Dig box questions

[Jackie0527]

I have a 13 month old Male Beardie named Falcor. He has been trying to dig a lot lately so I have decided to make him a dig box. I've read a lot about dig boxes and am thinking that a mix of sand and soil is going to be the best for him. I do have some calcium sand from when I first got him. I had him in it, but took it out when I found out how bad it is for juvenile beardie. Should I use that or buy some play sand? Also, what kind of soil should I buy and how do I make sure that it is sanitary and free of anything that can harm him like parasites? I want to give him the opportunity to dig to his hearts content, but I want to make sure he is safe as well. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

[VenusAndSaturn]

I'd just use a play sand and then organic potting soil mix rather than calci sand and then soil... I use Miracle-gro Nature's care Oragnic potting mix for my tegu along with a few other substrates, it holds burrows well. It hasn't caused a problem with her yet... but then again shes not a bearded dragon.

It does have perlite mixed in it however I dont think that should be too much of a problem. Although it is super dusty if you dont wet it a lot.

For dig boxes with my beardies I usually use eco earth bricks, they aren't too dusty and seem to hold burrows a lot better. I do however mix vermiculite into the substrate. Mostly to absorb any excess water.

Also calci sand isn't just harmful for juveniles, it is harmful for all ages. Most loose particle substrates are harmful for bearded dragons in captivity if they're living on it.