Bearded dragons are a popular pet, but some people may not be aware of all the things they do. One thing that bearded dragons may do is dig.

This can be a bit surprising to owners, but there is usually a reason why their dragon is doing it. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons your bearded dragon may be digging and what you can do about it.

What Is Digging?

Digging is a behavior where an animal digs at the ground with its claws or snout. 

What causes bearded dragons to dig?

Bearded dragons dig for a variety of reasons. When bearded dragons are looking for food, they often dig in search of insects and other invertebrates. Bearded dragons are insectivores, so they will eat any insects they can find.

If they see an insect burrowing in the ground, they may start to dig in order to get to it.  Another reason bearded dragons may dig is to create a shelter.

There are a few reasons your beardie might be digging:

1. Nesting or egg-laying:

When a female bearded dragon is ready to lay eggs, she’ll start digging and creating a safe place for them. She will usually dig in loose, sandy soil so that the eggs can be buried and protected. A sexually mature female bearded dragon (aged 2-4 years) can begin to lay eggs.

Females are known to dig “test holes” before laying eggs. During the breeding season, they can deposit eggs in clutches of 15-30 eggs up to 3-4 times. No matter if they’re fertilized by a male or not, females will lay eggs.

2. In order to escape:

This is usually done as a last resort when the bearded dragon feels like it has nowhere else to go. When digging, the lizard will use its powerful hind legs to kick up dirt and rocks. It will then use its front legs to push the dirt and rocks backward, creating a small tunnel.

Once the tunnel is large enough, the bearded dragon will enter it and pull the dirt and rocks behind it, blocking off the opening. This behavior is known as “burrowing.”

If you observe your bearded dragon burrowing, it is important to make sure that it has a safe place to hide. Otherwise, the lizard may be at risk of getting injured or captured.

3. To find food:

The diet of a bearded dragon should consist mostly of insects. Why? Because they’re insectivores. Smaller bearded dragons can be fed crickets or mealworms, while larger ones may be able to handle pinkie mice. In the wild, bearded dragons will eat whatever insects they can find.

This includes bugs that burrow underground. If your bearded dragon sees an insect moving around in the ground, it may start to dig in an attempt to get to it. 

It is important to keep your pet’s enclosure under control because if they escape, you may have a hard time trying to stop them from digging up the garden.

If you’re concerned about your bearded dragon’s digging behavior, try providing it with a digging box filled with sand or other substrates. This will give your pet a place to dig without causing any damage to your home.

4. To create a shelter:

Another reason why bearded dragons may dig is to create a shelter. To escape the heat or hide from predators, some reptiles use this technique to survive. Bearded dragons are naturally nocturnal, so they may dig a shelter to sleep in at night.

5. Doesn’t Have Enough Space:

If your bearded dragon feels like it doesn’t have enough space, it may start to dig. Many animals try to escape from their enclosures by making a break for them.

A tank of approximately 65 gallons is ideal for a single bearded dragon, and a larger tank will serve your beardie better if you have the space.

If your dragon experiencing tail rot because of lack-of bedding, consider expanding their dwelling with some appropriately sized branches. Doing so will help reduce stress levels and provide your pet with the room it needs to exercise and explore. 

6. Boredom:

Bearded dragons are intelligent creatures that need stimulation. Boredom is the number one cause of digging in dragons. Digging helps them release energy and keep themselves entertained, which will hopefully go away soon enough.

Keep your bearded dragon happy by giving them toys to play with. Some common enrichment items include climbing branches, hide boxes, and Digging pits. 

7. Brumation:

Brumation is a state of inactivity that bearded dragons may enter during the winter months. During this time, they will burrow underground to escape the cold weather.

Bearded dragons from cooler climates are more likely to brumate than those from warmer climates. If your bearded dragon starts to dig and become less active, it may be entering into a state of brumation. 

While it is perfectly natural for bearded dragons to brumate, there are some risks that you should be aware of. If your dragon is not properly hydrated before entering brumation, it may be at risk for dehydration.

In addition, if your dragon does not have a suitable place to burrow, it may be at risk for exposure to cold weather. As a result, it is important to make sure that your dragon is healthy and hydrated before the winter months begin.

8. Illness:

The list of things you need to keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy is endless. Bearded dragons are prone to a number of health problems, and if they start to dig, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

If your pet bearded dragon shows indications of disease, take it to the veterinarian right away for treatment. If it’s not treated early, their health can suffer and they may die!

9. Stress:

Stress is a common trigger for digging in bearded dragons. If your beardie is stressed, it may start to dig as a way to cope with the stress. There are many things that can cause stress in bearded dragons, such as being handled too much, changes in their environment, and lack of hiding places.

You should make sure to provide your bearded dragon with a stress-free environment and eliminate any potential causes of distress, like loud noises. Some simple tips for reducing stress include handling your beardie gently, avoiding sudden changes to their enclosure, and providing plenty of hiding places.

By creating a calm and relaxed environment, you can help reduce the chance of your beardie experiencing stress-related digging behavior.

10. Too Hot:

The bearded dragon, like other reptiles and animals with thick scales on their bodies can get very hot. If you notice that your pet is digging in an attempt at escaping from the excess heat it may be because there’s not enough circulation around its enclosure or if things are getting too close for comfort. 

Keeping a bearded dragon enclosure warm and humid is important for their health, as it allows them to regulate the temperature.

A gradient in this type of setup will make sure that they’re not stressed out by too much change between areas where there’s more or less heat available on-screen

Note: A special note about keeping baby dragons inside! They need extra care because these little guys don’t have any experience regulating themselves naturally so you should try adding some sorta foam thing underneath him/her at all times just in case he gets overwhelmed with coldness while sleeping (and cannot yet swim).

Inside the enclosure, one side should be around 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit while another is 75 -80. If the temperature in your bearded dragon’s enclosure is consistently above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it may start to dig to escape the heat.

Should You Worry About Digging Behavior?

In most cases, digging behavior is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Bearded dragons are prone to a number of health problems, and if they start to dig, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

In addition, if your bearded dragon is digging and seems to be stressed, you should take steps to reduce stress in their environment. 

Some simple tips for reducing stress include handling your beardie gently, avoiding sudden changes to their enclosure, and providing plenty of hiding places.

By creating a calm and relaxed environment, you can help reduce the chance of your beardie experiencing stress-related digging behavior.

Do Bearded Dragons Enjoy Digging?

Many bearded dragon owners report that their pet seems to enjoy digging. 

Researchers have yet to find any evidence that bearded dragons enjoy the physical act of digging, but it’s possible they do.

In the Wild, bearded dragons spend a lot of time digging and burrowing, so it makes sense that they would enjoy this activity in captivity. If your bearded dragon is exhibiting normal digging behavior and seems to be enjoying it, there is no need to worry. 

If you’re worried about the health and safety of your pet, then providing them with a sand-free enclosure is always an option. Giving your bearded dragon a large and deep cave will provide them with protection, which is essential for safe digging.

An important tip on bearded dragon digging:

Any type of loose substrate should never be used in the tank of your bearded dragon. This includes sand, gravel, bark, and any other type of material that can easily be kicked up into the air and inhaled.

Inhaling loose substrate is a significant danger of impaction. Not only is it hazardous, but it also harbors a large number of microorganisms.

There are much safer options available for bedding. If your bearded dragon digs, you can hide it with a soft blanket, cloth, or towel. Helping to keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy is easy with these safe alternatives.

Conclusion:

Bearded dragons are natural diggers. They use the activity to find food or create shelter, but in some cases, it can be harmful to them if not done properly. Don’t ignore any signs of illness!

In order to avoid any complications, it is important that you take your bearded dragon directly from the wild (or pet store) and immediately contact an experienced vet for treatment.

In addition, if your bearded dragon is digging and seems to be stressed, you should take steps to reduce stress in its environment. 

FAQs:

Why does my bearded dragon dig?

There are a few reasons why bearded dragons may dig. The most common reason is that they are looking for food. Bearded dragons are insectivores, so they will eat any insects they can find.

If they see an insect burrowing in the ground, they may start to dig in order to get to it.  Another reason bearded dragons may dig is to create a shelter.

Do bearded dragons enjoy digging?

Bearded dragons are often seen gathering in packs, and excavating large holes. It’s not clear what they’re looking for, but many owners have noticed their pets seem rather excited by these activities and will even interact with one another while digging.

Some people think that bearded dragons are diggers. There’s no scientific evidence to back this up, but it is possible they enjoy the physical act of digging for themselves. 

In the Wild, bearded dragons spend a lot of time digging and burrowing, so it makes sense that they would enjoy this activity in captivity.

Is it bad if my bearded dragon digs?

In most cases, digging is perfectly normal behavior for bearded dragons. Illness can be tricky to identify your bearded dragon, but there are some obvious signs that you should look out for. If they seem sluggish or lose their appetite then take them straight away to the vet.

In addition, if your bearded dragon is digging and seems to be stressed, you should take steps to reduce stress in their environment. The digging behavior of a bearded dragon is something that you can live with without worry.

As long as they’re healthy and happy, there’s no need to be concerned about them going on an expedition outside their enclosure every now and again.

How can I stop my bearded dragon from digging?

If you are concerned about your pet’s health or physical harm, you can always provide them with a sand-free enclosure.

You can also try to provide them with alternative forms of enrichment, such as hiding food or toys in their enclosure, to keep them from getting bored and stressed.

What type of substrate is best for bearded dragons?

The best substrate for bearded dragons is a non-loose material that cannot be easily inhaled. This includes cut-to-size tiles (ceramic, porcelain, slate), paper towels, or reptile carpets.

If your bearded dragon digs, you can hide it with a soft blanket, cloth, or towel. By using these safe alternatives, you can help to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.

Is it true that all bearded dragons dig?

Bearded dragons that are looking for food or creating a shelter are more likely to dig than those that are not. In addition, some individual bearded dragons may be more prone to digging than others.

If you are concerned about your pet’s digging behavior, you can always provide them with a sand-free enclosure or try to provide alternative forms of enrichment.

How often do bearded dragons dig?

Bearded dragons may dig every day or only once in a while. It all depends on the individual dragon and the reason why they are digging. For example, a bearded dragon that is looking for food will dig more often than one that is not.

What do I do if my bearded dragon won’t stop digging?

If your bearded dragon is healthy and happy but still digs excessively, you can try to provide them with a sand-free enclosure or alternative forms of enrichment.

The stress could be coming from an environmental source like a too-cold room or maybe just because they’re eating something new and aren’t used to it yet; either way, there’s nothing wrong with giving your pet more time before making any decisions about what might help alleviate his/her discomfort.

How can I tell if my bearded dragon is sick?

If your bearded dragon is digging and seems to be stressed, you should take steps to reduce stress in their environment. As long as you are consistent and caring for your bearded dragon, it will happily remain in its digging behavior.