfa pellets are better in terms of safety because theyre not harmful even when consumed. Eco earth can be used as the main substrate for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons can carry salmonella. I wasn't entirely sure where to post this, but I figured it most likely relates to my dragons' health. You may find bearded dragons in areas with sand, pebbles, or loamy soil. Throw the carpet in your wash and clean it with mild fragrance-free soap and hot water. Hay and moss are suitable for hiding boxes and small private areas. The water retained in it will in turn increase the humidity of the whole enclosure. An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose. And dont forget, loose, damp substrates are perfect for the dig box just not for your dragons standard enclosure! You know your dragon more than anyone, use whatever substrate you are comfortable with. For tiles, wipe messes down. Calcium sand is advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand. The shells can be quite sharp, which is not great for bearded dragons. If youre using something like newspaper or paper towels, cleaning is as easy as tossing out soiled material and replacing it with something new. This is where she will lay her eggs in a warm, moist spot of sand, just like in her natural habitat. All it takes is a quick run across the enclosure to kick up sand. However, suppose your beardie seems hesitant or nervous about laying in a new location. As the name implies, the non-particle substrate is a solid of something. 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. Paper towels can get pricey, especially these days with pandemic-driven shortages. Can be expensive depending on how much you need. The box should be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming. Your lizard will lay and bury the eggs when it feels comfortable. providing her with everything she needs to lay her eggs comfortably. Whether the pellet is made of wood or alfalfa hay, dont use it as a bearded dragon substrate. There will be no risk of the bearded dragon eating the sand since it will be glued and the substrate gains a little grip. But before you can bring your new dragon home, you need to prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging box. 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. Coconut husk chips or sphagnum moss are both good options. This is crucial to the successful completion of your new dig box. Many seasoned owners have been using tiles for years. Okay back to it, the last thing youll need is a pair of scissors. Millet has all of the same issues as sand and wood chips. Already know what it is, but not sure which type is the best? As we mentioned earlier, beardies are prone to ingesting loose-particle substrates. Our post on managing humidity in bearded dragon tanks will help you maintain appropriate levels. As they grow, their cage will need to be bigger too. Unfortunately, sand is one of the worst substrate materials you can use! There is no risk of impaction with adult bearded dragons if you use non-silica sands. Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. But if shes too anxious about the new custom enclosure, its also OK to modify her existing enclosure temporarily until she finishes laying her eggs. You can easily wipe down the tile or wash it in the sink! During cold months, bearded dragons begin to bruminate. 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. Expert Tip: You can use gravel in small contained spaces where water flow is ideal. 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. If you see your bearded dragon digging up the whole tank and not stopping . Your dragon will love it! Expert Tip: Generally, newspapers are a good temporary substrate. If you have no hiding places in your tank, digging it will reveal a hole that can be filled with treasure. 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". You should watch for any of these behaviors while keeping an eye on your dragons surroundings and ensuring that everything is in order. Its impossible to remove all the waste, which is why we dont recommend it. Here are popularly asked questions regarding bearded dragon dig box substrate. Now that you know what kinds of substrates you should go for, lets talk about some options to avoid. Safe - cannot be ingested. Bio Bubble Pets. Many soil mixes are pretreated with fertilizers and other chemicals. Use a paper towel to blot liquid messes and pick up solid waste. Its a comfortable substrate that feels good underfoot for your beardie. Ensure you remove the carpet for cleaning before it gets too messy. Additionally, you can add in various items, such as plants and rocks, to provide your beardie with more stimulation. Hello! 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. Sure, this could be beneficial if you need help raising humidity levels in the enclosure. Pet health information given on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. This isnt true with all tiles. Give her plenty of nutritious dark, leafy greens and generously sprinkle them with a calcium powder supplement so her bones and muscles stay nice and strong throughout her egg-laying process. With these simple tips, you can easily build a safe and comfortable dig box for your gravid female bearded dragon. Doing so is just asking for diseases and health problems. Once youve found the perfect container for your dragons digging box, youll then need to fill it up with a suitable substrate. Quick to grow mold if you dont keep up on cleaning. At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. 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. Passionate about informed pet ownership, she hopes to share personal stories and encourage responsible practices. 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. 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 creatures forelimb and hindlimb are used to dig the ground. The substrate for your bearded dragon is made from the ground and is placed in its dig box. Introduce your new dig box to your bearded dragon however you feel comfortable. 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. But, its one that can easily fit into your schedule if you have a couple of pre-cut carpets on hand. This size is a general guideline rather than a hard requirement. Reptile Carpets. A dig box is a small, controlled area you can create for your bearded dragon to welldig. Expert Tip: This substrate can also rot and produce mold! This is one of the most popular substrates, and it does match the hype. However, it works very well with tiles, so you can consider using it in some parts of the cage only. You might see some bearded dragon owners commenting on the slippery nature of tiles. Many think that sand is a suitable option because it mimics their natural environment. Just make sure you regularly read to ensure you have enough paper to change any soiled newspaper to avoid germs in the cage. When To Give Your Gravid Dragon A Dig Box, Creating A Bearded Dragon Dig Box: Size and Materials, Heating a Dig Box: Temperature and Humidity, Digital Thermometer Hygrometer Temperature Controller for Reptile Tank, managing humidity in bearded dragon tanks. The best types of tile to use as bearded dragon substrate are ceramic, slate, and linoleum. Review conditions creating stress. She would typically find a warm, moist spot of sand in her natural habitat to bury her eggs in. They even brumate for up to three months. It doesnt soak up any liquid, but the gravel does have tiny nooks and crannies for messes to fall through. The bearded dragon is now classified as Least Concern on the endangered species list. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. As a way of protecting themselves from predators, horned and fringe-toed lizards bury themselves in sand. How to Create a Bearded Dragon Dig Box Step 1: Choose a Container Step 2: Choose a Substrate Step 3: Fill the Container Step 4: Add Decorations How to Introduce Your Bearded Dragon to Their Dig Box Conclusion FAQs Table of Contents What is a Bearded Dragon Dig Box? Machine washable for easy cleanup. When the ambient temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bearded dragons experience brumation or torpor (reduced activity). A Dig Box should be filled with a substrate such as sand or mulch, and should be big enough for the bearded dragon to move around in. This is sometimes used as bedding for other pet reptiles, but its not good for beardies. Individual hay strands are sharp enough to cause some discomfort for your beardie. Many great substrate options are available, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil. 2. Rubber Shelf Liner 5. Its advisable to keep multiple artificial grass pieces to ensure your beardie has one during cleaning days. I went for options that are; Youve probably never heard of this one because its a new discovery thats both easy to clean, inexpensive, and safe. Dont feed your bearded dragon in their dig box to avoid accidentally ingesting whichever substrate you use. 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. As a whole, a digging box, also known as a lay box, is a shallow, open container filled with a moist, warm substrate for your gravid bearded dragon to deposit her eggs. The only complaint of some beardy owners is that this material tends to be dusty when dry and retains too much water when wet. The longer you leave the mess to sit, the harder its going to be to clean. Its also a good idea to use some silicone caulking to seal up any gaps that could injure your pet. All-natural and made with zero dyes or chemicals. The activity may occur during the day, or you may only hear it at night. A dig box is key to providing her a place to lay her eggs in comfort. Many owners use plastic containers or even litter boxes as dig boxes. Fill The Box With Substrate Step 4. One way to provide enrichment for a Bearded Dragon and stimulate its senses is to create a dig box. If you chose a 12-pack, then drink your beer (advocating tipsy DIY). You can run into some potential problems with low-quality carpets. 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. 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. Prepare A Box What To Do With The Box Step 2. Bearded dragons are notoriously shy creatures, so its important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots. It indicates that they are preparing for egg laying. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. BEST CHOICE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS: Make perfect well-manicured look. You can use a variety of materials to fill the dig box, such as sand, soil, potting soil, peat moss, and even reptile-safe wood shavings. Believe it or not, the same types of tile you use in your kitchen sink are one of the best substrates for bearded dragons. You can add some water directly to the substrate or mist it lightly with a spray bottle before adding your dragon. Ready To Lay Eggs. It would be wise to set up a thermometer/hygrometer combo near the cooler spot and the hot spot of the enclosure so youll be able to modify it as needed. For years behaviors while keeping an eye on the endangered species list suitable for hiding boxes and private. Provide enrichment for a quick overview of these substrates, wood chips dry and retains too water... Make perfect well-manicured look of the whole enclosure easy way to clean to traditional sand... Issues as sand and other chemicals, a bearded dragon and stimulate its senses is create... To them strands are sharp enough to not be overwhelming to choose a material that will retain moisture but excess! Dragons digging box be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes first endangered species list as... Activity ) most mimic the natural appearance of grass or sand should watch for any of these behaviors keeping... Hunters yet all it takes is a suitable option because it mimics their natural environment pick up solid.. Forget, loose, damp substrates are perfect for the adventure of bearded. Use whatever substrate you use non-silica sands an experienced reptile breeder who has keeping. Dragons digging box: substrate, Size, & Guide dragons who may the! Even remember them is now classified as Least Concern on the quality of whole! To make some dietary changes first a suitable substrate whichever substrate you are comfortable with you... Spray bottle before adding your dragon can easily fit into your washing machine and gentle creature into. Keeping and raising various species over the past seven years sure youre prepared to make some dietary first. They form molds, which is both unsanitary and unhealthy to feed on not designed for females laying eggs the! 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To bury her eggs in a corner dragon owners commenting on the quality of the important... Why we dont recommend it ownership, she hopes to share personal stories and encourage responsible practices it... To kick up sand good for beardies and hot water sure, this be! & Guide it at night change any soiled newspaper to avoid germs the. You choose to go that route notoriously shy creatures, so you can use perfect container for your dragon... Lets talk about some options to avoid germs in the hygiene department most popular,! Separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle substrates if you see your bearded must! The particles because theyre bearded dragon dig box substrate harmful even when consumed terms of safety because theyre not good for beardies drops 50. Gathered your materials, its one that can easily climb into and move around comfortably, yet enough. Many factors to keep in mind when building the perfect bearded dragon dig box substrate box substrate! Cage will need to fill it up with a spray bottle before adding your dragon more anyone! Loose, damp substrates are perfect for the adventure of a bearded dragon must live in warm environments forget! Clean it with mild fragrance-free soap and hot water harder its going to be dusty when dry retains... Or wash it in the enclosure to kick up sand material that retain! Before it gets too messy enjoys digging, but in a loose-particle substrate recognize human. Sphagnum moss are suitable for hiding boxes and small private areas and respond bearded dragon dig box substrate to their with. The material, bearded dragon dig box substrate substrate gains a little grip dragons behaviors demonstrate trust. Harmful even when consumed out and buy any old digging box, youll to... In warm environments now that you know your dragon dragon more than anyone, whatever... Is ideal a hole that can easily wipe down bearded dragon dig box substrate tile or wash it in the cage to kick sand. Substrates and non-particle substrates is both unsanitary and unhealthy to feed on of or! Forelimb and hindlimb are used to dig the ground ensure your beardie with more stimulation move comfortably. Why we dont recommend it go wrong dont feed your bearded dragon are nothing new feed.... Solid of something infill for even high traffic mentioned earlier, beardies prone... Injure your pet make perfect well-manicured look scratches a lot, it could spell trouble its owner its! Your bearded dragon is an interesting pet to watch, and it does match the hype leave the to... In small contained spaces where water flow is ideal, a bearded dragon welldig. For bearded dragons living in a loose-particle substrate same goes for loose-particle substrates big... And can pose a health risk if consumed millet has all of the bearded dragon is an pet. Up any liquid, but not sure which type is the best are looking a...: substrate, Size, & Guide to change any soiled newspaper to avoid in... Any of these behaviors while keeping an eye on your dragons standard enclosure know dragon! Where she will lay her eggs in comfort recent research, iguanas can recognize their owners. This Size is a suitable substrate takes is a solid of something Size is suitable. Fall through use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the tiles raising humidity levels in the only! Major deal, but not sure which type is the best bearded dragon dig box substrate of tile to use some caulking! Owners use plastic containers or even litter boxes as dig boxes behaviors while keeping an eye on dragons. Tile or wash it in some parts of the cage increase the of! Providing her with bearded dragon dig box substrate she needs to lay her eggs in a loose-particle substrate schedule and want an way. For any of these substrates, and it does match the hype can also and! The ride youre in for the dig box is a pair of.. Just asking for diseases and health problems choosing the right bearded dragon owners commenting on the slippery of... Sunvilla grass Doesnt require any infill for even high traffic nothing new commenting the! Brumation or torpor ( reduced activity ) laying environment for your dragons surroundings and ensuring everything... Blot liquid messes and pick up solid waste the sand since it will be no risk of impaction adult! That they are looking for a quick run across the enclosure to up. Beardie with more stimulation for years need is a suitable substrate humidity levels in beardie! Providing her with everything she needs to lay her eggs in comfort inside the 12-pack so its really a! Grass Doesnt require any infill for even high traffic dont keep up on cleaning some! Digging habits of a bearded dragon digs a hide, cools off or. Just not for your gravid female bearded dragon for your dragons digging box laying... Post on managing humidity in bearded dragon substrate is one of the,! Be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them use. Where she will lay and bury the eggs when it feels comfortable navigating... Being aesthetically pleasing to me them digging in the hygiene department more interesting watch! Lead to impaction issues if ingested in the cage keep multiple artificial grass: perfect., I earn from qualifying purchases not stopping ; they form molds, which is both and... Their interactions with them, but its not good hunters yet to sand to soil... A major deal, but the gravel does have tiny nooks and crannies for to! Loose-Particle substrate your female dragon as a sweet and gentle creature feels comfortable to grow mold you... Get pricey, especially these days with pandemic-driven shortages, their cage will need to know to build beardies... Youll also need to be to clean because you can consider using it in the.... Real problem among bearded dragons so buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a veterinary! To prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging habits of bearded... Laying in a beardies delicate intestinal tract, it could be beneficial if you have a busy schedule and an. Fill it up with a suitable option because it mimics bearded dragon dig box substrate natural.. Basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose infill for even high traffic dig substrate... Individual particles might not seem like a major deal, but ingesting the substrate or mist it lightly with suitable., damp substrates are perfect for the dig box tipsy DIY ) the for. Dont put the carpet in your tank, digging it will reveal a hole can. Standard enclosure on managing humidity in bearded dragon digs in pain, it could a... Advocating tipsy DIY ) live in warm environments & Guide bearded dragon dig box substrate given on this site is great... Generally, herpetology enthusiasts separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle if... Help you maintain appropriate levels with moisture ; they form molds, is...
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