The first and possibly the most critical adjustment youll need to make is upping her calcium intake. Its very difficult to clean and just provides a place for disease to flourish. Best matching: please select SunVilla artificial turf self-adhesive seaming tape for your SunVilla turf installation projects for a perfect seamless outcome by clicking. The box should be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming. This is especially important with reptile carpet. They will dig for a hiding spot when they are stressed or in an overheated environment. If your dragon digs in pain, it could be a sign that he or she is experiencing stress. There are many commercially available substrates that will work well, or you can make your own by mixing sand and vermiculite in equal parts. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), on How I Made A Dig Box For My Bearded Dragon, How I Made A Dig Box For My Bearded Dragon. 24 days ago. It sticks to everything and can easily make its way onto food. And if you hate trimming your beardies claws, this substrate will do it for you. Your bearded dragon cant live in its own filth. Usually, bearded dragons will lay more eggs during their breeding season in the summer, but it is normal for them to develop and lay multiple clutches any time of year. Reptile Carpets. Learn more. A bearded dragon is a type of lizard that makes a great pet for any reptile enthusiast. I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium Substrate in my dig boxes. 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. Want the ultimate guide to owning bearded dragons. Place the nest or dig box inside your bearded dragon's tank and give it some time to acclimatize. They will scratch at the substrate and bedding to try and get underneath. It doesnt soak up any liquid, but the gravel does have tiny nooks and crannies for messes to fall through. 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. Just like humans, beardies also appreciate having a comfortable substrate to lay on. Finally, you know everything you need to know to build your beardies digging box. (This mat is reusable). Sand should also be avoided for young bearded dragons because it is a loose substrate that can cause digestive problems. Once you have the perfect digging box, youll need to decide where to put it. The safest way . 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. A female beardie is preparing to lay the eggs if she is digging in the dirt. This is a decision that all great owners take seriously, and you should do the same. Calcium sand is advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional play sand or desert sand. If you provide these necessities to your bearded dragon, he will be well cared for and will be more content. Typically, the humidity in your dragons tank will be pretty low, around 20 to 40%. Theyre safe, low-maintenance, and affordable. The shells can be quite sharp, which is not great for bearded dragons. Plus, its more comfortable for your dragon to lay on than a hard tile floor. Step 1. With a little extra attention and care, you can help make her gravid experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. 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. Plastic or disposable boxes are just fine. A bearded dragon can brumate for up to 3-4 months from November to end February in Northern Hemisphere (USA, Canada, most of Europe). And avoid using it for bearded dragon babies. A key component of the enclosure is the dig box, which allows your pet to dig and burrow and create a space for themselves. Machine washable for easy cleanup. 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. How do I clean loose particle substrates? 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. Remember, the right substrate can make a big impact on the overall healthy and comfort of your beardie. lumitory Member Jun 28, 2016 #1 Hello! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Petsvills | All Rights Reserved. Make sure the sand is completely clean and free of debris before moving on. What about feces and urine? 1. 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. An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose. Its crucial to keep an eye on the quality of the material, too. In a sense, they are only capable of becoming aggressive when they are concerned about their own safety. But what about all of the other liquids in your bearded dragons habitat? Plus, its completely safe. Your reptile is going to spend their entire life on the material! By looking at the base of your bearded dragons tail, you can determine its sex. However, they are easily avoidable. Bearded Dragon Dig Box Substrate (Final Words), Duck Smooth Top EasyLiner, 12-inch x 20 Feet, White, Hamiledyi Reptile Carpet Natural Coconut Fiber Tortoise Carpet Mat for Pet Terrarium Liner Reptile Supplies for Lizard Snake Chamelon Turtle Bedding Bunny Rabbit Mat (2*Sheets), Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate, 10 Pounds, SunVilla SV7'X13' Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass/Turf 7 FT X 13 FT (91 Square FT), Multy Industries Multy Home MT5100000 4-Pack Stomp Stone, 12 by 12-Inch, Slate, 100 Mystical Bearded Dragon Harry Potter Names, Can Bearded Dragons Eat June Bugs? 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. Its also advisable to bake the tiles for 30-60 minutes at 250 degrees to kill any germs at least twice a month. Its a safe and low-cost substrate that doesnt require a ton of maintenance. Its a permanent substrate material that you never have to replace, too. This is one of the most popular substrates, and it does match the hype. A bearded dragon may be hiding due to a variety of stressors. 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. Understanding what a dig box is and why your female dragon needs one to comfortably lay her eggs is an essential part of your pets care. 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. Its chin and body have spines, as do its sides and backs. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. Your pet can use a clay substrate to build hills and tunnels. The substrate for your bearded dragon is made from the ground and is placed in its dig box. These substrates are a better option for your dragon, especially in terms of safety. Dont be fooled by products like calcium sand either. Put in the simplest terms, substrate is to your bearded dragons habitat as a floor is to your home. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? A bearded dragon requires special care in order to thrive as a pet. 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. This often happens during the warmer months, when breeding season occurs. 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. 7 Best Substrates for Bearded Dragons 1. Those individual particles might not seem like a major deal, but in a beardies delicate intestinal tract, it could spell trouble! Many seasoned owners have been using tiles for years. The digging habits of a bearded dragon are nothing new. 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. Bearded dragons lay eggs in clutches of 15 to 30 eggs. ALSO CHECK: The Best Basking Lamp for Bearded Dragon. How to Create a Bearded Dragon Dig Box An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose. 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. 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. A newspaper substrate might be the solution youre after! Our post on managing humidity in bearded dragon tanks will help you maintain appropriate levels. And dont forget, loose, damp substrates are perfect for the dig box just not for your dragons standard enclosure! 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. Think of it as a natural nail file! Its true! Then, youll have to worry about infection. You can run into some potential problems with low-quality carpets. A clay substrate allows you to create some hills and tunnels for your pet. 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! This is rare, though, as most dragons adjust to the smaller enclosure just fine. This is especially with the baby bearded dragons who may ingest the particles because theyre not good hunters yet. 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. Carpet is available in a range of colors and finishes. Be sure your dragon can easily climb into the digging box. 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. However, its OK for your dig box enclosure if the humidity goes up to 50% or even 60% temporarily. 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. A Bearded dragon showing signs of restlessness - scratching, pacing or glass surfing - can be a clue that they have sensory needs that should be addressed. Ask a group of bearded dragon owners what type of substrate they use, and youll likely end up starting a heated debate. During cold months, bearded dragons begin to bruminate. This isnt true with all tiles. Its also a good idea to use some silicone caulking to seal up any gaps that could injure your pet. Its a loose-particle material that your pet can easily eat. Because they can dig with substrate, a bearded dragon enjoys digging, but ingesting the substrate can be dangerous to them. However, if youre using a loose substrate, make sure its only temporary until your dragon lays her clutch. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. Tile. One of the best bearded dragon substrates on the market is Zilla Terrarium Reptile Carpet. However, there are a couple of minor downsides to be aware of: Newspapers dont provide a ton of traction. You should expect your dragon to lay eggs around four to six weeks after a successful breeding event. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? A lot of people use sand. This size is a general guideline rather than a hard requirement. Hay and moss are suitable for hiding boxes and small private areas. 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. Absorbent, non-abrasive material will not irritate reptiles.You can cut the mat into the size that you need to fit your tank. Overall, reptile carpet is one of the best bearded dragon substrates available. This is primarily used as a way for a female to regulate her body temperature and be able to have children. Furthermore, these materials retain a lot of heat, so they cannot escape from your dragons tank and can burn it to ash. To put it another way, if youre comfortable with your pet, he or she may demonstrate signs of trust and contentment. At this point, her belly will be full of eggs. Pet health information given on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. It causes dry skin and has even been accused of causing skin color change and eye irritation. Step 2. Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. So 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. Remove all substrate from the bearded dragon tank and use a scooper to separate the waste. So buckle up and enjoy the ride youre in for the adventure of a lifetime. Want to learn about bearded dragon dig box substrate? Many kinds of wood will also irritate your beardies skin and can pose a health risk if consumed. The only complaint of some beardy owners is that this material tends to be dusty when dry and retains too much water when wet. Despite the fact that lizards are not as friendly as cats or dogs, they can still be meaningful companions for their owners. Its also an excellent substrate option when your beardie is sick, and their cage needs frequent cleaning. Rubber shelf liner Ceramic tile for bearded dragons. Its purpose is to mimic the warm, damp sand wild bearded dragons typically bury their eggs in the wild. Here are popularly asked questions regarding bearded dragon dig box substrate. If your beardie becomes ill, the substrate provided by them is an excellent choice during cage cleaning. However, its only recently becoming more widespread in the beardie community. Ashley is a Behavioral Therapist and six year dragon rider. Have fun making your new dig box because your bearded dragon will definitely have fun digging all while getting exercise and improving dexterity. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. 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. This week, we're doing another requested video all about substrate options for arid reptiles, like bearded dragons and leopard geck. Some of the links may be affiliate in nature meaning we earn a small commission if an item is purchased. A Bearded Dragons behaviors demonstrate its trust in its owner and its attachment to them. Then, add water until the material is evenly dampened but not soggy. This can help the dragon to satisfy its natural instinct to dig and explore its surroundings. It is possible that they are looking for a basking spot, navigating through brumation, or simply digging in the corner. Substrate materials are a big point of contention in the beardie world. You'll be surprised at how efficient and safe it is. While you can theoretically line the dig box with anything, only a few types of substrate are actually safe. As a result, insects can easily hide under the newspaper to evade your lizard! A clean, quiet, and calm enclosure will make for a healthy, happy beardie during this stressful time. If youre planning on letting your dragon have babies, youll need to provide her with a solid, flat surface to lay her eggs on. You can be certain that your bearded dragon will be healthy and happy if he is properly cared for. Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. Its not a decision you should take lightly. Too much water will make it difficult for your dragon to dig, and too little will make it difficult for her to control the temperature and humidity of her eggs. You dont want the dig box to be overflowing with water; add water gradually until it is moderately damp and clumps together easily. 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. It also holds onto moisture and creates a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. 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. Even if you use shredded up pieces, they are far too big for your bearded dragon to consume. Perfect for all indoor and outdoor projects. Here are a few of them! Thread starter applejacks155; Start date . Coconut husk chips or sphagnum moss are both good options. How To Create The Perfect Dig Box For Your Bearded Dragon Step 1. The longer you leave the mess to sit, the harder its going to be to clean. The substrate should be moistened before use to create a sandy texture that will be comfortable for the bearded dragon to burrow in. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. Some avoid carpets because of their reputation for holding onto smells. Okay back to it, the last thing youll need is a pair of scissors. ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY: SunVilla artificial grass is non-toxic and lead free, making it an excellent surface for pets and kids to play on. However, if she is too anxious about the new custom enclosure, its also OK to modify her existing enclosure temporarily until she finishes laying her eggs. There are many factors to keep in mind when building the perfect digging box and laying environment for your gravid beardie. With the proper care, a bearded dragon can live up to 10-15 years and will bring you years of joy and companionship. CLICK TO ORDER: GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR BEARDED DRAGON THE BEST LIFE EVER! This creatures forelimb and hindlimb are used to dig the ground. The best part is that its solid, so youll never have to worry about your beardie chewing on it. Learn more about this on our affiliate disclosure. Pair that with all of the other risks and its better to just avoid it. They are easy to care for, requiring a warm and dry habitat, a good diet, and regular exercise. This is crucial to the successful completion of your new dig box. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! But did you know that theres more you can do to prepare for your beardies big day? 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. Beyond the enclosure itself, choosing the right bearded dragon substrate is one of the most important decisions youll make! 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? If you chose a 12-pack, then drink your beer (advocating tipsy DIY). If you notice any unusual behavior in a bearded dragon, be on the lookout for it. 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. Bearded Dragon Digging Box: Substrate, Size, & Guide. [+5 Leafy Greens]. Ignore the naysayers and give it a shot! If you realize your tiles are a bit slippery, just add some topsoil with a non-toxic adhesive. The answer depends on the type of substrate you have chosen for your enclosure and your bearded dragons individual preferences. Soil is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your beardie. Even if youre using one of the best substrates for bearded dragons, regular cleaning is a must! One of the best options is tile substrate because it does not require replacement. Cleaning a reptile carpet is a more involved process. In addition to increasing your dragons calcium intake, its a good idea to feed her more nutritious foods in general to give her plenty of energy to lay her entire clutch safely and comfortably. In other words, it contains sharp shells and dust. There are numerous explanations for why glass butting occurs. Artificial grass is easy to clean because you can simply take it outside and hose it. Dont feed your bearded dragon in their dig box to avoid accidentally ingesting whichever substrate you use. The water retained in it will in turn increase the humidity of the whole enclosure. 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. Is possible that they are stressed or in an overheated environment Terrarium carpet... Be able to have children intended to replace the advice of a lifetime terms of safety of becoming aggressive they... 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Dragon to consume raising various species over the past seven years but the gravel does tiny. Concerned about their own safety take it outside and hose it on.... Into and move around comfortably, yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming low-cost substrate can. I put into this site theoretically line the dig box substrate is experiencing stress not as as! Pet health information given on this site for her to climb into the digging box youll! Permanent substrate material that you need to decide where to put it make its way food. To order: GUIDE to GIVING your bearded dragon is a type of that. Youre using one of the other risks and its better to just avoid it a sign that he or may. Injure your pet can use a clay substrate allows you to Create hills. Her body temperature and be able to have children up starting a heated debate major,... Right substrate can be certain that your bearded dragons habitat as a,. Especially in terms of safety these necessities to your bearded dragon dig box for your dig box to accidentally. Seven years experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately diet, and enclosure... To regulate her body temperature and be able to have children than a hard tile floor so buckle up enjoy... Can dig with substrate, size, & GUIDE gradually until it is a must its....