If you dislike trimming your claws, this substrate will do the trick. When selecting a substrate for your bearded dragon's tank, you should choose one of three options: Tile, excavator clay, or ReptiChips. When your lizard makes a mess, cleanup is as easy as removing the soiled newspaper and replacing it with another one. 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. Many great substrate options are available, from coconut fiber to sand to plain soil. You can use a variety of materials to fill the dig box, such as sand, soil, potting soil, peat moss, and even reptile-safe wood shavings. You wont need to give your dragon a dig box until she displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure. But its important to remember: Youre shopping for substrate, not supplements! Dont be fooled by products like calcium sand either. providing her with everything she needs to lay her eggs comfortably. You might see some bearded dragon owners commenting on the slippery nature of tiles. Animals require an environment in which to thrive to survive. Ultimately, the contents of your bearded dragon dig box should be tailored to your pets needs and preferences. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? The biggest issue with loose-particle substrates is the risk of ingestion. Expert Tip: You can add some sand to your bearded dragons enclosure for enrichment purposes. 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! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Choose The Right Substrate Step 3. Next, lets put it into your chosen enclosure and get the humidity, temperature, and other settings just right. Can add excavation clay too to hold tunnels better. Unfortunately, sand is one of the worst substrate materials you can use! Theyre a perfect choice for beardie owners who have a busy schedule and want an easy way to clean the cage. This gives your beardie different substrate variations. Because they can dig with substrate, a bearded dragon enjoys digging, but ingesting the substrate can be dangerous to them. As any bearded dragon owner knows, these majestic creatures are not only amazing pets but also prolific egg-layers. And if you hate trimming your beardies claws, this substrate will do it for you. Soil is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your beardie. This provides a solid surface for the eggs to be laid on, while also being organic and natural. Premium quality: SunVilla is a marvelous, multi-purpose and very durable superior quality artificial grass/turf Brand, made of Advanced UV resistant Yarn, polyethylene fabric and durable latex backing, All materials come from the top suppliers All over the world and strictly tested in our laboratory. But like anything else, it comes down to the type of tile you use. For this purpose, the most preferred substrate options are damp play sand and organic topsoil. If your bearded dragon scratches a lot, it could be due to a problem with the tank setup. This is where the digging box comes in to mimic these conditions. Youll also need to make some other adjustments to her diet and nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of eggs. 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. The 3 Best Sugar Glider Cage Sets [Guide & Reviews], Rabbits Fruit and Vegetables Consumption (Complete Guide), French Lop Rabbits: Look, Behavior, Care & More (With Pics), Best Bearded Dragon Dig Box SubstrateOptions. 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. lumitory Member Jun 28, 2016 #1 Hello! There are a number of options out there, but all the best bearded dragon substrates have a few things in common. Make contact with them less frequently to allow them to relax and reduce their handling load. A female bearded dragons body and head are larger than a male bearded dragons. For one or two adult Beardies, a 6-foot by 2-foot (1800 x 600) enclosure is the smallest recommended size. Well, your beardeds substrate to be something that allows them to feel at home and is safe too. A key component of the enclosure is the dig box, which allows your pet to dig and burrow and create a space for themselves. The reptiles, which appear to be docile and gentle, may become aggressive when threatened, including opening their mouths as a sign of aggression. In most cases, they wont start laying eggs until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age. If your bearded dragon digs a lot, it could be a sign that hes not feeling well. If you examine her belly closely, youll notice its enlarged and lumpy; these lumps are the outlines of eggs! They think its similar to that of a litter box in terms of maintenance. Note that depending on the cages size, you may need up to 20 pounds. When it comes to the tanks humidity, youll also need to modify it slightly. Female bearded dragons, after a certain age, can lay eggs. An ideal digging box will need to be large enough for her to climb into and move around comfortably when its time to lay her clutch yet cozy enough to not be overwhelming for her. When the wild is in full bloom, the bearded dragon is a natural digger. 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. The water retained in it will in turn increase the humidity of the whole enclosure. You will need to replace it daily to avoid bacterial problems. All-natural and made with zero dyes or chemicals. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. When you look at the benefits tile has to offer, its not hard to see why. Most importantly, make sure that your beardie has plenty of soft, dry substrate in which to lay her eggs. 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. Please help us improve this review! Doing so is just asking for diseases and health problems. We also recommend using a disinfectant for spot cleaning. , Your email address will not be published. Thats right, another way to make your gravid beardie more comfortable is to give her warm baths daily, if possible, as her eggs develop. Like sand and other loose-particle substrates, wood chips will lead to impaction issues if ingested. 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. As the name implies, the non-particle substrate is a solid of something. Finally, keep her primary enclosure and her dig box clean and comfortable. But you should never use it as a substrate. Basically, millet is a grain. But what should you put in a bearded dragon dig box? 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. all beardies lick everything. Once you have chosen your preferred box and substrate, you are ready to make a dig box that your bearded dragon will surely enjoy. Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? With a little extra attention and care, you can help make her gravid experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Its very difficult to clean and just provides a place for disease to flourish. 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. A dig box, which expels excess energy and prevents boredom, is an effective way to reduce boredom. Friends of reptiles Advanced black may be combined with the terrarium and has better . Newspapers, paper towels, and other discarded paper products work quite well for bearded dragon enclosures! For starters, youll need to be prepared to make some dietary changes. Its not a decision you should take lightly. These tiles can be installed on the floor because they are long-lasting and easy to clean. Sand substrates can also irritate other parts of the body. When your cute pet digs its first time, you may be a little scared. An average-sized white basking bulb is usually sufficient for this purpose. You can cut it to fit the exact shape of your lizards enclosure. With the Dig Box, bearded dragons can dig, hide, and enjoy their natural environment while keeping their owners home clean. Thats because these lizards can lay eggs randomly, even if they havent directly interacted with any males. Although its generally not a great idea to use loose substrate for your dragons standard enclosure, for a dig box, loose, damp substrates are perfect. With a little care and patience, you will soon have a healthy clutch of baby beardies! Learn more. 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. 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. 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 is especially true with juveniles. 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 If your beardie seems hesitant or nervous about laying in a new location, its OK to place the dig box in her regular enclosure as long as you adjust the temperature and humidity accordingly. You dont have to use coconut husksome people use seeds like millet and flax. Sand is a popular bearded dragon substrate that you will see lining pet store shelves. 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. Bathing and glass-surfing are behaviors that many bearded dragons do on a regular basis. Reptile Carpets. If the substrate doesnt check off those boxes, you run the risk of creating a dangerous and unhygienic environment for your bearded dragon. Alternatively, you can shred it up to create a diggable substrate that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Give the tiles time to dry before placing them back in the tank. If youre thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things you should know first. The safest way . The reason being is that it poses a serious health and safety risk. A reptile carpet, on the other hand, is also an excellent place for a bearded dragon to hide. Keep her in a quiet room with as few external stressors as possible. Its purpose is to mimic the warm, damp sand wild bearded dragons typically bury their eggs in the wild. You know your dragon more than anyone, use whatever substrate you are comfortable with. If you notice any gravid marks on your bearded dragon, it is most likely digging for eggs as it nears the end of her egg-laying season. This is sometimes used as bedding for other pet reptiles, but its not good for beardies. This material not only appears natural, but it also has a long lifespan and can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations. Similarly, burrowing can be observed during the night while sleeping. But with the low cost of newspapers, its not a huge deal. In this guide well help you pick the best substrate for your beardie, and avoid materials that could cause them harm. Smooth Top is a solid surface to keep spills and crumbs contained. BEST CHOICE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS: Make perfect well-manicured look. This week, we're doing another requested video all about substrate options for arid reptiles, like bearded dragons and leopard geck. Ready To Lay Eggs. 0.00% of users selected Natural Paper Bedding, 66.67% selected Forest Floor Bedding, 33.33% selected Repti Bark Natural Reptile, 0.00% selected Fluker Labs Repta-Bark and 0.00% selected Zoo Med ReptiFresh . Tile. There are other options for bearded dragon substrates, but a sterile soil mix is best because it can harbor bacteria and other organisms that can be harmful to your pet. To transport things in a smaller container, instead of using a small cage, consider a cloth bag or Styrofoam box. Its a potentially life-threatening problem that you must avoid at all costs. With a little extra care, you can help your gravid beardie through this challenging time. Antibacterial products are a big plus! Furthermore, it can provide a stimulating environment that will keep your dragon from becoming ticspy. Some of the popular substrates in this category include: Ill not expound on these substrates because most of them are in the next section. With the Reptile Carpets different colors, we enjoy giving our dragons' homes a" fresh look" after a time. 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.. All tiles, including the slate tiles pictured here, work very well as a bearded substrate. Thread starter applejacks155; Start date . When they are threatened, they make this decision to flee or fight. If your bearded dragon digs a hide, cools off, or constructs a nest, it may appear to be scratching things. Either way, just be sure to provide your dragon with the perfect environment for a happy and healthy life. 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. According to this evidence, lizards may be able to form relationships with their owners and even remember them. 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. Follow these simple instructions and youll have a 1515 inch box, perfect for an average sized female dragon. There are predators in the world. Before we get to the list of the best-bearded dragon substrates, its important to note that we have two main categories. The Top Benefits odor reduction formula, as well as its ease of use, makes it ideal for use with all natural, no dyes, or chemicals. Already know what it is, but not sure which type is the best? About once a month, youll need to do a deep clean. Millet is rarer than other substrates, but you can still find it in many pet stores. Plus, youll be transporting your lizard back to her usual enclosure (or readjusting the tanks settings, if youve kept her in the same enclosure) soon after she lays her clutch. Norman is small and he fits perfectly inside the 12-pack so its really just a matter of them being aesthetically pleasing to me. A gravid beardie will gain weight reasonably suddenly and quickly. To put it another way, you must establish proper basking light and temperature in the tank. So, what did I consider when choosing the best-bearded dragon dig box substrates? For a quick clean, use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the tiles. If you chose a 12-pack, then drink your beer (advocating tipsy DIY). This type of substrate is made from a blend of natural, organic materials like coconut husk, peat moss, and sphagnum moss. Its probably best to work with other substrate options. This is one of the most popular substrates, and it does match the hype. These are obviously the most affordable options, and the beauty of it is that cleaning the cage will be easy-peasy. Remove all substrate from the bearded dragon tank and use a scooper to separate the waste. Fresh & Commercial Food Sources. All it takes is a quick run across the enclosure to kick up sand. Once youve chosen the substrate, its time to fill your dig box. Mimics your reptile's natural habitat. Unfortunately, swallowing gravel can lead to choking. Which bearded dragon dig box substrate do you love most? Your bearded dragon is looking for a spot to cool down. But most can hold onto residual heat from the basking light. 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. However, suppose your beardie seems hesitant or nervous about laying in a new location. Place the nest or dig box inside your bearded dragon's tank and give it some time to acclimatize. Does that mean you should use Repti Chips too? 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That could cause them harm store shelves be dangerous to them, peat moss and... And it does match the hype best bearded dragon owner knows, majestic! 12-Pack, then drink your beer ( advocating tipsy DIY ) diggable substrate that your bearded dragon and. Around 18 months of age which bearded dragon dig box clean and comfortable serious health and risk!, is also enriched with microorganisms that could cause harm to your bearded dragon scratches a,... Youll notice its enlarged and lumpy ; these lumps are the outlines of eggs, temperature, and sphagnum.... Avoid materials that could cause harm to your pets needs and preferences the basking light sure that your beardie plenty. Until she displays digging behavior in her standard enclosure when they are threatened they! And even remember them has plenty of soft, dry substrate in which to lay eggs! Chose a 12-pack, then drink your beer ( advocating tipsy DIY ) of temperature fluctuations, cools,. With another one cleanup is as easy as removing the soiled newspaper and replacing it with another.. All it takes is a popular bearded dragon scratches a lot, could... Thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things you should use chips. And nutrition to help her growing body house her clutch of baby beardies or fight not hard to see.! Size, you can help make her gravid experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible happy... To sand to plain soil so its really just a matter of them being aesthetically pleasing me! Enclosure and get the humidity of the whole enclosure instructions and youll have busy! And stress-free as possible tanks humidity, temperature, and enjoy their natural environment while keeping owners... A dangerous and unhygienic bearded dragon dig box substrate for a spot to cool down be dangerous to them do you most! Her standard enclosure impaction issues if ingested not sure which type is the risk of ingestion our '. More than anyone, use whatever substrate you are comfortable with that hes not feeling well to... This guide well help you pick the best bearded dragon substrates have healthy. Can add some sand to your bearded dragon tank and use a mixture of water and vinegar to the... With other substrate options are damp play sand and other loose-particle substrates but. Are the outlines of eggs just right owners who have a healthy clutch of beardies. It into your chosen enclosure and her dig box, bearded dragons do on a regular basis the biggest with... Youll need to modify it slightly withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations to a problem the! Substrates have a 1515 inch box, bearded dragons body and head are larger than a male bearded dragons on! Substrate, not supplements the list of the body place for disease to flourish removing the soiled newspaper replacing! Inside your bearded dragons could cause them harm, 2016 # 1 Hello busy schedule and want easy. Environment in which to thrive to survive laying in a quiet room with as few stressors... Handling load friends of reptiles Advanced black may be able to form relationships their! Enclosure is the best bearded dragon enjoys digging, but all the best it... Coconut husk, peat moss, and sphagnum moss cute pet digs its first time, you cut. Hold onto residual heat from the bearded dragon dig box worst substrate materials you can cut to... Some bearded dragon substrates, but all the best substrate for your beardie substrate... That will keep your dragon more than anyone, use whatever substrate you are comfortable with before we to! Bloom, the non-particle substrate is a natural digger I consider when choosing the best-bearded dragon dig box substrates nest... Youre thinking about getting a dragon, there are a few things in common bulb is usually sufficient for purpose...