Digging in the substrate and in the water bowls is one of the popular and peculiar behaviors of bearded dragons. Beardies are thought to be intelligent and exotic creatures, and they frequently exhibit difficult-to-understand habits. Owners of bearded dragons, especially beginner ones, frequently struggle with knowing what to do when their beardies begin digging. However, when your bearded dragon is digging, there is nothing to be concerned about.
When it is too hot when female beardies are about to lay eggs, when they are stressed, and in other situations, they may begin digging. There are a number of causes for beardies to begin digging, and the majority of them shouldn’t worry you. In the wild, beardies have a natural habit of digging. They frequently dig in the ground to escape the heat and to brumate when they are running around in hot deserts or forests. Therefore, if your domestic beardie does the same thing, you shouldn’t worry; instead, try to understand what they’re trying to say.
We have provided all the necessary in-depth details in this article to help you better understand the behavior and to allay your worries. Continue reading.
Should bearded dragons have water bowls?
While there are differing opinions on this topic on the internet, we would like to provide you with one clear solution: your bearded dragon can use a water bowl. Even though this may not be an exact response, it will undoubtedly be a good one given the supporting facts. Most of the time, we give our bearded dragon moist food, give it a bath, mist it, or use another method to hydrate it. For a limited time, these techniques will assist in keeping your bearded dragons hydrated. However, there is a risk of dehydration if the aforementioned methods are not done on a regular basis.
When your beardies need water, you should give it to them, and the best way to do this is with a water bowl. The practise of drinking water from a bowl is not one that bearded dragons are known for, nor are they known to frequently do so. However, it is crucial that they regularly consume small amounts of water. Dehydration is the leading cause of illness or death in bearded dragons. Similar to how dehydration affects humans, bearded dragons can become seriously ill from it. Dehydration in your bearded dragons won’t be something you enjoy, will it?
Beardies can drink from the water bowl whenever they need it, whereas when there isn’t one in the tank they can’t. Water bowls are simply shallow, small bowls that make it easier for your beardies to drink water. You don’t need to picture a large, deep bowl with a lot of water in it. Your beardies may not have been drinking water from the bowl very often, so you may have decided it would be best to remove it. However, beardies do occasionally drink small amounts of water from water bowls. Instead of removing the water bowl and allowing your bearded dragons to suffer from thirst, you can purchase a small, high-quality water bowl. Having access to pure water and staying hydrated will be enjoyable for them.
How big should a bearded dragon water bowl be?
The size of the bowl is a crucial consideration after deciding to buy a water bowl for your bearded dragon. When we discuss water bowls, we don’t mean huge fish bowls; rather, we mean small, shallow bowls with very low water levels. Although bearded dragons are smart creatures, their capacity for survival is not well known. They are not strong swimmers and dislike spending so much time in the water or underwater. You can either choose a bowl that is ideal for bearded dragons or you can purchase specialised beardie bowls from pet stores.
Low bowl dimensions and water levels that don’t rise above your bearded dragon’s shoulders are ideal. They are incapable of swimming, as we have already mentioned, and can easily drown in even a small bowl of water. Additionally, the danger is increased if you have a baby or young bearded dragon. It is best to avoid serving water in bowls to young bearded dragons because they are unable to enter and exit the bowl on their own.
Use clean water in the bowl and encourage your bearded dragons to get in the habit of drinking from it. To encourage them to develop the habit of drinking, you can use techniques like misting them or adding a natural juice to the water. Because they are smart, your bearded dragons may quickly form the habit.
Reasons why bearded dragons are digging in their water bowls
There is nothing to worry about when it comes to bearded dragons digging in their tanks and water bowls. Bearded dragons naturally dig, and they may revert to this behaviour if they experience any negative impacts. Your bearded dragon may dig as a result of things like an uncomfortably hot environment, thirst, or pregnancy. There are a number of additional reasons why your bearded dragon may dig, so let’s explore them in detail.
Just before she starts to lay eggs
A female bearded dragon may attempt to dig a hole in the ground to keep the eggs when the time comes for her to lay them. Pregnant beardies frequently act in this way in the wild, and it is one of their common behaviours. To ensure your bearded dragon was in the best possible environment, you must have provided separate areas for cooling off and basking in the tank.
Your beardies will need a separate location to lay eggs in this environment; lay boxes can be used for this. When your bearded dragon reaches the age of 12 months and is prepared to lay eggs, you can add a lay box to the tank. They may dig to indicate their desire to lay eggs while bathing in the water bowls or relaxing. And as you dig, you can comprehend them and give them appropriate spaces to prevent them from becoming ill and becoming egg-bound.
When she becomes too hot
Bearded dragons frequently enter the water bowl to escape the heat in the tank. When the temperature in the tank gets too high, your bearded dragon may immediately jump into the water bowl and begin digging for a cool place. On the hot side of the tank, your beardie needs a daytime temperature of between 92 and 110 degrees F. Additionally, it needs a cool environment with a temperature of about 80 °F, and nighttime lows should be around 70 °F.
Any temperature above this will cause panting and digging in your bearded dragon. When your bearded dragon starts acting that way, you should act quickly to lower the temperature in the tank and maintain it there.
When she’s anxious
Because they are easily stressed, bearded dragons frequently engage in digging behaviours. You can tell that your bearded dragon is being triggered by something in or outside of its environment by the intensity of its digging. They can easily be triggered by a bright light, another bearded dragon, a visit from a bigger creature, etc., so they don’t necessarily need significant triggers.
If you have other pets, like cats or dogs, keep them away from the tank so that your bearded dragon won’t be scared of them. In addition, make sure your bearded friends’ eyes aren’t harmed by the lighting. Furthermore, you can remove the stressed-out bearded dragon from the tank and keep the other one in a separate tank. Keep your bearded dragon from becoming anxious and they will stop digging in the substrate or water bowl.
When she’s getting ready to brumate
They might try to dig in the substrate or the water bowl in search of a suitable location to brumate. At some point in their lives, bearded dragons may decide to settle down and just sleep. They only need a small amount of food, and when they want to sleep, they will seek out a quiet area. The dormant behaviour known as brumation is common in reptiles, and bearded dragons may display it when they need to rest.
How do I stop my bearded dragon from digging in her water bowl?
Understanding why your bearded dragon is digging in her water bowl is the best way to stop it. You can use efficient techniques to assist your beardies when you can clearly identify the causes of the behaviour. Consider whether the digging is a result of stress or dehydration and concentrate on the actions necessary to assist them. If the digging is brought on by pregnancy, you can provide them with a separate, private area where they can lay eggs. You can take your pet to a nearby vet if the aforementioned explanations are not the cause of its behaviour and it becomes increasingly challenging to manage.
How can I calm down my bearded dragon?
You shouldn’t ignore a bearded dragon that appears stressed. When you notice that your bearded dragons are anxious and in need of a moment to relax, you can assist them by following the below advice.
- Give them a satisfying, soothing bath. They’ll be able to relax and stop feeling stressed as a result.
- Do not hold them for an extended period of time. Allow them to take pleasure in their alone time.
- Provide a clean environment and a tank with the ideal temperature for them.
- Avoid introducing another bearded dragon to the area. Remove anything you have already added.
- Get them accustomed to your handling and scent. They will benefit greatly if you allow them to feel at ease around you.
Related Questions
1. Is it OK for my bearded dragon to sleep in his water bowl?
No, it is not okay for your bearded dragon to sleep in his water bowl since that can lower his body temperature and cause severe effects.
2. How can I tell if my bearded dragon is dehydrated?
Dehydration signs that a bearded dragon might display include wrinkled skin, a lack of appetite, sunken eyes, etc. You can tell that your bearded dragon is healthy if it is active and roaming around happily without exhibiting any of these signs.
3. How often should I give my bearded dragon water?
There are no set intervals at which you must provide water to your bearded dragon. Your beardie will do fine if you have a water bowl inside the tank because they only need a small amount of water each day.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your bearded dragon will dig, most of which are not very serious. When your beardies dig, try to figure out why, then take them somewhere where the environment will be properly maintained and cared for. Giving your bearded dragons a cosy, safe, and clean environment will help them stay healthy.