Are you wondering if your bearded dragon needs substrate or bedding? If so, you have come to the right place.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the purpose of the substrate, whether or not you can put dirt in a bearded dragon cage, and if bearded dragons need bedding.
We will also discuss alternative options for substrate and bedding and the ventilation and humidity concerns that come with them. By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of your bearded dragon’s needs. Let us dive in!
What Is The Purpose Of Substrate?
One of the key components of a bearded dragon enclosure is the substrate – the material on which the dragons live.
The purpose of the substrate is to cover the bottom of an animal’s enclosure, typically the floor, it serves to mimic the natural habitat of the animal and to provide a comfortable surface for the animal to rest and move on. Substrates can provide insulation to keep the enclosure warm, help to maintain humidity levels, and offer a surface for the animal to walk and rest on.
Additionally, a substrate can also help with maintaining the enclosure clean as it can absorb moisture and feces, which can be easily removed and replaced.
Do Bearded Dragons Need Substrate?
Bearded dragons do not strictly need a substrate, but it is recommended to provide them with a substrate as it can aid in creating a more natural and comfortable environment for them.
Substrates can provide insulation to keep the enclosure warm, help to maintain humidity levels, and offer a surface for the dragon to walk and rest on.
A substrate can also help with keeping the enclosure clean as it can absorb moisture and feces, which can be easily removed and replaced.
However, it is important to note that certain types of substrates, such as sand, can be dangerous if ingested and can cause impaction, so it’s important to choose a substrate that is safe for your bearded dragon and to monitor the dragon closely to ensure they are not ingesting the substrate.
Overall, while bearded dragons do not strictly need a substrate, it can be beneficial in providing a more comfortable and natural environment for them. It is essential to choose the right type of substrate that is safe for the dragon and to monitor them closely for impaction.
Common Substrate Types For Your Beardie
There are many different types of substrates that can be used for bearded dragon enclosures, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Calcium Sand
Calcium sand is a popular choice for bearded dragon owners because it mimics the natural desert environment of these reptiles.
It is also a great option for those who are concerned about impaction, as it is less likely to cause problems when ingested. However, it is important to note that some experts recommend avoiding sand altogether due to the risk of impaction.
Reptile Carpet
Reptile carpet is another popular option for bearded dragon owners.
It is easy to clean and maintain, and it provides a soft surface for your bearded dragon to rest on. However, it can become slippery, so it’s important to ensure that it is not too slippery for your dragon to walk on.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are a great option for those who are just starting out with bearded dragons or who are trying to keep costs low. They are easy to clean, inexpensive, and provide a safe surface for your bearded dragon to rest on.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are a great option for those who are concerned about impaction or who want a low-maintenance substrate. They are easy to clean and provide a safe surface for your bearded dragon to rest on. However, they can be cold, so it’s important to ensure that your dragon has a heat source nearby.
Coconut Fiber
Coconut fiber is a great option for those who want a more natural substrate.
It holds moisture well and provides a soft surface for your bearded dragon to rest on. However, it can be difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria, so it’s important to keep it clean.
Can You Put Dirt In A Bearded Dragon Cage?
Dirt can be used as a substrate for bearded dragons, but it is not the most recommended option.
While it may seem like a natural and inexpensive option, dirt can harbor bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to your bearded dragon. Additionally, dirt can be difficult to clean, and it can be challenging to maintain appropriate humidity levels in the enclosure.
Another thing to consider when thinking of using dirt as a substrate is that it can be difficult to monitor the dragon’s feces and urine, as they will mix with the dirt making it hard to spot and remove.
This can lead to an unhealthy environment for the dragon and unpleasant smells.
It’s important to note that while dirt can be used as a substrate, it is not the most recommended option and it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
Some other substrate options that are safer for bearded dragons are Calcium Sand, Reptile Carpets, Paper Towels, Ceramic Tiles, and Coconut Fiber. Each one of them has its own benefits and drawbacks and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Do Bearded Dragons Need Bedding?
Bearded dragons do not strictly need bedding, but it can provide a more comfortable and natural environment for them. Bedding can provide insulation and a soft surface for the dragon to rest on, which can improve its overall well-being.
What Is The Difference Between Substrate And Bedding?
The terms “substrate” and “bedding” are often used interchangeably in the context of reptile and small animal care, but they can have slightly different meanings.
Substrate refers to the material that is used to cover the bottom of an animal’s enclosure, typically the floor, it can be natural or artificial, the main function of the substrate is to mimic the natural habitat of the animal and to provide a comfortable surface for the animal to rest and move on.
Examples of substrates include sand, gravel, soil, and ceramic tiles.
Bedding, on the other hand, refers to the material that is used to provide a soft and comfortable surface for the animal to rest on.
Bedding can be made of natural or synthetic materials such as straw, hay, wood shavings, or paper. It can be added on top of the substrate, either to create a more comfortable surface or to provide insulation.
In summary, the substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the enclosure and aims to mimic the natural habitat of the animal, while bedding is the material that provides a soft and comfortable surface for the animal to rest on and it can be added on top of the substrate.
Common Bearded Dragon Bedding Materials
There are a variety of materials that can be used as bedding for bearded dragons, here are some of the best ones to use:
Aspen shavings
Aspen shavings are a popular choice for bearded dragon bedding because they are soft, absorbent, and easy to find. They are also safe for your dragon to ingest.
Pine shavings
Pine shavings are another popular option for bearded dragon bedding. They are soft, absorbent, and easy to find. However, it is important to note that some experts recommend avoiding pine shavings due to the potential for respiratory issues.
Coconut fiber
Coconut fiber is a natural bedding option that is soft, absorbent, and easy to find. It is also safe for your beardie to ingest.
Paper-based bedding
Paper-based bedding, such as newspaper or paper towels, is a budget-friendly option that is also safe for your dragon to ingest. However, it may not be as comfortable as other options.
It’s important to choose a material that is safe for your dragon and easy to clean – both aspects should be considered when making your purchase. It’s also important to remember to replace bedding/substrate regularly to maintain good health.
Different types of bedding can have different advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to research which type will work best for your dragon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bearded dragons do not strictly need a substrate, but it is recommended to provide them with a substrate as it can aid in creating a more natural and comfortable environment for them.
Substrates can provide insulation to keep the enclosure warm, help to maintain humidity levels, and offer a surface for the dragon to walk and rest on. It’s important to choose the right type of substrate that is safe for the beardie and to monitor them closely for impaction.
Additionally, bedding can provide a soft and comfortable surface for the bearded dragon to rest on, and there are many options available such as aspen shavings, coconut fiber, paper-based bedding, and reptile carpet.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is also important to remember to keep the enclosure clean by removing feces and debris promptly to maintain a healthy environment for your bearded dragon.
My name is Ben and I run this site.
I’m a Dragon lover myself, so when I started this website, I knew I wanted to create an online resource for all things dragon-related. I’ve been collecting information and resources about Bearded Dragons for years, and I want to share them with you. I hope you enjoy the site!