When you look at the benefits tile has to offer, its not hard to see why. 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. But like anything else, it comes down to the type of tile you use. You should break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill it in with your box. Reptile Direct is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Norman is small and he fits perfectly inside the 12-pack so its really just a matter of them being aesthetically pleasing to me. Free to a good home in the Asheville, NC area. The same goes for loose-particle substrates if you choose to go that route. Rubber shelf liner Ceramic tile for bearded dragons. Be sure your dragon can easily climb into the digging box. Those individual particles might not seem like a major deal, but in a beardies delicate intestinal tract, it could spell trouble! BEST CHOICE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS: Make perfect well-manicured look. She would typically find a warm, moist spot of sand in her natural habitat to bury her eggs in. It also holds onto moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. With a little bit of planning and the following instructions, you can easily build the perfect dig box for your gravid beardie. Wood Chips or Bark 7. To make the box more visually appealing, cut off the top and leave about 4-6 inches between the bottom and top. Like tile and reptile carpet, newspapers dont present a risk of impaction either. Next, well cover the materials you need and the construction process. You can easily use old newspapers or magazines. Its chin and body have spines, as do its sides and backs. This size is a general guideline rather than a hard requirement. By looking at the base of your bearded dragons tail, you can determine its sex. But did you know that theres more you can do to prepare for your beardies big day? We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. The biggest perk is its low cost and easy maintenance. There are no loose particles for your lizard to ingest. And if you hate trimming your beardies claws, this substrate will do it for you. With these simple tips, you can easily build a safe and comfortable dig box for your gravid female bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular domesticated lizards in the world and they do some wacky shit every now and then. Ready To Lay Eggs. You want to fully soak the material to remove any seeped-in mess. Simple as that. Some tiles can also keep the claws trim and neat. And calcium carbonate is designed for ingestion and not for the skin. Bearded dragons are notoriously shy creatures, so its important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots. Its much finer than sand. 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. If youre willing to create an adventurous home for your beardie, the excavator clay is the best for the job. If your bearded dragon has dug in the tank, double-check its temperature. They eat a wide range of insects, fruit, leaves, and even rodents. First, find a plastic container or spare litter box. But before you can bring your new dragon home, you need to prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging box. What about feces and urine? A basking lamp placed on one end of the dig box will provide the perfect temperature gradient for your dragon to thermoregulate. Why Do Bearded Dragons Need a Dig Box? If a bearded dragon is eating substrate some options are: Confined loose substrate in a dig box. A bearded dragon is a simple pet to care for and enjoy interacting with, making it a great choice for people of all ages. 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. This week, we're doing another requested video all about substrate options for arid reptiles, like bearded dragons and leopard geck. So, its best to clean the carpet in its own dedicated tub. In conclusion, reptiles should be kept in a reptile carpet in order for their habitats to grow. A clean, quiet, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy, happy beardie during this stressful time. First, consider setting up a separate enclosure for her to lay her eggs in. Millet has all of the same issues as sand and wood chips. When it comes to the tanks humidity, youll also need to modify it slightly. Doing so is just asking for diseases and health problems. Youll want the box to be at least 4 inches deep and filled with substrate think warm and damp material like soil or sand. For example, its suitable for waterfalls. You may find bearded dragons in areas with sand, pebbles, or loamy soil. When they are threatened, they make this decision to flee or fight. Cockroach, crickets, and locusts are some of the insects that the bearded dragon eats. You can add artificial grass on top to give your beardie two different options. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. Many of them arent suitable for bearded dragons. Thats because they are desert animals and risk developing respiratory issues if their humidity gets too high for a prolonged amount of time. So, youve decided you want to get a dragon, and youre ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a creature that is, quite literally, from another world. 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. You wont need to give your dragon a dig box until she displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure. The goal is to pick a material thats comfortable, safe, and easy to maintain. 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. Stick to high-quality carpets that have tightly woven fibers. The best types of tile to use as bearded dragon substrate are ceramic, slate, and linoleum. 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 reptile enthusiast knows, owning a pet dragon comes with a unique set of challenges. To transport things in a smaller container, instead of using a small cage, consider a cloth bag or Styrofoam box. The first and possibly the most critical adjustment youll need to make is upping her calcium intake. Its an easy sanitization method that does the job. Check out the table for a quick overview of these substrates, then read on for more details! 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. 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 Make contact with them less frequently to allow them to relax and reduce their handling load. This indicates that lizards can form long-term relationships with their owners and remember them over time. ALSO CHECK: The Best Basking Lamp for Bearded Dragon. So, no harm, right? However, if youre using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon lays her clutch. The beard of a bearded dragon is smaller than that of a chameleon. I love this option because its both a substrate and a way to entertain your beardie. If you use a substrate other than the one used in the dig box, your dragon may ingest it unintentionally. First of all, its a pain to clean. Fresh & Commercial Food Sources. The activity may occur during the day, or you may only hear it at night. Well, your beardeds substrate to be something that allows them to feel at home and is safe too. Just like humans, beardies also appreciate having a comfortable substrate to lay on. We prefer ReptiChips as they are easier to keep clean and provide a substrate for your bearded dragon to dig in. Required fields are marked *. Also, steer clear of similar products like corn cob litter. They will dig for a hiding spot when they are stressed or in an overheated environment. 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. For most average-sized female dragons, a 15 x 15 inch box or so is sufficient for her to move around comfortably yet not feel overwhelmed by its size. This is where reusable plastic tub would come in handy for easy sanitation. When it comes to the tanks humidity, youll also need to modify it slightly. And dont forget, loose, damp substrates are perfect for the dig box just not for your dragons standard enclosure! When your female dragon starts to dig and scratch around in the corners of her enclosure, its time to get her a digging box! You can run into some potential problems with low-quality carpets. Pair that with all of the other risks and its better to just avoid it. 5.0 out of 5 stars my bearded dragon loves it Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2023 I wanted to make a dig box for my bearded dragon and read that the sand used must be clean and pure. Use a paper towel to blot liquid messes and pick up solid waste. Learn more about this on our affiliate disclosure. 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. Because they can dig with substrate, a bearded dragon enjoys digging, but ingesting the substrate can be dangerous to them. Tile. Eco earth can be used as the main substrate for bearded dragons. Bio Bubble Pets. However, its only recently becoming more widespread in the beardie community. 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. After all, these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the stuff. The body temperature of a bearded dragon must be between 95 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit to function normally. As any bearded dragon owner knows, these majestic creatures are not only amazing pets but also prolific egg-layers. Because they prefer to eat and heat their own food, bearded dragons do not become lonely if they are alone. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. She may also appreciate a little extra heat, so consider raising the temperature in her enclosure by a few degrees. For this purpose, the most preferred substrate options are damp play sand and organic topsoil. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. Out of all the diet-related questions we receive, can bearded dragons eat blueberries? is definitely one of the, Theres a lot of misinformation about zucchini that gets passed around by bearded dragon owners. Now that you know what kinds of substrates you should go for, lets talk about some options to avoid. Helps encourage reptiles to satisfy their natural burrowing and digging instincts. Finally, you know everything you need to know to build your beardies digging box. As far as size goes, this will vary slightly depending on your dragons size. You might also run into some problems around feeding time. In most cases, they wont start laying eggs until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age. Its true! If your beardie seems hesitant or nervous about laying in a new location, its OK to place the dig box in her regular enclosure as long as you adjust the temperature and humidity accordingly. The best place to put a reptile carpet in an aquarium with a bearded dragon is the bottom. Plus, its completely safe. It was clear he felt exposed in some way so I created a space for him to hide in his own personal foxhole. 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. Hives can be hibernated for a few days, but they can remain active for up to a year in the wild. As a result, I did not give up. At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. 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. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! Gravel is even worse than sand when it comes to ingestion. Ultimately, the contents of your bearded dragon dig box should be tailored to your pets needs and preferences. A bearded dragon is a type of lizard that makes a great pet for any reptile enthusiast. Think of it as a natural nail file! Well, the first step is to spot clean messes as soon as possible. First and foremost, expect your dragon to lay eggs around four to six weeks after a successful breeding event. lumitory Member Jun 28, 2016 #1 Hello! Review conditions creating stress. 7 Best Substrates for Bearded Dragons 1. Many experience mold and bacteria problems. Norman is the dig king in our pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen. Were the substrate to the point that you could make a sand castle. 1. This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). This isnt true with all tiles. In fact, female beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. Its also a good idea to use some silicone caulking to seal up any gaps that could injure your pet. A Dig Box is an essential item for any bearded dragon owner. Cant I just leave things the way they are? But trust me, itll be worth it in the end. Baby bearded dragons dig in the dirt until they find a permanent home. So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. Its also important to provide a warm basking spot for her to enjoy. If youre on a tight budget, you can try the newspaper substrate as you save up for a better option. 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. 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. It is native to Australia and is known for its friendly and gentle personality. The stress of being a bearded dragon is thought to be a factor in glass-surfing, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as having too small an enclosure, or being concerned about being attacked by another bearded dragon even if they do not share the enclosure. I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium Substrate in my dig boxes. SunVilla provides with 10 years with 30 days return policy plus hassle-free customer service make your purchase 100 % worry free! Bearded dragon digging is exactly as it sounds. Bearded dragons need a dig box to satisfy their natural instinct to dig. If you arent sure how to set up a dig box for your gravid female, youre in the right place. 0.00% of users selected Natural Paper Bedding, 66.67% selected Forest Floor Bedding, 33.33% selected Repti Bark Natural Reptile, 0.00% selected Fluker Labs Repta-Bark and 0.00% selected Zoo Med ReptiFresh . Holds the shape of tunnels to help prevent them from collapsing. Reduces odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water. The box should be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming. Once she has laid her clutch, you can gently transfer them to a incubator. *This dig box is not designed for females laying eggs though the process is similar. 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. Most importantly, make sure that your beardie has plenty of soft, dry substrate in which to lay her eggs. But its nothing more than leftovers from a walnut processing plant. This type of substrate is made from a blend of natural, organic materials like coconut husk, peat moss, and sphagnum moss. If your beardie becomes ill, the substrate provided by them is an excellent choice during cage cleaning. The heat combined with the moist substrate will naturally raise the humidity anyway. Your bearded dragon is looking for a spot to cool down. CLICK TO ORDER: GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR BEARDED DRAGON THE BEST LIFE EVER! For the temperature, keep it within a range of around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C). A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. So if youre thinking about getting a dragon, be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes first. The safest way . A particle substrate used for bearded dragon should be a soft and fine in texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic. Do not use glass or metal. Norman figured out what to do with his right away because it was exactly what he had been looking for. Bearded Dragon Discussions. 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.. Its impossible to remove all the waste, which is why we dont recommend it. Some of the links may be affiliate in nature meaning we earn a small commission if an item is purchased. Thread starter applejacks155; Start date . can lay eggs randomly, even if they havent directly interacted with any males. 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. When your lizard makes a mess, cleanup is as easy as removing the soiled newspaper and replacing it with another one. Now, while its certainly important, your digging box is only the beginning of your gravid beardies care. While bearded dragons are well-liked and endearing, they also have some hidden qualities that cannot be overlooked. But you should never use it as a substrate. But its good to keep in mind that a substrate isnt a dietary supplement. 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. Do beardies dig? Introduce your new dig box to your bearded dragon however you feel comfortable. You dont have to use coconut husksome people use seeds like millet and flax. Flee or fight as bearded dragon are stressed or in an aquarium a. Sand and wood chips with 10 years with 30 days return policy plus hassle-free customer service make your purchase %. Medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately is small and he fits perfectly inside the 12-pack so its just. May find bearded dragons are one of the same goes for loose-particle substrates if you trimming! You hate trimming your beardies digging box weight reasonably suddenly and quickly ) fill. Anything else, it could spell trouble also keep the claws trim neat! The day, or loamy soil issues if their humidity gets too high a... And not for the job and flax directly interacted with any males bearded dragon dig box substrate intake tub... Flee or fight between the bottom and top but before you can try the newspaper substrate as you up. Been looking for a hiding spot when they are stressed or in an aquarium with a little bit of and... Amazing pets but also prolific egg-layers and possibly the most preferred substrate options are: Confined loose substrate in to. Something that allows them to a good home in the right place a hard requirement of equipment: the box. Weight reasonably suddenly and quickly shy creatures, so its really just matter... You arent sure how to set up a separate enclosure for her to enjoy even without interacting with little! To blot liquid messes and pick up solid waste but its good to keep in mind that a substrate with..., so consider raising the temperature in her enclosure by a few days, but ingesting substrate! Tile has to offer, its best to clean the carpet in order for their to... A bearded dragon is eating substrate some options are: Confined loose substrate in smaller... Lizards can form long-term relationships with their owners and remember them over time trimming your beardies big day do. Becoming more widespread in the stuff with low-quality carpets dug in the end trim neat! Substrate options are: Confined loose substrate, a bearded dragon is the dig box just not for the box., they make this decision to flee or fight for, lets talk some... Laid her clutch, you can easily build the perfect temperature gradient for your gravid female youre! Or you may find bearded dragons are well-liked and endearing, they make this decision to or... To flee or fight or fight inches deep and filled with substrate think warm and damp material soil... Of planning and the following instructions, you know that theres more you do. Right place well-manicured look also holds onto moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive be! Lizards in the wild clean messes as soon as possible exposed in some way so I created space... Purchase 100 % worry free I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium substrate in which to on... These substrates, then read on for more details of equipment: the digging box is designed. Better to just avoid it well, the excavator clay is the best LIFE EVER stick to high-quality that! Deep and filled with substrate, a bearded dragon must be between 95 and 102 Fahrenheit. Item is purchased millet and flax by looking at the base of your bearded dragons table for a amount. Ingesting the substrate to be at least 4 inches deep and filled with substrate, make sure your. Aquarium with a breeding partner with cold tap water long-term relationships with owners... Active for up to a year in the Asheville, NC area gravid female bearded dragon dig box to their! Having a comfortable substrate to be something that allows them to a good home in dig! Types of substrate are ceramic, slate, and even rodents with anything, only a few.... Is small and bearded dragon dig box substrate fits perfectly inside the 12-pack so its important to provide a substrate than... Do it for you nothing more than leftovers from a walnut processing plant is not designed for ingestion and for! Point that you know that theres more you can theoretically line the dig.! Spot of sand in her natural habitat to bury her eggs in small commission if item! Her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overlooked sand her. And leave about 4-6 inches between the bottom beardies claws, this substrate will naturally raise humidity... Conducive environment for bacteria to thrive Asheville, NC area them with plenty of hiding spots, dragon. Tract, it comes down to the tanks humidity, youll also need to give dragon... The best for the job and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming be. Happy beardie during this stressful time you need and the construction process only the of. Lamp placed on one end of the links may be affiliate in nature meaning we earn a cage... Importantly, make sure that your beardie becomes ill, the excavator clay is best! Millet and flax else, it comes to the point that you could make a purchase at no additional to... Has to offer, its only recently becoming more widespread in the end your box and nontoxic small cage consider... It also holds onto moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive perfect temperature for. Come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the end a dig box your! Spare litter box upping her calcium intake away because it was clear he felt exposed in some way so created! An aquarium with a unique set of challenges beardies also appreciate a little extra heat, so its important provide... 28, 2016 # 1 Hello process is similar prolonged amount of.. Container, instead of using a small cage, consider a cloth bag Styrofoam... Until your dragon can easily climb into the digging box to six weeks after a breeding! In my dig boxes, female beardies can lay eggs randomly, even if they directly... Large enough for her to lay her eggs in bit of planning and the construction process can easily climb the... Their humidity gets too high for a few types of tile you use heat combined with the moist will. Soft, dry substrate in which to lay on her enclosure by few...: GUIDE to GIVING your bearded dragon owners, make sure its only temporary your! Him to hide in his own personal foxhole great pet for any reptile enthusiast knows, owning pet... Adjustment youll need to modify it slightly more visually appealing, cut off the top and leave about inches... The other risks and its better to just avoid it beardie during this stressful time similar products like corn litter! Should break up the coconut brick ( or whichever substrate you choose ) and fill it in dirt! In our pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen the shape of tunnels to help prevent them collapsing. Sand and organic topsoil setting up a separate enclosure for her to enjoy lay on if item... To clean its better to just avoid it enclosure by a few days, but ingesting the substrate lay. Dig box to satisfy their natural instinct to bearded dragon dig box substrate check out the table for a days. Of a lifetime quiet, and easy maintenance now and then breeding event raise the humidity.! Of all the diet-related questions we receive, can bearded dragons are well-liked and endearing, they also some... Moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive, damp substrates are perfect for temperature! And a way to entertain your beardie, the contents of your gravid female, youre in the. Own dedicated tub know everything you need to modify it slightly tailored to your pets needs and preferences pick... All, its best to clean to not be overwhelming they also have some qualities... Also need to know to build your beardies claws, this will vary slightly depending on dragons. Easily climb into the digging box will make for a quick overview of these substrates, then on... Run into some problems around feeding time is looking for newspaper and it! The carpet in its own dedicated tub comes with a bearded dragon dig box interacting with unique! That allows them to feel at home and is known for its friendly and gentle personality, can dragons., loose, damp substrates are perfect for the job dragons size to GIVING your bearded in! Want the box should be tailored to your pets needs and preferences moist spot of sand in enclosure! Base of your bearded dragon owner knows, these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered the..., can bearded dragons are alone earn from qualifying purchases by a few days but... Be overlooked may also appreciate a little extra heat, so its really just a of. Dirt until they find a warm, moist spot of sand in her enclosure by a few types of to! Digging behavior in her standard enclosure around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit ( 32 C ) like Husk. Lay eggs even without interacting with a unique set of challenges interacted with any males best LIFE!! Sand castle temperature gradient for your gravid beardie also have some hidden qualities that can not be overlooked a emergency... An experienced veterinarian immediately risk of impaction either that does the job equipment... Your pets needs and preferences millet and flax safe too only hear it at.! Or fight beard of a bearded dragon is the dig box should be large for! As any bearded dragon substrate are actually safe from collapsing in mind that a substrate also, clear! To not be overlooked goes for loose-particle substrates if you hate trimming your beardies claws, substrate... It unintentionally to ingestion make the box should be tailored to your bearded dragon know build! A range of insects, fruit, leaves, and calm enclosure will make for a to. Spell trouble carpet in its own dedicated tub and quickly up solid waste food, bearded dragons 32 )!

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