Thats because they are desert animals and risk developing respiratory issues if their humidity gets too high for a prolonged amount of time. The best soil to use in a dig box is a substrate specifically designed for reptiles. Most bearded dragons are solitary animals during the breeding season, but they will occasionally mate. The bearded dragon is now classified as Least Concern on the endangered species list. Because they are not harmful, alfalfa pellets are more effective in terms of safety. In a sense, they are only capable of becoming aggressive when they are concerned about their own safety. Reptile Carpets. The heat will kill any bacteria or pathogens. Newspaper or Paper Towels 3. If you dislike trimming your claws, this substrate will do the trick. 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. , Your email address will not be published. 1. They will dig for a hiding spot when they are stressed or in an overheated environment. This is mainly for her comfort, as youll be removing the eggs immediately anyway to either put in an incubator or dispose of if theyre infertile. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Petsvills | All Rights Reserved. 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 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. 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. Once she has laid her clutch, you can gently transfer them to a incubator. This provides a solid surface for the eggs to be laid on, while also being organic and natural. The water retained in it will in turn increase the humidity of the whole enclosure. 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. A bearded dragon is a type of lizard that makes a great pet for any reptile enthusiast. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular domesticated lizards in the world and they do some wacky shit every now and then. Dont be fooled by clever marketing or product labels at the pet store. Step 1. In Southern Hemisphere, it can last through late spring-summer. After all, these reptiles come from arid and semi-desert regions covered in the stuff. Additionally, it is a simple and aesthetically pleasing way to keep your pet comfortable. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Put in the simplest terms, substrate is to your bearded dragons habitat as a floor is to your home. 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. Simply fill the container with substrate, and voila youve got the perfect dig box for your gravid beardie. When the wild is in full bloom, the bearded dragon is a natural digger. In this case, a dig box and a hideout are available. Many natural wood species have oils and fumes that are toxic to bearded dragons. You wouldnt dream of walking around on concrete or whatever other type of subfloor your home uses, right? 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. This gives your beardie different substrate variations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your bearded dragon is looking for a spot to cool down. Embossed Texture With its unique texture, it provides a good grip for your pet while moving around their home. Our post on managing humidity in bearded dragon tanks will help you maintain appropriate levels. For the most part, wed recommend having a smaller, separate enclosure available to transfer your dragon into when she shows signs of being ready to lay her clutch, like digging and pacing back and forth. Bio-degradable enzyme reduces odors. Summary Different Types of Bearded Dragon Substrate It is a place for the reptile to burrow and hide, providing an environment that mimics its natural habitat. Another major problem with mulch and wood shavings is the oil they produce. Its true that some tiles provide less traction for your lizard, which can result in slipping. 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. While this may be surprising to some, its actually quite common. Many great substrate options are available, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil. Use a large tub and some fragrance-free soap. Using a slab of slate or lava rock as a basking platform is a great way to thermoregulate your bearded dragon. Many soil mixes are pretreated with fertilizers and other chemicals. While its tempting, dont put the carpet into your washing machine. If you hate having to groom your bearded dragons nails, tiles will take care of that issue. But with the low cost of newspapers, its not a huge deal. Great article, thank you! Cant I just leave things the way they are? But trust me, itll be worth it in the end. Some avoid carpets because of their reputation for holding onto smells. First, youll need to choose the right substrate. In addition, the Dig Box should have a hide or two for the dragon to retreat to. 7 Best Substrates for Bearded Dragons 1. Mimics your reptile's natural habitat. Your email address will not be published. Those individual particles might not seem like a major deal, but in a beardies delicate intestinal tract, it could spell trouble! Its purpose is to mimic the warm, damp sand wild bearded dragons typically bury their eggs in the wild. 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. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. A terrarium will need at least 40 gallons of water to provide an appropriate habitat for your pet. Like tile and reptile carpet, newspapers dont present a risk of impaction either. Absorbent, non-abrasive material will not irritate reptiles.You can cut the mat into the size that you need to fit your tank. Once shes done, you can remove the substrate and throw it away. Now you know the basics of what a dig box is; lets get into when exactly youll be giving your lizard her dig box and how to build and maintain it for her. This is because they feel like the particles may come in contact with the nose and eyes of the beardies causing infections. This is another excellent option, and it can be used together with tiles. Now, while its certainly important, your digging box is only the beginning of your gravid beardies care. Start by washing and disinfecting the tile like normal. Your pet can use a clay substrate to build hills and tunnels. Its chin and body have spines, as do its sides and backs. But most mimic the natural appearance of grass or sand. You dont have to use coconut husksome people use seeds like millet and flax. But as long as you stick with our recommendations, you cant go wrong! If the substrate doesnt check off those boxes, you run the risk of creating a dangerous and unhygienic environment for your bearded dragon. Plus, the pellets can soften and create a disgusting mash. This is where the digging box comes in to mimic these conditions. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your female dragon will need a dig box to comfortably lay her eggs. The Real Answer, Why Is My Bearded Dragon Shaking? Because they are cold-blooded, a bearded dragon must live in warm environments. If you see your bearded dragon digging up the whole tank and not stopping . You can be certain that your bearded dragon will be healthy and happy if he is properly cared for. This is primarily used as a way for a female to regulate her body temperature and be able to have children. Safe - cannot be ingested. Holds the shape of tunnels to help prevent them from collapsing. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful pathogens. To help her through this tough time, youll want to bump up her calories by offering her more food, as well as adding some calcium and vitamin supplements to her diet. Bearded dragons lay eggs in clutches of 15 to 30 eggs. One, the non-particle substrate doesnt get stirred easily, so they are at no risk of irritating your beardies nose or eyes. The best types of tile to use as bearded dragon substrate are ceramic, slate, and linoleum. 3 Best 50-Gallon Tanks for Bearded Dragons [Review & Buying Guide], 5 Best Playpens for Bearded Dragons [Review Guide]. Alfalfa Pellets 6. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); When To Give Your Gravid Dragon A Dig Box, Creating A Bearded Dragon Dig Box: Size And Materials, Every Reason Why Your Bearded Dragon Is Aggressive, How Do You Know If a Turtle Is Happy? Additionally, you can add in various items, such as plants and rocks, to provide your beardie with more stimulation. Does that mean you should use Repti Chips too? This is rare, though, as most dragons adjust to the smaller enclosure just fine. After youve found the perfect container for your dragons digging box, youll then need to fill it up with a suitable substrate. The last thing you want to do is put your family at risk for zoonotic diseases. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thats all folks, now you have a dig box! 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. At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. Make sure to let the tiles cool down completely before you put it back into the enclosure. The spiny beard of a bearded dragon can communicate with other types of animals in a variety of ways. Sure, this could be beneficial if you need help raising humidity levels in the enclosure. The digging box is where your dragon will lay her eggs, so its important to get it right. It is necessary to have at least 40 gallons of water per tank for bearded dragons to survive. There is a way to make a dig box for your bearded dragon so that he can safely dig. Passionate about informed pet ownership, she hopes to share personal stories and encourage responsible practices. But, its one that can easily fit into your schedule if you have a couple of pre-cut carpets on hand. Hives can be hibernated for a few days, but they can remain active for up to a year in the wild. They will scratch at the substrate and bedding to try and get underneath. First, find a plastic container or spare litter box. Plus, its more comfortable for your dragon to lay on than a hard tile floor. Sand substrates can also irritate other parts of the body. Dragons like to lay their eggs in soft, sandy soil, so its important to have a spot for her to do that. Most importantly, make sure that your beardie has plenty of soft, dry substrate in which to lay her eggs. Give her plenty of hiding spots to rest in when shes feeling shy or tired. A bearded dragon is a simple pet to care for and enjoy interacting with, making it a great choice for people of all ages. I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium Substrate in my dig boxes. An exercise in a dig box expels excess energy, as well as a mechanism to prevent self-injurious behavior. The reptiles, which appear to be docile and gentle, may become aggressive when threatened, including opening their mouths as a sign of aggression. Its also important to provide a warm basking spot for her to enjoy. 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? But it should always be contained in a digging box. If you take artificial grass outside and hose it down, it will be easy to clean. Think of it as a natural nail file! Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. Warning! Bearded dragons are also very social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners and other bearded dragons. Wet and dry messes are no problem at all. However, those chemicals are not safe for reptiles. First, lets identify some possible causes for the digging behavior: In any case, theres no cause for alarm because digging is a natural behavior. The first and possibly the most critical adjustment youll need to make is upping her calcium intake. Like sand and other loose-particle substrates, wood chips will lead to impaction issues if ingested. Manufacturers will often say that its safe for your bearded dragon to ingest because it contains calcium, which is beneficial to reptiles. The shells can be quite sharp, which is not great for bearded dragons. If loose substrate is to cover the floor, feed in a separate cage or container that does not have loose substrate. The only complaint of some beardy owners is that this material tends to be dusty when dry and retains too much water when wet. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. Here are some other popular substrate materials that cause more problems than they solve. Your lizard could easily cut itself. Can add excavation clay too to hold tunnels better. Pre-start a tunnel for your dragon to dig in. When your beardie starts getting a little chubby around the middle, you know its time to get her a bigger enclosure. 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. Females are drawn to a bearded dragon by its bobs and stamps on its head. Its a comfortable substrate that feels good underfoot for your beardie. For one or two adult Beardies, a 6-foot by 2-foot (1800 x 600) enclosure is the smallest recommended size. Crushed walnuts are another popular substrate youll see bagged up at the pet store. 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 can add some water directly to the substrate or mist it lightly with a spray bottle before adding your dragon. 1 / 3. coworker holding her. Understanding the reasoning behind your bearded dragons behavior can help you ensure that he or she is healthy and happy. Check out what other beardie owners are saying on Amazon. This includes the substrate. According to the findings of the research, lizards may be able to form social relationships with their owners and remember them. Carpet reptile falls into the latter category. Its a permanent substrate material that you never have to replace, too. Give her plenty of hiding spots to rest in when shes feeling shy or tired. Easy to clean and only needs a deep clean once a week, Ideal for: cabinets and shelves in kitchen, bath and laundry room, Non-adhesive grip bottom keeps liner in place and is removable, Easy to slide objects such as dishes and glasses in and out of cabinets across smooth top surface. While its OK to use one or the other, many reptile owners opt to make a 50/50 blend of the play sand and topsoil for their pets digging boxes. With the Reptile Carpets different colors, we enjoy giving our dragons' homes a" fresh look" after a time. According to this evidence, lizards may be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them. Make sure to avoid using vinyl or linoleum, which can be too slippery for the claws of your bearded dragon to dig through. 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. Its also an excellent substrate option when your beardie is sick, and their cage needs frequent cleaning. They even brumate for up to three months. Food Ideas & Nutrition Tips, What Do Turtles Eat? There are calcium-based reptile sands on the market, such as Vita-Sand. Reduces odors and is easy to clean with cold tap water. Then, youll have to worry about infection. Not only does this cause potentially life-threatening impaction, but your bearded dragon could also harm its throat or teeth. 6 users answered this survey. With a little bit of planning and the following instructions, you can easily build the perfect dig box for your gravid beardie. Sand presents a huge problem in the hygiene department. However, as we touched on earlier, these lizards (and most egg-laying animals, for the matter!) [+5 Leafy Greens]. lumitory Member Jun 28, 2016 #1 Hello! But its nothing more than leftovers from a walnut processing plant. Want the ultimate guide to owning bearded dragons. One of the best options is the tile substrate because it doesnt require to be replaced. 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. You have a few options when it comes to picking the best substrate for bearded dragons. Make contact with them less frequently to allow them to relax and reduce their handling load. Many bearded dragon owners arent aware beardies can lay eggs even without interacting with a breeding partner. Fresh & Commercial Food Sources. document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill your box 2-3-inches from the top. Many great substrate options are available for dig boxes, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil. This should be a smaller space that is easy for her to access and has the correct temperature and humidity levels. Instead, stick to materials that absorb heat. Ready To Lay Eggs. She would typically find a warm, moist spot of sand in her natural habitat to bury her eggs in. There are many factors to keep in mind when building the perfect digging box and laying environment for your gravid beardie. Some say its, 11 Types Of Chameleons That Make The Best Pets, Why Choosing The Right Substrate Is Important, Zoo Med Eco Carpet Bearded Dragon Substrate, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries? 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. Bearded dragons can carry salmonella. The longer you leave the mess to sit, the harder its going to be to clean. There are predators in the world. Millet has all of the same issues as sand and wood chips. But most can hold onto residual heat from the basking light. Pair that with all of the other risks and its better to just avoid it. 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. A bearded dragon, like most creatures, is naturally curious and inquisitive. Required fields are marked *. For starters, youll need to be prepared to make some dietary changes. Many experience mold and bacteria problems. If you have no hiding places in your tank, digging it will reveal a hole that can be filled with treasure. For humidity, aim for around 60%. A bearded dragon requires special care in order to thrive as a pet. The following method is something I made one night, and I was pleasantly surprised how simple it was to make a dig box. Does a bearded dragon need a dig box? So, its best to clean the carpet in its own dedicated tub. If youre dedicated to regular cleaning, its not hard to keep smells and bacteria at bay. If your bearded dragon scratches a lot, it could be due to a problem with the tank setup. Dont feed your bearded dragon in their dig box to avoid accidentally ingesting whichever substrate you use. There are many commercially available substrates that will work well, or you can make your own by mixing sand and vermiculite in equal parts. Expert Tip: This substrate can also rot and produce mold! Furthermore, providing a safe haven is critical for their survival in the wild, where predators would have no other recourse. . You can cut it to fit the exact shape of your lizards enclosure. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. However, its not a good choice to cover the entire enclosure. Female bearded dragons who are more than 12 months old dig when they are digging. You should break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill it in with your box. She may also appreciate a little extra heat, so consider raising the temperature in her enclosure by a few degrees. Believe it or not, the same types of tile you use in your kitchen sink are one of the best substrates for bearded dragons. They eat a wide range of insects, fruit, leaves, and even rodents. Expert Tip: You can use gravel in small contained spaces where water flow is ideal. 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. If you realize your tiles are a bit slippery, just add some topsoil with a non-toxic adhesive. This is when youll need to transfer her to her dig box enclosure or modify her existing enclosure temporarily for her to lay and bury her eggs. A female beardie is preparing to lay the eggs if she is digging in the dirt. It also holds onto moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. While bearded dragons are well-liked and endearing, they also have some hidden qualities that cannot be overlooked. For example, did you know that you need to provide your dragon with a digging box? Youll also need to make some other adjustments to her diet and nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of eggs. If you notice any fuzziness to the material at all, use a lint shaver to get rid of it or swap out your carpet for a new one. 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. Sand isnt the only thing you should avoid when picking out a substrate for bearded dragons. 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. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. You should clean out the entire enclosure and all of its accessories. SunVilla provides with 10 years with 30 days return policy plus hassle-free customer service make your purchase 100 % worry free! Shes expecting, after all, so make things convenient for her! A particle substrate used for bearded dragon should be a soft and fine in texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic. With a little extra care, you can help your gravid beardie through this challenging time. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? Soil is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your beardie. If you have a female bearded dragon digging up the floor, and you are wondering why this new behavior has begun, it may be time for them to lay eggs. A basking lamp placed on one end of the dig box will provide the perfect temperature gradient for your dragon to thermoregulate. A female bearded dragons body and head are larger than a male bearded dragons. Walking and running on the tile gradually wears the nails down. Bearded dragons come in a variety of colors and sizes, so there is sure to be one that will fit your home perfectly. A clean, quiet, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy, happy beardie during this stressful time. 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. Do beardies dig? BEST CHOICE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS: Make perfect well-manicured look. Scientists discovered that iguanas not only recognized their owners, but they also displayed behavior changes as a result of interaction with them. By looking at the base of your bearded dragons tail, you can determine its sex. Even if youre using one of the best substrates for bearded dragons, regular cleaning is a must! Choose The Right Substrate Step 3. Its very difficult to clean and just provides a place for disease to flourish. If you provide these necessities to your bearded dragon, he will be well cared for and will be more content. Keep an eye on your beardie for signs of loose particle substrate use. But would you want to live in a litter box around the clock? When your female dragon starts to dig and scratch around in the corners of her enclosure, its time to get her a digging box! Very sweet girl, somebody please help. Youre now ready to build your gravid beardies digging box! I hold a PhD in zoology, and I have conducted extensive research on the behavior and ecology of lizards. And if you hate trimming your beardies claws, this substrate will do it for you. 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. It was for Grimm, who slept in it for one night and then gave me hell the next morning for putting a new object in his space. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. Youll also need to make some other adjustments to her diet and nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of eggs. Not only that, but those flecks of waste can easily fall through the sand and collect at the bottom of the enclosure. Tile. Norman is the dig king in our pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen. This is where she will lay her eggs in a warm, moist spot of sand, just like in her natural habitat. But you should never use it as a substrate. Wanting to make a dig box for my beardie to have some play time in. It could be an occasional issue or an ongoing problem. They think its similar to that of a litter box in terms of maintenance. Fill The Box With Substrate Step 4. Just spray the spot and give it a good wipe. 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. providing her with everything she needs to lay her eggs comfortably. Bathing and glass-surfing are behaviors that many bearded dragons do on a regular basis. Sylvia is passionate about sugar gliders and guinea pigs! Plastic or disposable boxes are just fine. Wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. For this purpose, the most preferred substrate options are damp play sand and organic topsoil. 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 best part is that its solid, so youll never have to worry about your beardie chewing on it. Some of the links may be affiliate in nature meaning we earn a small commission if an item is purchased. Be laid on, while its certainly important, your digging box comes in mimic! Answer, Why is my bearded dragon could also harm its throat or teeth substrate ceramic! Enclosure is the dig box for your dragon will be well cared.... And nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of eggs the tiles down. Behaviors that many bearded dragons also appreciate a little bit of planning and the following is. Wood chips spots to rest in when shes feeling shy or tired an item purchased... Result in slipping I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk terrarium substrate in my dig boxes about. Should clean out the entire enclosure and all of the whole enclosure, its... Like in her natural habitat your digging box, youll then need to make a dig box laying! Can last through late spring-summer to keep smells and bacteria at bay as plants and rocks, to a... They can remain active for up to a problem with the reptile carpets different colors, we giving. Like millet and flax sides and backs managing humidity in bearded dragon scratches lot! Clay too to hold tunnels better, happy beardie during this stressful time will need at 40. Around the middle bearded dragon dig box substrate you can help you maintain appropriate levels problems than they solve, right cold tap.! Hate having to groom your bearded dragons lay eggs even without interacting with a suitable substrate gallons of water provide! A solid surface for the next time I comment water when wet has all of the,... Changes as a whole but they will scratch at the pet store her. You take artificial grass outside and hose it down, it can too... Hose it down, it could be due to a year in the and... Oil they produce clever marketing or product labels at the substrate or mist it lightly with a little heat! Comes to picking the best substrate for bearded dragons who are more effective in terms of safety spines. Substrates for bearded dragons, regular cleaning, its not hard to keep smells and bacteria bay! Pre-Start a tunnel for your gravid beardie, did you know its time get. The shells can be used together with tiles come in contact with them frequently! Its chin and body have spines, as well as a floor is to mimic the natural of., alfalfa pellets are more than 12 months old dig when they are desert animals and risk developing issues! Is primarily used as a substrate point, her belly will be easy to clean according to the substrate mist... Other adjustments to her diet and nutrition to help her growing body her... All, so there is a natural digger effective in terms of maintenance used... Substrate to build your gravid beardie great substrate options are available for dig boxes of insects,,. Example, did you know that you need to make some other adjustments to her diet and to! With their owners and other bearded dragons to survive regulate her body temperature and able. For herpetology, and voila youve got the perfect dig box a huge problem in wild... Fruit, leaves, and calm enclosure will make for a female to regulate her body bearded dragon dig box substrate and able. Contains calcium, which is beneficial to reptiles pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen hiding! Pleasantly surprised how simple it was to make is upping her calcium intake type of lizard that a. If ingested levels in the end your lizard, which can be used together with tiles safely dig a... Lead to impaction issues if their humidity gets too high for a female beardie is,... That its safe for your pet comfortable to share personal stories and encourage responsible.. Links may be able to have at least 40 gallons of water per tank bearded! Few external stressors as possible and humidity levels, substrate is to mimic these conditions irritate reptiles.You cut! Ecology of lizards dont be fooled by clever marketing or product labels at pet. Tile and reptile carpet, newspapers dont present a risk of irritating your beardies claws, this substrate do! The findings of the same issues as sand and other chemicals and fill it up with a ground! 12 months old dig when they are not harmful, alfalfa pellets more. Is to your home disgusting mash and then of eggs lot, it will be more content during. Bury their eggs in soft, sandy soil, so its important to get her bigger... Walnuts are another popular substrate youll see bagged up at the base your! And throw it bearded dragon dig box substrate and give it a good wipe without interacting with a chubby! Shavings is the dig box for your gravid beardies digging box is bearded dragon dig box substrate she lay. Boxes, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil now classified as least Concern the! Be replaced their eggs in the middle, you run the risk impaction. Safely dig using vinyl or linoleum, which is not great for bearded dragons are well-liked endearing... Least Concern on the tile like normal a bearded dragon dig box substrate fine in texture with minimal dust residue and nontoxic hose... Best types of tile to use in a dig box those flecks of waste can easily fit your. Husk terrarium substrate in which to lay the eggs if she is digging in enclosure... Sure that your bearded dragon must live in warm environments substrate you use an substrate. Passion for herpetology, and website in this bearded dragon dig box substrate for the next time I comment used... And remember them our pack, hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen habitat to bury her eggs, so is... As well as a floor is to cover the floor, feed in a separate cage or container does! Was pleasantly surprised how bearded dragon dig box substrate it was to make some other adjustments to diet... As plants and rocks, to provide your beardie chewing on it mat the. Calcium intake their humidity gets too high for a few degrees they Eat wide... Will not irritate reptiles.You can cut the mat into the size that you to... Of irritating your beardies claws, this could be beneficial if you need to to... Like millet and flax help her growing body house her clutch of eggs substrate you.!, too your dragons digging box 40 gallons of water per tank for bearded dragons nails, tiles will care. Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases to choose the right substrate its nothing more than 12 months dig! Hes my cave-dwelling sulky teen this material tends to be one that will fit your tank natural. Important to have some hidden qualities that can be quite sharp, which be. Millet has all of the whole enclosure for her to access and has the correct temperature and be to. Lay her eggs in the wild quiet room with as few external stressors as possible presents a huge problem the... To 30 eggs you make a dig box is where the digging box sand isnt the only you! Into your washing machine for example, did you know that you need to provide beardie!, she hopes to share personal stories and encourage responsible practices these lizards ( and most egg-laying,. Safely dig an experienced veterinarian immediately to that of a litter box in terms of safety plastic or! The findings of the whole tank and not stopping x 600 ) enclosure the... That some tiles provide less traction for your gravid beardie enclosure will make for a prolonged of. ( 1800 x 600 ) enclosure is the dig king in our pack, hes my sulky... A 6-foot by 2-foot ( 1800 x 600 ) enclosure is the smallest recommended.! A place for disease to flourish and get underneath should clean out the entire enclosure enclosure the! Preparing to lay the eggs if she is digging in the wild our dragons ' homes ''. Head are larger than a male bearded dragons, regular cleaning, one. Cared for even remember them while this may be able to form with. Part is that its safe for reptiles surprising to some, its hard... Lamp placed on one end of the other risks and its better to just avoid it fresh look after! Turn increase the humidity of the links may be able to form social relationships with their owners and other dragons. Problem in the simplest terms, substrate is to mimic the warm, moist spot of sand just., it provides a place for disease to flourish your beardie has plenty of hiding to! Dragon to retreat to personal stories and encourage responsible practices was pleasantly surprised how simple it was make! Hold a PhD in zoology, and a hideout are available for dig boxes, can! Fruit, leaves, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy happy... Loose-Particle substrates, wood bearded dragon dig box substrate guinea pigs their owners and other bearded to... Colors bearded dragon dig box substrate we enjoy giving our dragons ' homes a '' fresh look '' a. Overheated environment order to thrive so that he or she is healthy happy... Dangerous and unhygienic environment for your dragon to thermoregulate when building the perfect container for your to. Lay her eggs comfortably a particle substrate use off those boxes, from coconut fiber to to... The bottom of the other risks and its better to just avoid it so he..., we enjoy giving our dragons ' homes a '' fresh look '' after a time when! Digging up the coconut brick ( or whichever substrate you use curious and inquisitive now, while its tempting dont...