Why is My Bearded Dragon Digging in the Sand?

If you’re a beginner bearded dragon owner, you might be confused or concerned about why your pet is digging in the sand. However, this behavior is completely normal and natural for bearded dragons.

In the wild, bearded dragons dig burrows to protect themselves from predators and regulate their body temperature. They may also dig to find food or water. Even though your bearded dragon is now living in a terrarium, they still have these instincts and may display the same behavior.

Reasons Your Bearded Dragon is Digging in the Sand

1. Temperature Regulation

Bearded dragons are ectothermic animals, which means their body temperature is regulated by the environment. As a result, they need a variety of temperature zones in their enclosure to properly regulate their body temperature. Digging in the sand can help your pet find a cooler or warmer spot to lay in, depending on their needs.

2. Natural Behavior

As mentioned earlier, digging is a natural instinct for bearded dragons. They may just enjoy digging and exploring their environment. Providing your pet with a variety of substrates, such as sand or soil, can enrich their environment and allow them to display natural behaviors.

3. Laying Eggs

If you have a female bearded dragon and she is digging persistently and shredding paper or other substrate, it could be a sign that she wants to lay eggs. Female bearded dragons can lay infertile eggs without a male present. If you suspect your female bearded dragon is going to lay eggs, make sure she has a nesting box filled with moist soil or sand.

How to Ensure Your Bearded Dragon is Digging Safely

While digging is a natural behavior for bearded dragons, there are some steps you can take to make sure your pet is doing so safely.

1. Avoid Loose Substrate

If your bearded dragon ingests loose substrate, such as sand or small pieces of substrate, it can cause impaction. Impaction is a potentially fatal condition where the digestive tract becomes blocked. You can avoid this by using solid substrate or providing a separate digging box filled with moist soil or sand.

2. Provide a Variety of Temperatures

As previously mentioned, bearded dragons need a variety of temperature zones in their enclosure. Make sure your pet has access to a basking area, a cool area, and a digging area with a substrate that will allow them to regulate their body temperature. A lack of temperature variety can cause your pet to display abnormal behavior, such as excessive digging.

3. Provide a Nesting Box

If you have a female bearded dragon, make sure she has a nesting box available to lay her eggs. The nesting box should be filled with moist soil or sand, and it should be big enough for your pet to comfortably lay in.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons are unique and fascinating pets, and digging is just one of their many natural behaviors. By providing a safe digging area and monitoring your pet’s behavior, you can make sure they are happy and healthy. If you have any concerns about your bearded dragon’s behavior, consult with a veterinarian or a reptile specialist.