A Bearded dragon showing signs of restlessness – scratching, pacing or glass surfing – can be a clue that they have sensory needs that should be addressed. A dig box provides an activity that expels excess energy and prevents self-injurious behavior.
First, let’s identify some possible causes for the digging behavior:
- You have a female that’s ready to lay eggs (most common). *This dig box is not designed for females laying eggs though the process is similar.
- Your bearded dragon is looking for a spot to cool down.
- Someone’s getting ready to brumate.
- It’s a self-soothing behavior.
In any case, there’s no cause for alarm because digging is a natural behavior. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular domesticated lizards in the world and they do some wacky shit every now and then.
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Big Dig Energy
Norman is the dig king in our pack, he’s my cave-dwelling sulky teen.
When I first brought him home he lumbered around and scratched at the tile substrate. It was clear he felt exposed in some way so I created a space for him to hide in his own personal foxhole.
What is a Dig Box, and Why Does it Matter?
A dig box is a small, controlled area you can create for your bearded dragon to well…dig.
Groundbreaking.
It matters because they are trying to scratch an internal itch that we can reach by presenting them with a simple cognitive task. And it’s a great workout too! Flailing around their enclosures can be dangerous, Grimm has damaged his toes and his tail when I wasn’t home while he was having an episode.
There are a few different ways to make a dig box—the following method is something I whipped up one night and I liked it so I stuck with it. Simple as that.
What Kind of Box Can You Use?
I used a 12-pack of bottled beer.
Booze and beardie’s all night long.
Plastic or disposable boxes are just fine
Norman is small and he fits perfectly inside the 12-pack so it’s really just a matter of them being aesthetically pleasing to me.
You can use any box you like. Litter boxes are a great option!
One of my early prototypes was made from a shoe box. 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.
Choose what works for you and your bearded dragon.
Choosing the Right Substrate
The next thing you need is substrate.
I use the Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium Substrate in my dig boxes. There is nothing particularly special about this substrate, but it fits our needs by providing Norman with resistance, adequate cover for burrowing, and he will never try to eat it.
You don’t have to use coconut husk—some people use seeds like millet and flax.
A lot of people use sand. I do not because it’s messy.
Don’t feed your bearded dragon in their dig box to avoid accidentally ingesting whichever substrate you use.
You know your dragon more than anyone, use whatever substrate you are comfortable with.
Okay back to it, the last thing you’ll need is a pair of scissors.
Put It All Together
Once you have chosen your preferred box and substrate, you are ready to make a dig box that your bearded dragon will surely enjoy.
Step 1. This is crucial to the successful completion of your new dig box. If you chose a 12-pack, then drink your beer (advocating tipsy DIY).
Step 2. Cut the top of the box off and leave about 4-6 inches from the bottom.
Make it tall enough that your bearded dragon cannot kick substrate over the sides but still low enough that they don’t struggle to get into the box.
Step 3. Break up the coconut brick (or whichever substrate you choose) and fill your box 2-3-inches from the top.
That’s all folks, now you have a dig box!
Enjoy your New Dig Box!
Introduce your new dig box to your bearded dragon however you feel comfortable.
Norman figured out what to do with his right away because it was exactly what he had been looking for. You can demonstrate what it’s for by putting them inside and pushing some substrate around, or leave it up to them to figure out.
Have fun making your new dig box because your bearded dragon will definitely have fun digging all while getting exercise and improving dexterity.
A word on cleaning – I change the substrate as needed, and if Norman poops in or on the box I just toss it out and make a new one. This is where reusable plastic tub would come in handy for easy sanitation.
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Great article, thank you!
It was a fun read as well I learned a little. 🙂
Exactly the info I was looking for. Can’t wait to get what I need for this.