Bearded dragons are a popular pet. Their appearance is almost prehistoric. They have a name that conjures up images of fire-breathing monsters and has unique and quirky behaviors, such as head bobbing and slow waving. It can be hard to tell if your bearded friend is acting naturally or if they are sick, stressed, or in distress with such an exotic pet. Digging is one example.
Although digging may seem natural for reptiles, is it really? Is it a sign that your bearded dragon is sick or missing something? We’ll show you six possible reasons your bearded dragon might be digging.
What is Digging?
Bearded dragon digging sounds exactly like it is. To get under the bedding and substrate, they will scratch at it. It could happen during the day or at night. This could be an intermittent issue or a more serious problem.
Do Beardies Like Digging?
Bearded dragons can be natural diggers in the wild. They can dig tunnels and create caves for shelter, and can also dig beneath the sand and other substrates in search of insects and other natural food. While they might enjoy digging in captivity, it is possible for them to become obsessed with the task. If your reptile starts digging more often or causes physical injury while digging, this could indicate something is wrong and you should take immediate action.
Other reasons to dig
Here are some reasons why your beardie might have begun digging if it wasn’t for enjoyment or fun.
1. She’s getting ready to lay
Your bearded dragon could be ready to lay eggs if she is older than 12 months and a female. Your female bearded dragon can still lay unfertilized eggs even if she has never had contact with a man. She will seek out safe and warm places to lay her eggs once the laying season begins.
It is worth double-checking whether your beardie appears to be male. Many reptiles can be sexed incorrectly. You may believe you have a male beardie, but you could actually have a gravid woman.
You can place a tray in the tank to provide a safe environment for your female beardies. A poor-quality lay box can lead to egg-bound female beardies that are very unwell.
Are Bearded Dragons Require a Dig Box?
Although not all bearded dragon tanks have a dig area, it is advisable to include one in your terrarium. Beardies love digging in the wild and many do not have them. A dig box or lay box is necessary for a female bearded dragon tank. This will allow her to lay eggs safely and protect her from being egg-bound.
2. She’s too hot
You can care for bearded dragons in many different ways. One such method is to keep them at the right temperature in their terrarium. Beardies prefer temperatures that are higher than ours, but not too high. Your beardie might be digging to cool down if the cage gets too hot. Cooler holes are those that are below the ground.
The daytime temperature for your beardie should not be higher than 92°F to 110°F on the hot side. The beardie will need a cool area of around 80 degrees F, and nighttime temperatures of approximately 70 degrees.
Keep in mind that panting in bearded dragons is normal and provides a way for them to regulate their temperature. Your beardie may be basking in a spot where they pant, which is normal. However, if they pant and dig to escape the heat, this could indicate that the temperature is too high.
3. She is stressed
This lizard can become stressed easily. Digging is one sign. Look for possible triggers if your beardie starts digging out of control. You might be causing the behavior by making too bright or loud noises, or perhaps your other pet is visiting the cage and scaring your beardie. Other dragons in the same enclosure can cause stress. You should consider isolating them from each other to ensure they have a happy, stress-free existence.
4. She is hungry
It could be that your dragon is looking for food. You might not be giving your dragon enough food. They could be digging for other insects.
Your little one might be interested in finding out if you’ve fed an insect type and then stopped.
Bearded dragons can become addicted to certain foods like fatty worms. It is best to stop giving them food, but allow your dragon to eat her food for a while.
5. She doesn’t have enough space
Beardies with small tanks can become bored and agitated. Beardies will search for activities and space to play. A bearded dragon needs a tank that is at least 60 gallons. If you have more space, a bigger tank will be more beneficial for your beardie. Consider increasing the living space of your beardie if space is tight and she has begun scratching.
6. She is preparing to brumate
Brumation can be described as hibernation. When your Dragon reaches the age of 12 months, he/she will be able to eat very little and want nothing more than to sleep. They will likely start to brumate in the winter months and may search for a place to brumate.
Bearded dragons require the right environment to flourish. They need a tank with graduated heat that includes both hot and cold spots. A dig box or a lay box is necessary for a female bearded dragon. A suitable diet is also important. While digging in the wild is normal in bearded dragons, it may indicate that they require more space, better heat management, or are stressed. You need to look for triggers and consider the context in order to provide optimal conditions for your beardie.
When a bearded dragon tries to burrow, what does it mean?
Brumation. If your dragon’s lethargy is followed by hiding under items in the tank or attempting to burrow, he or she is most likely preparing for brumation, a sleep-like state that wild bearded dragons go through to protect themselves when the weather is cold.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is under stress?
You may notice any of the following symptoms if your bearded dragon is stressed: Diarrhea. I’m not going to the restroom. Not tanning. Appetite loss. I’m not eating anything. Lethargy. Sluggishness. Excessive activity.
Do bearded dragons require continual care?
Bearded dragons adore their owners. They’ll know you, gaze you in the eyes, ask for food, and even want to be held. Beardies, unlike their furry relatives, do not require continual care or handling. They require alone time, yet will miss you if you are gone for an extended period of time
How can I tell whether my bearded dragon is healthy?
Alertness and energy are signs of a healthy bearded dragon. Unless it is sleeping or resting, your dragon should always appear vigilant. … Posture. Your pet must be able to hold its own weight and utilize all four limbs. … Appearance. A healthy dragon will not be thin.
What do bearded dragons do all day?
It spends most of its waking hours among shrubs and trees, as well as sunbathing on rocks. The bearded dragon will burrow underground when it is exceedingly hot. The bearded dragon is omnivorous and diurnal (active during the day) (and eats both plants and insects or small prey).
What kind of activity should a bearded dragon have?
Bearded dragons should spend at least 30 minutes every day outside their habitat. The more they are out (without getting chilly or being too far away from their UVB lamps), the more docile they might become.
Why is my bearded dragon excavating and surfing?
Glass surfing is supposed to be caused by stress, and a bearded dragon might be anxious for a variety of reasons: A bearded dragon might become stressed if its enclosure or tank is too tiny. Even though they are not kept together, another bearded dragon may be viewed as competition for a bearded dragon and create discomfort.