But if shes too anxious about the new custom enclosure, its also OK to modify her existing enclosure temporarily until she finishes laying her eggs. Another negative aspect of sand is its ability to hold onto moisture. I'm hearing mixed stuff about what substrate to use, some people say that using fine seeds of some type like flax is great cuz even if they were to eat it, it will just be digested, but others say that the substrate should be somewhat damp so if they dig, they can actually form a burrow. Next, well cover the materials you need and the construction process. Its a safe and low-cost substrate that doesnt require a ton of maintenance. Because they prefer to eat and heat their own food, bearded dragons do not become lonely if they are alone. Enriching Activities for Bearded Dragons, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab Keeping. If loose substrate is to cover the floor, feed in a separate cage or container that does not have loose substrate. Do beardies dig? They will scratch at the substrate and bedding to try and get underneath. This is especially important with reptile carpet. Pet health information given on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Once the dig box is prepared, its time to make your dragon feel comfortable and safe. Impaction is a very real problem among bearded dragons living in a loose-particle substrate. I hope you have a clear understanding of how to choose a substrate for your beardies dig box. Give her plenty of nutritious dark, leafy greens and generously sprinkle them with a calcium powder supplement so her bones and muscles stay nice and strong throughout her egg-laying process. With a little extra care, you can help your gravid beardie through this challenging time. 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. As they grow, their cage will need to be bigger too. Once youve gathered your materials, its time to get building! If you are comfortable with your bearded dragon, introduce him to the dig box. This will help encourage the dragon to lay as well as lighten some of the work load as it can be a very tiring process for them. These tiles can be installed on the floor because they are long-lasting and easy to clean. Then, youll have to worry about infection. Give the tiles time to dry before placing them back in the tank. Desert winters are too cold for them to venture out into the open air, so they burrow in the ground or in trees and settle in a dormant state. What Are Their Health Benefits? This material not only appears natural, but it also has a long lifespan and can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations. The box should be at least 4 inches deep and filled with your substrate of choice so your gravid female will be able to bury her eggs in the warm, damp material. Just spray the spot and give it a good wipe. Sand is considered a bad substrate for bearded dragons due to its numerous health risks. Alternatively, you can shred it up to create a diggable substrate that your bearded dragon can enjoy. But did you know that theres more you can do to prepare for your beardies big day? And second, theyre easy to clean, so they dont encourage parasites or pathogens. Bathing and glass-surfing are behaviors that many bearded dragons do on a regular basis. Summary Different Types of Bearded Dragon Substrate You can easily wipe down the tile or wash it in the sink! Many soil mixes are pretreated with fertilizers and other chemicals. As any reptile enthusiast knows, owning a pet dragon comes with a unique set of challenges. A terrarium will need at least 40 gallons of water to provide an appropriate habitat for your pet. Whether or not you opt for a loose substrate or dig box, you can mix some playsand and organic topsoil and use that. You can add artificial grass on top to give your beardie two different options. As An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. How to Create a Bearded Dragon Dig Box 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. If you examine her belly closely, youll notice its enlarged and lumpy; these lumps are the outlines of eggs! Youre one step closer to becoming a dragon parent. My female bearded dragon, Meeka, has started digging. To deep clean reptile carpet, soak it in hot water and scrub it clean! Rubber shelf liner Ceramic tile for bearded dragons. Absorbent, non-abrasive material will not irritate reptiles.You can cut the mat into the size that you need to fit your tank. Flailing around their enclosures can be dangerous, Grimm has damaged his toes and his tail when I wasnt home while he was having an episode. Put in the simplest terms, substrate is to your bearded dragons habitat as a floor is to your home. The spiny beard of a bearded dragon can communicate with other types of animals in a variety of ways. The biggest perk is its low cost and easy maintenance. Free to a good home in the Asheville, NC area. providing her with everything she needs to lay her eggs comfortably. You can demonstrate what its for by putting them inside and pushing some substrate around, or leave it up to them to figure out. Just take a walk through your local home improvement store! Another major problem with mulch and wood shavings is the oil they produce. 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. Thats all folks, now you have a dig box! Many types of reptile substrate, such as dirt or vermiculite, can be used for this as they are easy to handle for your dragon. Newspaper or Paper Towels 3. 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. However, if youre using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon lays her clutch. 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! Wanting to make a dig box for my beardie to have some play time in. You want to fully soak the material to remove any seeped-in mess. Simply fill the dig box with at least 6 inches of the sand mix substrate and add warm water so it becomes moist. After all, shes expecting! Despite their lack of ability to express love to humans in the same way that humans do, bearded dragons can form strong bonds with their owners. And thats just the beginning! Embossed Texture With its unique texture, it provides a good grip for your pet while moving around their home. Also, steer clear of similar products like corn cob litter. Wood Chips or Bark 7. Even though lizards arent as friendly as cats or dogs, they still have a lot to offer their owners. You can find the tiles in hardware, but consider ordering from a tiles store if the prices are exaggerated. 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. Crushed walnuts are another popular substrate youll see bagged up at the pet store. If your bearded dragon digs a hide, cools off, or constructs a nest, it may appear to be scratching things. Antibacterial products are a big plus! Hello! A female bearded dragons body and head are larger than a male bearded dragons. When selecting a substrate for your bearded dragon's tank, you should choose one of three options: Tile, excavator clay, or ReptiChips. 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. Shes expecting, after all, so make things convenient for her! You dont have to use coconut husksome people use seeds like millet and flax. You can easily use old newspapers or magazines. The digging of an egg can also be a sign that a female dragon is preparing to lay eggs or that she has completed brumation, which is a state of sleep during cold weather in which wild bearded dragons are active. The other great thing is that it can stay for several years, so its pocket-friendly. They will often search for something in the corner, whether it be a treat or a place to hide. You should break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill it in with your box. Although its generally not a great idea to use loose substrate for your dragons standard enclosure, for a dig box, loose, damp substrates are perfect. Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. But its good to keep in mind that a substrate isnt a dietary supplement. You'll be surprised at how efficient and safe it is. One of the best bearded dragon substrates on the market is Zilla Terrarium Reptile Carpet. A key component of the enclosure is the dig box, which allows your pet to dig and burrow and create a space for themselves. I love this option because its both a substrate and a way to entertain your beardie. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! In fact, female beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. Hives can be hibernated for a few days, but they can remain active for up to a year in the wild. But its nothing more than leftovers from a walnut processing plant. However, its only recently becoming more widespread in the beardie community. Were the substrate to the point that you could make a sand castle. Theyre also easy to clean and require low maintenance. At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. When they are threatened, they make this decision to flee or fight. Because bearded dragons are ectotherms, they cannot regulate their own body temperature. Congratulations! Once everything is set up, congratulations! The same goes for loose-particle substrates if you choose to go that route. So theres really no need to worry about things getting too humid. And when it comes to fitting, it can be easily customized to fit any of the best bearded dragon cages. The beard of a bearded dragon is smaller than that of a chameleon. Let me know by leaving a comment below or follow us on Instagram. It is native to Australia and is known for its friendly and gentle personality. Sand is a popular bearded dragon substrate that you will see lining pet store shelves. What more could you want? A dig box provides an activity that expels excess energy and prevents self-injurious behavior. We also recommend using a disinfectant for spot cleaning. Are you ready to build the perfect home for your soon-to-be mother dragon? Think of it as a natural nail file! Sand presents a huge problem in the hygiene department. Review conditions creating stress. Fill the dig box with at least 6 inches of the sand mix substrate and add warm water so it becomes damp but not soaked. 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. Females are drawn to a bearded dragon by its bobs and stamps on its head. Should You Use Sand For A Bearded Dragon? Your dragon will love it! This is sometimes used as bedding for other pet reptiles, but its not good for beardies. 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