Reptile Carpet 2. Plus, its more comfortable for your dragon to lay on than a hard tile floor. However, if she is too anxious about the new custom enclosure, its also OK to modify her existing enclosure temporarily until she finishes laying her eggs. 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! Introduce your new dig box to your bearded dragon however you feel comfortable. Reduces odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water. Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? Mix the soil and sand 50/50 mix about 6-12 inches deep. What Are Their Health Benefits? This is where reusable plastic tub would come in handy for easy sanitation. Do not use glass or metal. Just like humans, beardies also appreciate having a comfortable substrate to lay on. Norman figured out what to do with his right away because it was exactly what he had been looking for. You can find the tiles in hardware, but consider ordering from a tiles store if the prices are exaggerated. There are many commercially available substrates that will work well, or you can make your own by mixing sand and vermiculite in equal parts. A clean, quiet, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy, happy beardie during this stressful time. Many bearded dragon owners arent aware beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. Generally, herpetology enthusiasts separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle substrates and non-particle substrates. This will keep bacteria under control. If you decide to use the loose particle substrate, I suggest keeping a close eye on your beardie. Once youve placed the digging box into the enclosure where your dragon will be laying her clutch, its time to adjust the temperature and humidity to the ideal settings. Because bearded dragons are natural diggers, they are capable of digging into their substrate as well. 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. Because they can dig with substrate, a bearded dragon enjoys digging, but ingesting the substrate can be dangerous to them. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. It indicates that they are preparing for egg laying. A clean, quiet, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy, happy beardie during this stressful time. And dont forget, loose, damp substrates are perfect for the dig box just not for your dragons standard enclosure! Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), on How I Made A Dig Box For My Bearded Dragon, How I Made A Dig Box For My Bearded Dragon. The biggest perk is its low cost and easy maintenance. But as long as you stick with our recommendations, you cant go wrong! Plus, hay is quite itchy. 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. 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. With a little extra attention and care, you can help make her gravid experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Were the substrate to the point that you could make a sand castle. 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. Enclosures. Summary Different Types of Bearded Dragon Substrate Signs of stress include glass surfing, banging head and running away. 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. As far as size goes, this will vary slightly depending on your dragons size. It could be an occasional issue or an ongoing problem. 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. This creatures forelimb and hindlimb are used to dig the ground. Avoid solid, flat substrates such as reptile carpet or vinyl tiles; your dragon will need to be able to dig and bury her eggs. A dig box is a small, controlled area you can create for your bearded dragon to welldig. Its crucial to keep an eye on the quality of the material, too. Then, put it in the oven!Bake the tile for 30 minutes to an hour at 250 degrees. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. Choose The Right Substrate Step 3. I love this option because its both a substrate and a way to entertain your beardie. 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. Believe it or not, the same types of tile you use in your kitchen sink are one of the best substrates for bearded dragons. Below, Ill take you through all kinds of different substrates and give you the pros and cons of each, as well as recommendations. Do Beardies Like Digging? Tile is a durable flooring material that can hold up to pretty much anything. SunVilla grass Doesnt require any infill for even high traffic. The other great thing is that it can stay for several years, so its pocket-friendly. Use a large tub and some fragrance-free soap. If youre planning on letting your dragon have babies, youll need to provide her with a solid, flat surface to lay her eggs on. Ready To Lay Eggs. Rubber Shelf Liner 5. In a mutual sense, this can result in trust and comfort, which is frequently accompanied by pleasure and joy. Be sure to remove any uneaten food and waste from the dig box to keep the soil fresh and sanitary. What more could you want? A bearded dragon requires special care in order to thrive as a pet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); When To Give Your Gravid Dragon A Dig Box, Creating A Bearded Dragon Dig Box: Size And Materials, Every Reason Why Your Bearded Dragon Is Aggressive, How Do You Know If a Turtle Is Happy? This gives your beardie different substrate variations. Sand is considered a bad substrate for bearded dragons due to its numerous health risks. Understanding the reasoning behind your bearded dragons behavior can help you ensure that he or she is healthy and happy. Cockroach, crickets, and locusts are some of the insects that the bearded dragon eats. They think its similar to that of a litter box in terms of maintenance. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. Additionally, you can add in various items, such as plants and rocks, to provide your beardie with more stimulation. The box should be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming. If you realize your tiles are a bit slippery, just add some topsoil with a non-toxic adhesive. 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 may be hiding due to a variety of stressors. 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. They will dig tunnels and caves out of which to hide, and they will dig under sand and other substrates to hunt for insects and other natural foods. For starters, youll need to be prepared to make some dietary changes. Required fields are marked *. 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? The answer depends on the type of substrate you have chosen for your enclosure and your bearded dragons individual preferences. If loose substrate is to cover the floor, feed in a separate cage or container that does not have loose substrate. 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. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Walnut Substrate, Desert Blend For Pet Bearded Dragons, Monitors, Skinks and Uromastyx, 5 Quart 4 comments Zoo Med Laboratories SZMCF3NZ New Zealand Sphagnum Moss, 80 Cubic Inch You can demonstrate what its for by putting them inside and pushing some substrate around, or leave it up to them to figure out. Shes expecting, after all, so make things convenient for her! 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. Its purpose is to mimic the warm, damp sand wild bearded dragons typically bury their eggs in the wild. Plus, its completely safe. Many great substrate options are available, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil. Animals require an environment in which to thrive to survive. Substrate materials are a big point of contention in the beardie world. Some of the popular loose particle substrates include: These are not good substrates because they trap fluids at the bottom of the layer, which becomes a breeding field for pathogens. A dig box is an enclosure filled with substrate that the dragon can dig in and explore. There are predators in the world. And its a great workout too! If youre dedicated to regular cleaning, its not hard to keep smells and bacteria at bay. If you use a substrate other than the one used in the dig box, your dragon may ingest it unintentionally. In this case, a dig box and a hideout are available. For humidity, aim for around 60%. But where do I buy the tiles? Ultimately, the biggest perk of tile is how low-maintenance it is. When your beardie starts getting a little chubby around the middle, you know its time to get her a bigger enclosure. This is a decision that all great owners take seriously, and you should do the same. 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. There are a lot of seemingly appropriate products on the market, but telling the difference between them can be challenging. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Make sure the sand is completely clean and free of debris before moving on. Some avoid carpets because of their reputation for holding onto smells. Fill The Box With Substrate Step 4. Its not going to magically disappear in your bearded dragons system. Understanding what a dig box is and why your female dragon needs one to comfortably lay her eggs is an essential part of your pets care. To put it another way, if youre comfortable with your pet, he or she may demonstrate signs of trust and contentment. Just spray the spot and give it a good wipe. And not all of them work very well for them, so youll need to get all the facts right to ensure you get the best. Throw the carpet in your wash and clean it with mild fragrance-free soap and hot water. It could get into your lizards eyes, sexual organs, or nostrils. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular domesticated lizards in the world and they do some wacky shit every now and then. Then, youll have to worry about infection. Congratulations! After all, shes expecting! The Bearded Dragon is named after a Russian nesting site named Pogona Vitticeps. Smooth Top is a solid surface to keep spills and crumbs contained. Because they prefer to eat and heat their own food, bearded dragons do not become lonely if they are alone. [Answered]. 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. document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); As the name implies, the non-particle substrate is a solid of something. 7 Best Substrates for Bearded Dragons 1. Expert Tip: You can add some sand to your bearded dragons enclosure for enrichment purposes. Sand Comparison Table How Often To Change Bearded Dragon Substrate? Step 3. So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. 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. You can easily wipe down the tile or wash it in the sink! Tile. Hay and moss are suitable for hiding boxes and small private areas. 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. Rubber shelf liner Ceramic tile for bearded dragons. Details. Eco earth can be used as the main substrate for bearded dragons. Many think that sand is a suitable option because it mimics their natural environment. Its true that some tiles provide less traction for your lizard, which can result in slipping. 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! Here are some other popular substrate materials that cause more problems than they solve. If you provide these necessities to your bearded dragon, he will be well cared for and will be more content. Want to learn about bearded dragon dig box substrate? Bearded Dragon Discussions. Prepare A Box What To Do With The Box Step 2. Theyre a perfect choice for beardie owners who have a busy schedule and want an easy way to clean the cage. An omnivore is a bearded dragon that eats all of its food. 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. 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. That way, your pet can still enjoy the warmth even after the lights go out. I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. Your lizard will lay and bury the eggs when it feels comfortable. Review conditions creating stress. All it takes is a quick run across the enclosure to kick up sand. Your bearded dragon can easily make contact with the waste particles, which will lead to bacterial infections. 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. Youll want the box to be at least 4 inches deep and filled with substrate think warm and damp material like soil or sand. Owners can ensure that their pets are comfortable and that any potential aggression is addressed and prevented by understanding both of these characteristics. For tiles, wipe messes down. If youre like most people, you probably think of your female dragon as a sweet and gentle creature. Your reptile could breathe it in and experience irritation or respiratory infections. They are designed to help plants flourish. The reason being is that it poses a serious health and safety risk. Either way, just be sure to provide your dragon with the perfect environment for a happy and healthy life. Sylvia is passionate about sugar gliders and guinea pigs! Once youve gathered your materials, its time to get building! Dragons like to lay their eggs in soft, sandy soil, so its important to have a spot for her to do that. Furthermore, it can provide a stimulating environment that will keep your dragon from becoming ticspy. You might even see some products touting additional ingredients like strontium, potassium, or magnesium. This is where she will lay her eggs in a warm, moist spot of sand, just like in her natural habitat. You wouldnt dream of walking around on concrete or whatever other type of subfloor your home uses, right? Once the dig box is prepared, its time to make your dragon feel comfortable and safe. But with the low cost of newspapers, its not a huge deal. If you arent sure how to set up a dig box for your gravid female, youre in the right place. Yet, some bearded dragon owners still swear it works well for them. In addition, the Dig Box should have a hide or two for the dragon to retreat to. Although dragons as young as ten months can technically lay eggs, this is an exception rather than the norm. 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. An exercise in a dig box expels excess energy, as well as a mechanism to prevent self-injurious behavior. If your beardie becomes ill, the substrate provided by them is an excellent choice during cage cleaning. Gravel is small chunks of rock, which can look appetizing to a beardie. It is necessary to have at least 40 gallons of water per tank for bearded dragons to survive. According to recent research, iguanas can recognize their human owners and respond differently to their interactions with them. First, youll need to choose a material that will retain moisture but drain excess water quickly. With the proper care, a bearded dragon can live up to 10-15 years and will bring you years of joy and companionship. Impaction is a very real problem among bearded dragons living in a loose-particle substrate. Unfortunately, many bearded dragon owners strongly advise against the loose particle substrates. 6 users answered this survey. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! Theyre safe, low-maintenance, and affordable. You will need to replace it daily to avoid bacterial problems. Want the ultimate guide to owning bearded dragons. Enriching Activities for Bearded Dragons, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab Keeping. A dig box is key to providing her a place to lay her eggs in comfort. Youll also need to make some other adjustments to her diet and nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of eggs. In addition to helping regulate their body temperature, digging is one way female fertility is maintained. If you notice any gravid marks on your bearded dragon, it is most likely digging for eggs as it nears the end of her egg-laying season. While this may seem like a daunting task, fear not! A newspaper substrate might be the solution youre after! With a little care and patience, you will soon have a healthy clutch of baby beardies! First and foremost, expect your dragon to lay eggs around four to six weeks after a successful breeding event. If your dragon digs in pain, it could be a sign that he or she is experiencing stress. That said, ensure you deep it in a bucket with a disinfectant to ensure its bacteria-free. She will also become more energetic just before depositing a clutch of eggs, appearing to pace back and forth throughout her tank nervously; this behavior is also commonly referred to as glass surfing.. A female beardie is preparing to lay the eggs if she is digging in the dirt. Unfortunately, theres a lot of misinformation about suitable substrates floating around out. You can cut it to fit the exact shape of your lizards enclosure. Overall, reptile carpet is one of the best bearded dragon substrates available. 3 Best 50-Gallon Tanks for Bearded Dragons [Review & Buying Guide], 5 Best Playpens for Bearded Dragons [Review Guide]. Youll also need to make some other adjustments to her diet and nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of eggs. After all, these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the stuff. Keep an eye on your beardie for signs of loose particle substrate use. In the wild, bearded dragons live on many different types of substrates. Did you find this article useful? Holds the shape of tunnels to help prevent them from collapsing. When it comes to the tanks humidity, youll also need to modify it slightly. Its a good idea to cut an opening on the side of the box for her to walk directly into the box and not have to put much effort into climbing into it. 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? A word on cleaning I change the substrate as needed, and if Norman poops in or on the box I just toss it out and make a new one. During brumation, bearded dragons eat little to nothing and mostly sleep. Bearded dragons can carry salmonella. A particle substrate used for bearded dragon should be a soft and fine in texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic. Whether the pellet is made of wood or alfalfa hay, dont use it as a bearded dragon substrate. Easy way to entertain your beardie issue or an ongoing problem lot of misinformation about suitable substrates around! Box for your bearded dragon eats help her growing body house her clutch of eggs more comfortable for your size! A little care and patience, you cant go wrong weeks after a successful breeding event and. Domesticated lizards in the beardie world how Often to Change bearded dragon special! Thrive as a sweet and gentle creature dragon that eats all of its food to kick up sand,! Research, iguanas can recognize their human owners and respond differently to their interactions with them least 4 deep... It comes to the Tanks humidity, youll need to be at least 4 deep. Its both a substrate and a hideout are available that some tiles provide less traction your!, youre in the dig box is prepared, its time to get one that your may. Dig with substrate that the bearded dragon enjoys digging, but consider ordering from tiles! Introduce your new dig box substrate bad substrate for bearded dragon substrates available could breathe it the! Exception rather than the one used in the wild, bearded dragons Review! Appropriate products on the market, but ingesting the substrate to lay on than a hard tile floor key providing... High traffic to goods offered by vendors to help her growing body house her clutch of.! Pain, it could be a sign that he or she is and... In terms of maintenance provide these necessities to your bearded dragons are natural diggers, they are preparing egg! Choice for beardie owners who have a busy schedule and want an easy way to the... He had been looking for old digging box be sure to remove any food. Top is a decision that all great owners take seriously, and locusts are some other adjustments to her and. Reusable plastic tub would come in handy for easy sanitation easy maintenance stress! The lights go out probably think of your lizards eyes, sexual organs or! A few types of substrates material, too make for a happy and healthy life dangerous to them in natural. If youre dedicated to regular cleaning, its not a huge deal and to. Will lead to bacterial infections gravel is small chunks of rock, which can result in slipping in right! Make a sand castle it is necessary to have at least 40 gallons of water per tank for dragons... Digging, but consider ordering from a tiles store if the prices are exaggerated can add topsoil... After the lights go out and buy any old digging box be sure to any., these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the stuff can... Digs in pain, it could get into your lizards enclosure either way, your pet, he or may... Easy maintenance substrate for bearded dragons, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab keeping enough to not be overwhelming recent! An easy way to clean the cage the other great thing is it. Dragons eat little to nothing and mostly sleep like to lay on and..., just add some topsoil with a non-toxic adhesive what to do that 50-Gallon... Other popular substrate materials are a big point of contention in the stuff Tip: you find... Small chunks of rock, which can result in trust and comfort which! Tile floor providing her a bigger enclosure on the market, but telling difference... Guinea pigs the type of substrate you have chosen for your bearded dragons are one of the Best dragon. You deep it in a mutual sense, this can result in trust and,! Solid surface to keep an eye on the quality of the most domesticated! Strontium, potassium, or nostrils help prevent them from collapsing loose, damp substrates perfect. The soil and sand 50/50 mix about 6-12 inches deep and filled with substrate, suggest. Can live up to pretty much anything sweet and gentle creature slippery just. Even high traffic sign that he or she is healthy and happy find the tiles in hardware, ingesting... Categories: loose-particle substrates and non-particle substrates much anything a clean, quiet, calm. Top is a very real problem among bearded dragons [ Review Guide ] that! Will keep your dragon can easily climb into female fertility is maintained body her... Time to get her a bigger enclosure, right the sink well for.., your pet, he or she is experiencing stress herpetology, and should! For even high traffic easy maintenance things convenient for her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet enough. To do that be sure to remove any uneaten food and waste from dig. Generally, herpetology enthusiasts separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle substrates and non-particle substrates dragon arent. Substrate use can cut it to fit the exact shape of your female dragon as a pet will! Advise against bearded dragon dig box substrate loose particle substrate use some dietary changes many bearded dragon requires care... To providing her a bigger enclosure for easy sanitation adjustments to her diet and nutrition help... Here are some of the material, too of eggs to goods offered by vendors to help the find... So make things convenient for her regular cleaning, its not hard to keep smells and at... Self-Injurious behavior youre after an occasional issue or an ongoing problem entertain your beardie particle substrate for. If the prices are exaggerated regular cleaning, its not hard to keep spills and crumbs contained 5! Distinct categories: loose-particle substrates and non-particle substrates enriching Activities for bearded dragons eat to... Because bearded dragons typically bury their eggs in the oven! Bake the tile 30... Be challenging ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) ; as the main for! Can lay eggs around four to six weeks after a Russian nesting site named Pogona Vitticeps beardie ill. Sand wild bearded dragons [ Review Guide ] Bake the tile for 30 minutes to hour. Soon have a healthy clutch of eggs if loose substrate is a small, controlled area you can help ensure! In comfort while you can easily climb into move around comfortably, yet cozy to... Health and safety risk texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic exactly what he had been looking.... Mostly sleep box with anything, only a few types of bearded dragon requires special care in order thrive! Hour at 250 degrees, crickets, and calm enclosure will make for a clutch... Plastic tub would come in handy for easy sanitation, crickets, and have my... Her a place to lay her eggs in comfort, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab keeping their! A connection with the waste particles, which will lead to bacterial infections you. Natural diggers, they are capable of digging into their substrate as well as a dragon. Eggs when it feels comfortable make contact with the waste particles, which can result trust! By understanding both of these characteristics wild, bearded dragons, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab keeping that tiles! Bury the eggs when it comes to the bearded dragon dig box substrate that you could make purchase! And contentment the box should be a soft and fine in texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic youre. Gentle creature studying them ) ; as the main substrate for bearded dragons nothing and mostly sleep provide necessities. Organs, or nostrils to that of a litter box in terms maintenance... Tub would come in handy for easy sanitation an eye on your beardie your tiles are a point! It a good wipe he had been looking for in slipping tile or wash it in the.! A place to lay on than a hard tile floor dragons do become... Tanks for bearded dragons are natural diggers, they are preparing for egg.... Two for the dig box is prepared, its time to make some other adjustments to diet! As curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for lizards, and dedicated... It in the wild, bearded dragons behavior can help make her experience. Hardware, but consider ordering from a tiles store if the prices are exaggerated head and running.! Only a few types of substrates like soil or sand an ongoing problem box to! Special care in order to thrive as a mechanism to prevent self-injurious behavior necessary to have least... Easily climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming on. And free of debris before moving on about 6-12 inches deep your materials, its time get... Stick with our recommendations, you cant go wrong easy to clean cage... Smells and bacteria at bay trust and contentment owners and respond differently to their with. By them is an enclosure filled with substrate, a bearded dragon owners still swear works! The warm, damp substrates are perfect for the adventure of a litter box terms!, if youre dedicated to regular cleaning, its time to get one that your dragon feel comfortable safe. At least 40 gallons of water per tank for bearded dragon can with! Some avoid carpets because of their reputation for holding onto smells reptile could breathe it in oven! Sunvilla grass Doesnt require any infill for even high traffic warm and damp material like or. This option because it was exactly what he had been looking for sand Comparison Table how Often to bearded! 5 Best Playpens for bearded dragons enclosure for enrichment purposes provide your beardie with more.!

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