Introduction

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world, and for good reason! These friendly and easy-to-handle lizards are incredibly rewarding to care for. Whether you’re a first-time reptile owner or a seasoned veteran, creating an egg laying box is an important part of providing your bearded dragon with a comfortable and healthy environment. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating an egg laying box for your bearded dragon.

Why Do Bearded Dragons Need an Egg Laying Box?

Bearded dragons are oviparous, which means that they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. In the wild, bearded dragons will dig burrows in the soil to lay their eggs. In captivity, it’s important to provide a suitable substrate for your bearded dragon to lay her eggs in. Failure to provide a suitable substrate can cause egg binding, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition.

Creating an Egg Laying Box

Creating an egg laying box is easy and inexpensive. You’ll need a large plastic container with a lid, such as a rubbermaid container, and a substrate for your bearded dragon to lay her eggs in. Some good substrate options include vermiculite, perlite, or a mixture of sand and soil.

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

The first step in creating an egg laying box is choosing the right container. You’ll want a container that is large enough for your bearded dragon to comfortably fit in, with at least 6 inches of substrate for her to dig into. The container should also have a lid to keep the substrate moist and to prevent your bearded dragon from escaping.

Step 2: Choose the Right Substrate

The substrate you choose for your egg laying box is very important. Some good options include vermiculite, perlite, or a mixture of sand and soil. Vermiculite and perlite are both highly absorbent and will help keep the environment in the egg laying box moist. A mixture of sand and soil can also work, but be sure to moisten it before your bearded dragon lays her eggs.

Step 3: Add the Substrate to the Container

Once you’ve chosen your container and substrate, it’s time to set up the egg laying box. Add at least 6 inches of substrate to the container, making sure to create a depression in the substrate where your bearded dragon can lay her eggs. Moisten the substrate with water until it is damp but not soaking wet.

Step 4: Place the Egg Laying Box in Your Bearded Dragon’s Enclosure

Once your egg laying box is set up, it’s time to place it in your bearded dragon’s enclosure. Choose a location that is quiet and where your bearded dragon will not be disturbed. You may find that your bearded dragon takes a while to get used to the egg laying box, so be patient and monitor her closely.

Step 5: Monitor Your Bearded Dragon

Once your egg laying box is set up and in place, it’s important to monitor your bearded dragon closely. She may take several days to lay her eggs, and during this time she may be restless and agitated. If you notice any signs of distress, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty walking, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Creating an egg laying box for your bearded dragon is an important part of providing a comfortable and healthy environment. By following these steps, you can create an egg laying box that will help prevent egg binding and ensure that your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy. Remember to monitor your bearded dragon closely during the egg laying process, and contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of distress. With the right care and attention, your bearded dragon will thrive in her new egg laying box!