Millet has all of the same issues as sand and wood chips. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? For example, did you know that you need to provide your dragon with a digging box? Yet, some bearded dragon owners still swear it works well for them. The following method is something I made one night, and I was pleasantly surprised how simple it was to make a dig box. Generally, herpetology enthusiasts separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle substrates and non-particle substrates. 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. So theres really no need to worry about things getting too humid. Do not use glass or metal. [Plus Other Foods to Eat], Theyre a perfect breeding ground for pathogens, bacteria, and fungus. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. substrates are some of the most popular choices in this category. Next, place the digging box in your chosen enclosure and adjust the temperature and humidity to the ideal settings. Exploring The Possibility Of Wild Bearded Dragons In North Carolina. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Fill The Box With Substrate Step 4. If you are comfortable with your bearded dragon, introduce him to the dig box. Bathing and glass-surfing are behaviors that many bearded dragons do on a regular basis. Someone surrendered her at my work, she comes with supplies. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular domesticated lizards in the world and they do some wacky shit every now and then. Plus, its more comfortable for your dragon to lay on than a hard tile floor. Unfortunately, sand is one of the worst substrate materials you can use! They are designed to help plants flourish. If youre thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things you should know first. A lot of temperature in the tank will cause them to lose their appetite; they may be undergoing brumation or trying to lay eggs; or they may be exposed to too much heat. 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. This is rare, though, as most dragons adjust to the smaller enclosure just fine. Use a paper towel to blot liquid messes and pick up solid waste. You might also run into some problems around feeding time. Your bearded dragon is looking for a spot to cool down. Bearded dragon digging is exactly as it sounds. Newspapers arent as secure as some other substrate materials. Many owners use plastic containers or even litter boxes as dig boxes. Most importantly, make sure that your beardie has plenty of soft, dry substrate in which to lay her eggs. About once a month, youll need to do a deep clean. In this guide well help you pick the best substrate for your beardie, and avoid materials that could cause them harm. The best part is that its solid, so youll never have to worry about your beardie chewing on it. They will dig for a hiding spot when they are stressed or in an overheated environment. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. Put in the simplest terms, substrate is to your bearded dragons habitat as a floor is to your home. With the proper care, a bearded dragon can live up to 10-15 years and will bring you years of joy and companionship. A female bearded dragons body and head are larger than a male bearded dragons. The last thing you want to do is put your family at risk for zoonotic diseases. Summary Different Types of Bearded Dragon Substrate Many seasoned owners have been using tiles for years. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. Theyre also easy to clean and require low maintenance. Fortunately, weve done the hard work for you and have listed the best substrates for bearded dragons below. Bearded dragons need a dig box to satisfy their natural instinct to dig. Be sure your dragon can easily climb into the digging box. There are a number of options out there, but all the best bearded dragon substrates have a few things in common. If youre using something like newspaper or paper towels, cleaning is as easy as tossing out soiled material and replacing it with something new. After a beard sheds, it begins to show signs of itching. As An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Thats because they are desert animals and risk developing respiratory issues if their humidity gets too high for a prolonged amount of time. Made of natural coconut fiber, a substrate that not only looks good, but is healthier for your reptile /rabbit,hamster,and small animal than most alternatives. Make sure to let the tiles cool down completely before you put it back into the enclosure. With a little care and patience, you will soon have a healthy clutch of baby beardies! The ability of lizards to recall their owners can be an important step in gaining a better understanding of the complex relationships they can form and the richness of their species. And second, theyre easy to clean, so they dont encourage parasites or pathogens. So, if youre a bearded dragon owner who is expecting a clutch of eggs soon, be sure to read up on the tips weve provided so you can give your dragon the best care possible. Looking to save a bit of money and time? The Real Answer, Why Is My Bearded Dragon Shaking? You know your dragon more than anyone, use whatever substrate you are comfortable with. 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! A reptile carpet, on the other hand, is also an excellent place for a bearded dragon to hide. Many bearded dragon owners feel that using sand as a substrate can increase the chances of gut impaction. First, let's identify some possible causes for the digging behavior: However, there are a couple of minor downsides to be aware of: Newspapers dont provide a ton of traction. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. 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. For starters, youll need to be prepared to make some dietary changes. This often happens during the warmer months, when breeding season occurs. This is why its crucial to understand how to construct and maintain a dig box so your pet will be able to deposit her eggs safely and quickly. Gravel is small chunks of rock, which can look appetizing to a beardie. But before you can bring your new dragon home, you need to prepare an essential piece of equipment: the digging box. If you find yourself in this situation, dont worry there are steps you can take to ensure that your beardie laid her eggs in a safe and comfortable place. CHECK: Best UVB Light for Bearded Dragons. So, its best to clean the carpet in its own dedicated tub. 3 Best 50-Gallon Tanks for Bearded Dragons [Review & Buying Guide], 5 Best Playpens for Bearded Dragons [Review Guide]. How To Create The Perfect Dig Box For Your Bearded Dragon Step 1. In addition to helping regulate their body temperature, digging is one way female fertility is maintained. As they do so each time, they learn to recognize their owners and associate them with positive experiences by repetition of providing food, care, and attention. Aside from keeping their skin clean and free of parasites, fungi, and bacteria, it also helps to keep their skin healthy and prevent it from becoming overly dry. Coconut husk chips or sphagnum moss are both good options. And if you hate trimming your beardies claws, this substrate will do it for you. Avoid solid, flat substrates such as reptile carpet or vinyl tiles; your dragon will need to be able to dig and bury her eggs. According to this evidence, lizards may be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them. Your bearded dragon can easily make contact with the waste particles, which will lead to bacterial infections. If your beardie becomes ill, the substrate provided by them is an excellent choice during cage cleaning. A dig box is a small, controlled area you can create for your bearded dragon to welldig. Calcium sand is advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand. So if youre thinking about getting a dragon, be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes first. Well, the first step is to spot clean messes as soon as possible. However, its OK for your dig box enclosure if the humidity goes up to 50% or even 60% temporarily, as the heat combined with the moist substrate will naturally raise the humidity anyway. Do Beardies Like Digging? 2. There are plenty of textured tile products out there. This is especially important with reptile carpet. As a result, loose sand substrate provides a more natural environment for a bearded dragon, and we recommend it for your bearded dragon substrate as opposed to other types of substrate. You might even see some products touting additional ingredients like strontium, potassium, or magnesium. Once the dig box is prepared, its time to make your dragon feel comfortable and safe. There are many factors to keep in mind when building the perfect digging box and laying environment for your gravid beardie. Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. There are a lot of seemingly appropriate products on the market, but telling the difference between them can be challenging. Animals require an environment in which to thrive to survive. This is where reusable plastic tub would come in handy for easy sanitation. Many natural wood species have oils and fumes that are toxic to bearded dragons. Instead, stick to materials that absorb heat. 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. Unfortunately, theres a lot of misinformation about suitable substrates floating around out. Even with high-quality substrate options, you must stick to a regular cleaning schedule to avoid the buildup of bacteria and disease. Already know what it is, but not sure which type is the best? Choose The Right Substrate Step 3. Reptile Carpet 2. If your bearded dragon has dug in the tank, double-check its temperature. Its a comfortable substrate that feels good underfoot for your beardie. Good Morning, Reptilians! So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. And its a great workout too! 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. 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. 6 users answered this survey. 1 / 3. coworker holding her. It doesnt soak up any liquid, but the gravel does have tiny nooks and crannies for messes to fall through. Absorbent, non-abrasive material that will not irritate reptiles. Wood Chips or Bark 7. Its best to avoid walnut substrates. Enriching Activities for Bearded Dragons, Beginners Checklist for Hermit Crab Keeping. It causes dry skin and has even been accused of causing skin color change and eye irritation. It doesnt take much for bacteria, parasites, and viruses to take over. Introduce your new dig box to your bearded dragon however you feel comfortable. Give her plenty of hiding spots to rest in when shes feeling shy or tired. If the tank is too hot, your beardie may dig and hide, which is why the temperature should be adjusted accordingly. Norman is the dig king in our pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen. It was clear he felt exposed in some way so I created a space for him to hide in his own personal foxhole. A bearded dragon will dig in order to cool off, hide from predators, or lay eggs. As a result, I did not give up. They are easy to care for, requiring a warm and dry habitat, a good diet, and regular exercise. Hives can be hibernated for a few days, but they can remain active for up to a year in the wild. Understanding the reasoning behind your bearded dragons behavior can help you ensure that he or she is healthy and happy. You might see some bearded dragon owners commenting on the slippery nature of tiles. If your bearded dragon digs a hide, cools off, or constructs a nest, it may appear to be scratching things. There will be no risk of the bearded dragon eating the sand since it will be glued and the substrate gains a little grip. Shes expecting, after all, so make things convenient for her! A Dig Box is an essential item for any bearded dragon owner. Here are a few of them! This size is a general guideline rather than a hard requirement. Bonus Tip: You dont want to buy tiles only to find out they dont fit in the tank. With a little extra care, you can help your gravid beardie through this challenging time. Your email address will not be published. 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. BEST CHOICE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS: Make perfect well-manicured look. 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? Cant I just leave things the way they are? But trust me, itll be worth it in the end. The only complaint of some beardy owners is that this material tends to be dusty when dry and retains too much water when wet. This is one of the most popular substrates, and it does match the hype. Newspaper or Paper Towels 3. Walking and running on the tile gradually wears the nails down. Artificial grass is easy to clean because you can simply take it outside and hose it. A clean, quiet, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy, happy beardie during this stressful time. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! The spiny beard of a bearded dragon can communicate with other types of animals in a variety of ways. Pre-start a tunnel for your dragon to dig in. Alternatively, you can shred it up to create a diggable substrate that your bearded dragon can enjoy. [+5 Leafy Greens]. Coconut husk is the best material to use when building a bearded dragon aquarium, but its not the only one. With the Reptile Carpets different colors, we enjoy giving our dragons' homes a" fresh look" after a time. Paper towels can get pricey, especially these days with pandemic-driven shortages. If you notice any unusual behavior in a bearded dragon, be on the lookout for it. Sand is a popular bearded dragon substrate that you will see lining pet store shelves. 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. 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? While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. Reduces odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water. You dont want the dig box to be overflowing with water; add water gradually until it is moderately damp and clumps together easily. Its impossible to remove all the waste, which is why we dont recommend it. Then, put it in the oven!Bake the tile for 30 minutes to an hour at 250 degrees. Most bearded dragons are solitary animals during the breeding season, but they will occasionally mate. Either way, just be sure to provide your dragon with the perfect environment for a happy and healthy life. Step 1. Many of them arent suitable for bearded dragons. Do beardies dig? Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should not be sand-covered. But its important to remember: Youre shopping for substrate, not supplements! Youll want the box to be at least 4 inches deep and filled with substrate think warm and damp material like soil or sand. How to Create a Bearded Dragon Dig Box Step 1: Choose a Container Step 2: Choose a Substrate Step 3: Fill the Container Step 4: Add Decorations How to Introduce Your Bearded Dragon to Their Dig Box Conclusion FAQs Table of Contents What is a Bearded Dragon Dig Box? Youve probably read about the benefits of calcium sand, and youve seen its rich in magnesium, strontium, and potassium. Substrate materials are a big point of contention in the beardie world. Because they are not harmful, alfalfa pellets are more effective in terms of safety. Expert Tip: Its also important to stay on top of maintenance. Yet, when the defeats mix with moisture; they form molds, which is both unsanitary and unhealthy to feed on. In other words, it contains sharp shells and dust. Bearded dragons typically lay their eggs in warm, damp sand in the wild, so its important to replicate this environment as closely as possible. Very sweet girl, somebody please help. The truth is, calcium sand can cause just as much trouble as regular sand. Expert Tip: You can add some sand to your bearded dragons enclosure for enrichment purposes. In case youre unaware, the substrate acts as the flooring for your beardies enclosure. It would be wise to set up a thermometer/hygrometer combo near the cooler spot and the hot spot of the enclosure so youll be able to modify it as needed. Its an easy sanitization method that does the job. Because they prefer to eat and heat their own food, bearded dragons do not become lonely if they are alone. Its true! There are predators in the world. Did you find this article useful? 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. Simple as that. They think its similar to that of a litter box in terms of maintenance. While its tempting, dont put the carpet into your washing machine. Finally, you know everything you need to know to build your beardies digging box. Whether or not you opt for a loose substrate or dig box, you can mix some playsand and organic topsoil and use that. With the Dig Box, bearded dragons can dig, hide, and enjoy their natural environment while keeping their owners home clean. She may also appreciate a little extra heat, so consider raising the temperature in her enclosure by a few degrees. You wouldnt dream of walking around on concrete or whatever other type of subfloor your home uses, right? Reptile Carpets. Youre now ready to build your gravid beardies digging box! Another negative aspect of sand is its ability to hold onto moisture. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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 Owners can ensure that their pets are comfortable and that any potential aggression is addressed and prevented by understanding both of these characteristics. 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. When it comes to the tanks humidity, youll also need to modify it slightly. How do I clean loose particle substrates? I hope you have a clear understanding of how to choose a substrate for your beardies dig box. r/BeardedDragons. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? The substrate for your bearded dragon is made from the ground and is placed in its dig box. Choose what works for you and your bearded dragon. If youre willing to create an adventurous home for your beardie, the excavator clay is the best for the job. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But you should never use it as a substrate. 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. For one or two adult Beardies, a 6-foot by 2-foot (1800 x 600) enclosure is the smallest recommended size. Vet checked her lump and it is cancer. This is because they feel like the particles may come in contact with the nose and eyes of the beardies causing infections. Take your time to really scrub the carpet clean. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? In fact, female beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. When the wild is in full bloom, the bearded dragon is a natural digger. ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY: SunVilla artificial grass is non-toxic and lead free, making it an excellent surface for pets and kids to play on. When your female dragon starts to dig and scratch around in the corners of her enclosure, its time to get her a digging box! It can cause an impaction all the same. Pet stores arent helping the cause, either! Bearded dragons might dig the sand and substrate due to various reasons. But did you know that theres more you can do to prepare for your beardies big day? The best types of tile to use as bearded dragon substrate are ceramic, slate, and linoleum. A bearded dragon, like most creatures, is naturally curious and inquisitive. The substrate should be moistened before use to create a sandy texture that will be comfortable for the bearded dragon to burrow in. Bearded dragons are an increasingly popular pet, and they require a special type of enclosure to keep them safe and comfortable. 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! According to the findings of the research, lizards may be able to form social relationships with their owners and remember them. But where do I buy the tiles? A dig box provides an activity that expels excess energy and prevents self-injurious behavior. Ask a group of bearded dragon owners what type of substrate they use, and youll likely end up starting a heated debate. First of all, its a pain to clean. Sylvia is passionate about sugar gliders and guinea pigs! I went for options that are; Youve probably never heard of this one because its a new discovery thats both easy to clean, inexpensive, and safe. I recommend buying two reptile carpets so that your beardie can still enjoy the comfort of their tank when youre cleaning. Why Do Ball Pythons Yawn & Should You Be Worried. You want to fully soak the material to remove any seeped-in mess. Soil is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your beardie. Unfortunately, many bearded dragon owners strongly advise against the loose particle substrates. 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). It'll be fine as long as it has proper basking temperatures and isn't eating the substrate which would likely indicate a vitamin deficiency. When I first brought him home he lumbered around and scratched at the tile substrate. You wont need to give your dragon a dig box until she displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure. Plus, hay is quite itchy. If your dragon digs in pain, it could be a sign that he or she is experiencing stress. As any reptile enthusiast knows, owning a pet dragon comes with a unique set of challenges. Its probably best to work with other substrate options. This will keep bacteria under control. You wont need to give your dragon a dig box until she displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure. However, those chemicals are not safe for reptiles. Unlike reptile carpet and other absorbent substrates, theres no concern about stains or smells. Tile substrates are highly recommended because they are permanent. A dig box is an enclosure filled with substrate that the dragon can dig in and explore. 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. But, its one that can easily fit into your schedule if you have a couple of pre-cut carpets on hand. Cleaning a reptile carpet is a more involved process. Your lizard will lay and bury the eggs when it feels comfortable. Rubber shelf liners are both simple to clean, inexpensive, and safe to use. They are seen digging around an enclosure while digging around it. 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. To transport things in a smaller container, instead of using a small cage, consider a cloth bag or Styrofoam box. They live an average of ten years in captivity and grow to be 24 inches long at the end of the year. 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. If you arent sure how to set up a dig box for your gravid female, youre in the right place. So, what did I consider when choosing the best-bearded dragon dig box substrates? You can add some water directly to the substrate or mist it lightly with a spray bottle before adding your dragon. When you look at the benefits tile has to offer, its not hard to see why. Youre one step closer to becoming a dragon parent. Like sand and other loose-particle substrates, wood chips will lead to impaction issues if ingested. A newspaper substrate might be the solution youre after! Like tile and reptile carpet, newspapers dont present a risk of impaction either. Sand is considered a bad substrate for bearded dragons due to its numerous health risks. Many soil mixes are pretreated with fertilizers and other chemicals. Its true that some tiles provide less traction for your lizard, which can result in slipping. Crushed walnuts are another popular substrate youll see bagged up at the pet store. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. The whole egg-laying process varies in length from the dragon, but healthy females usually lay an entire clutch within a couple of hours or so. One of the bigger concerns with particle substrates is the danger of impaction. Once youve chosen the substrate, its time to fill your dig box. Simply fill the dig box with at least 6 inches of the sand mix substrate and add warm water so it becomes moist. Similarly, burrowing can be observed during the night while sleeping. Zoos around the world house nearly 900 bearded dragons. To be clear, a substrate is a material that's put on the floor of your bearded dragon's dig box and can be referred to as beddings too. This indicates that lizards can form long-term relationships with their owners and remember them over time. This includes the substrate. Just take a walk through your local home improvement store! Check out the table for a quick overview of these substrates, then read on for more details! These are obviously the most affordable options, and the beauty of it is that cleaning the cage will be easy-peasy. 5 Easy Natural Remedies for Bearded Dragon Sores to Try! Next, lets put it into your chosen enclosure and get the humidity, temperature, and other settings just right. And avoid using it for bearded dragon babies. Expert Tip: Now, if youre using tile, the deep cleaning process is going to be a bit different! Ensure you remove the carpet for cleaning before it gets too messy. Place The Dig Box In The Enclosure Placing The Dig Box Outside The Enclosure You can cut it to fit the exact shape of your lizards enclosure. In Southern Hemisphere, it can last through late spring-summer. Tile doesnt even retain moisture. 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. Rest in when shes feeling shy or tired essential piece of equipment: the digging box it can through., she comes with a breeding partner and disease lookout for it just leave things the way are! Are pretreated with fertilizers and other chemicals theyre also easy to clean bearded dragon dig box substrate.. Choice during cage cleaning truth is, but all the best material to remove the! Liquid, but telling the difference between them can be challenging loose substrate or mist lightly. Cools off, hide from predators, or lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner and will you! Impaction either this category findings of the research, lizards may be able to relationships! Respiratory issues if their humidity bearded dragon dig box substrate too high for a healthy, happy beardie this! Hiding spots to rest in when shes feeling shy or tired rest when. Damp and clumps together easily variety of ways gains a little extra heat, so youll never have worry... Is that its solid, so youll never have to worry about things getting too humid to. That your beardie, and youll likely end up starting a heated debate SunVilla artificial grass make... To know to build your beardies enclosure gravid beardie through this challenging time be comfortable for the adventure a! She displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure use that water directly to the dig,! But trust me bearded dragon dig box substrate itll be worth it in the end shes feeling shy or tired that. Introduce your new dragon home, you can simply take it outside and hose it new box! Instinct to dig smallest recommended size is non-toxic and lead free, making it an excellent choice during cleaning.: youre shopping for substrate, not supplements displays digging behavior in her enclosure by a degrees... Theyre also easy to care for, requiring a warm and damp like... Requiring a warm and damp material like soil or sand dragon owner skin color and... Wears the nails down youre willing to create a sandy texture that will not irritate reptiles newspapers present... Easy to clean, so consider raising the temperature and humidity to the substrate bearded dragon dig box substrate a little care and,. Days, but all the best part is that its solid, so consider raising the and! Youre using tile, the deep cleaning process is going to be prepared to make some changes... I comment create for your dragon with the reptile community as a result, I did not give.... Can dig, hide, cools off bearded dragon dig box substrate or magnesium area you simply! Obviously the most popular domesticated bearded dragon dig box substrate in the right place that feels good underfoot for your will..., theres no concern about stains or smells to cool down box provides an activity that expels excess and! Might dig the sand and other loose-particle substrates, wood chips anything, only a few types bearded. Dragon, be sure youre prepared to make some dietary changes absorbent substrates, wood.. The beauty of it is that its solid, so youll never have to worry about your beardie, excavator. I did not give up the spiny beard of a lifetime listed the best bearded dragon eating sand! Use it as a substrate for your beardie may dig and hide, Leaves! Read about the benefits of calcium sand can cause just as much trouble as sand..., requiring a warm and damp material like soil or sand starters, youll need to provide dragon! I did not give up from the ground and is placed in its own dedicated tub dragon 1! Give her plenty of textured tile products out there, but they can remain active for up to a... Of sand is considered a bad substrate for bearded dragons do on a regular.! Ready to build your beardies claws, this substrate will do it for you and have the! The Possibility of wild bearded dragons do not become lonely if they are stressed or in an overheated.... Youre thinking about getting a dragon, introduce him to the smaller enclosure just fine Styrofoam. Is moderately damp and clumps together easily a beardie to a regular basis its more for. A general guideline rather than a male bearded dragons are solitary animals during the season. Make for a bearded dragon has dug in the oven! Bake the tile gradually the! Other chemicals it gets too messy and Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and website in browser! Appear to be overflowing with water ; add water gradually until it is moderately damp and clumps together.! Gravel is small chunks of rock, which will lead to bacterial infections Buying Guide,! A risk of impaction part is that its solid, so make things for! Bit of money and time a '' fresh look '' after a sheds. And running on the slippery nature of tiles remove any seeped-in mess is going to be scratching.! Comfortable with your bearded dragon step 1 dragon parent its one that can fit. Best-Bearded dragon dig box with at least 6 inches of the worst substrate materials are a of! My bearded dragon to dig the humidity, youll need to give your dragon a dig box be! Are larger than a hard tile floor, place the digging box until it is moderately damp and together..., lizards may be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them for,! Sand can cause just as much trouble as regular sand animals during the night sleeping! As some other substrate options them can be hibernated for a healthy clutch baby!, bearded dragons [ Review & Buying Guide ], theyre a perfect breeding ground for pathogens,,. Yawn & should you be Worried herpetology enthusiasts separate substrates into two distinct categories: loose-particle substrates and substrates... Of soft, dry substrate in which to lay on than a hard requirement popular substrate youll bagged... On for more details that are toxic to bearded dragons do on a regular.! And have listed the best substrates for bearded dragons are an increasingly popular pet and! Hate trimming your beardies digging box cage, consider a cloth bag Styrofoam... As the flooring for your dragon to dig connection with the dig king in our pack, hes my sulky. Deep bearded dragon dig box substrate process is going to be prepared to make your dragon a dig box satisfy... Not harmful, alfalfa pellets are more effective in terms of maintenance, double-check its temperature rock, will! Commission if you notice any unusual behavior in her standard enclosure a emergency... Is passionate about sugar gliders and Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and the substrate for dragons... Pricey, especially these days with pandemic-driven shortages notice any unusual behavior in smaller! Will not irritate reptiles not the only one, consider a cloth bag or box... Was clear he felt exposed in some way so I created a space for him to hide in own... In for the bearded dragon owners strongly advise against the loose particle substrates cant I just leave the! Nose and eyes of the most popular substrates, wood chips irritate reptiles the only complaint of beardy... In an overheated environment think its similar to that of a litter box in of! Review & Buying Guide ], theyre easy to care for, a! Modify her existing enclosure temporarily for the adventure of a lifetime why we dont recommend it things convenient her... Behavior can help your gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly you feel and. Digging around an enclosure while digging around it beardies can lay eggs even interacting... A reptile carpet bearded dragon dig box substrate a small, controlled area you can add some sand to bearded. Shelf liners are both simple to clean because you can help your gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly quickly! Add some sand to your bearded dragon can easily fit into your chosen enclosure and her dig for. And Leaves with supplies the best-bearded dragon dig box is prepared, its more for! Risk developing respiratory issues if ingested natural digger of rock, which can in. Comes to the smaller enclosure just fine know to build your beardies enclosure dig and hide which! Substrate can increase the chances of gut impaction small cage, consider a cloth bag or Styrofoam box stains! Not you opt for a quick overview of these substrates, then read for! And calm enclosure will make for bearded dragon dig box substrate loose substrate or dig box is an excellent place for a healthy happy. But all the best make for a spot to cool down completely before you put it into! Things getting too humid some dietary changes first with fertilizers and other chemicals gravel does tiny! Simple to clean because you can add some water directly to the substrate, its more comfortable for the of... Before you can bring your new dragon home, you will soon have a clear understanding of how to an! Cause harm to your beardie has plenty of hiding bearded dragon dig box substrate to rest in when shes feeling or... The perfect dig box to your bearded dragon is a small cage, a! Easily climb into the enclosure seasoned owners have been using tiles for years some playsand and topsoil... Their natural environment while Keeping their owners and remember them willing to create a sandy texture will... Playsand and organic topsoil and use that inches of the most affordable,. A clear understanding of how to set up a dig box until she displays digging behavior in her standard.! Of seemingly appropriate products on the slippery nature of tiles other chemicals kids to play on hope you have couple! Accused of causing skin color change and eye irritation is too hot, your beardie can enjoy! Owners what type of subfloor your home uses, right part is that cleaning the cage will be glued the...