So What substrait Is Safe For Beardies To Dig In?

[littlesavedgirl]

So it's crystal clear to me that sand is unsafe for Beardies and their enclosures but i've heard that female dragons need to dig in order to expel unfertilized eggs. These eggs need to be expelled or they could lead to very serious health complications. If digging stimulates the dragon to release her eggs and there is no safe substrait's for her to dig, how do we avoid such hazards without creating new ones?
Please give whatever input you may have, I am very concerned for the health of my female dragon and am trying to be proactive in raising her the safest way possible.

Thank you in advance for your contributions on this topic :study:

 

[Jess]

Most people make a lay box with damp sand, and put it in their enclosure then the female is gravid.

IMO, the main danger with loose substrate is being forced to live in it 24/7. It gets stirred up and dusty, and the beardies can't get out of it. Putting a lay box in her cage with damp sand won't hurt her though. Damp sand won't get dusty, and she will be more interested in digging in it than eating it.

I have a dig box filled with alfalfa pellets for my male, and he LOVES it. He hangs out in it for a good part of the day. If you just want something for her to play in, alfalfa pellets are very safe.

 

[littlesavedgirl]

Excelant reply Jes , thank you! By alphalfa pellets, is that like rabit pellet or something different? Also "Gravid" is this like heat? What would one look for to assess the reproductive cycle of their dragon?
My Penny loves to swim, dunks her head under and wiggles all around. I was just wondering if there was a safe digging place

 

[Jess]

Yup, rabbit food! It is digestable if they accidentally eat it, but most of them will probably hate the taste of it... Dud licked up a piece that rolled across the floor, and promtly spit it out in disgust LOL.
The only issue with it (And why it should never be used as a substrate for the whole cage) is that it molds easily when it gets wet. So if your beardie poops in it, splashed water in it, ect. it needs to be changed out.

When a female is gravid, it means that the is pregnant with eggs. So if you notice that she is gravid and she is acting like shhe is about to lay, that's when you would give her a lay box. I've only had males though, so you would have to ask another member for more details on this. :wink:

Dud is a swimmer too! :lol: It's funny how much they love their baths, considering that they are desert animals.

Here is Dudley in his digging box, just cause it's cute.

 

[PudgysMom]

WOW Jessica, thank you for this information. I have been reading your posts around the board and I just wanted to thank you for the wealth of info you provide.

I came in feeling so clueless and now I feel so much better armed to re-do Pudgy's enclosure. Thank you again!

I LOVE the picture of Dudley too. LOL too cute.

 

[littlesavedgirl]

This has been so helpful ,thank you for the info. I recon My dragon would look obviously preggers so I won't have concerns of what a dragon looks like when she is. There was no missing my pregnant bump.

 

[Jess]

You guys are very welcome, I'm glad I could help! :mrgreen: