Beardie eating clay substrate? Help!

[LilCheeto]

I recently purchased some clay excavator substrate for my beardie. I set it up, and immediately he started eating entire chunks of the substrate! I read up on it and nobody seemed to have any similar issues. I took him out to let the clay dry cause I thought he was attracted to the shininess of the wet clay, but yet he's still eating chunks of it. Even after I've fed him, so I know he's not hungry. Why is he doing this? How do I stop him? Will the clay excavator cause impaction? Help!

 

[Gormagon]

He's doing it because he likes it.
Stopping him is simple, switch to a substrate that cannot be ingested. (rough texture tile, nonadhesive shelf liner, vinyl flooring, paper towels ect....)
It could cause impaction, not sure.

 

[MarlowAndMe]

Agreed. Swap it for something that’s not loose at all - tile, linoleum, shelf liner etc

 

[kingofnobbys]

I agree , the clay needs to be removed.

You also need to review your dragon's diet , he's doing this because he's lacking something or he feels sick (some clays will react in the gut to bind toxins or neutralize the gut juices).