I am a new member to Herp Center! I have a 4 year old water dragon who has suddenly started digging and flings the eco-earth into her eyes. Do you have any ideas as to why she has started digging? Do you know of any better substrates I could use for the bottom of her tank?

I know that the bark mulch can cause impaction so I will not use that.

She went to the vet 3 weeks ago to get her eyes cleaned and starting yesterday, they are all nasty again and I had to clean them out.

I guess I am just asking if anyone knows why she could be digging and if there are better substrate alternatives out there.

Thank you!

Jenn

Hello,

Welcome to the HC network. I took the liberty of rewriting your post for you. Using all capital letters will cause members to simply avoid reading the thread. Please unlock "caps lock" on your keyboard.

The digging could be for any number of reasons. I would check to ensure she isn't gravid. Unless I am mistaken, female water dragons will carry and lay eggs just like female iguanas. (Even if they have never been bred or with a male.)

That could be the cause of all the digging. She may be trying to dig herself an egg laying area.

I am sure some of our water dragon owners will be chiming in with more info.

__________________

Well thank you for the info.

Welcome to the site, I deleted your duplicate posting, you are more likely to get better information if everything is all in one post.

Could you please tell us all about your dragon and it's enclosure, this will help the experienced keepers help you find a solution.

How big is the lizard?
What does she eat?
How often does she eat?
Has her diet changed lately?
Has she been exposed to any other lizards?

How large is her cage?
What are the temps?
What is the lighting set up?
What is the humidity?

I know it seems like a lot of questions, but putting all of the information up front saves time in the long run. I myself don't have water dragons, but I thought I would help you get the right info for when someone who does comes along.

Also this may prove invaluable, it's the Chinese Water Dragon caresheet: http://reptileguides.herpcenter.com/...-t25.html?t=25

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

tip of nose to end of tail.. about 14 inches

85-90 day time
75-80 night time

she is in a tall 29 gallon tank
90% humidy

handful of crickets, and mealworms w/ cal dust on them after they are gut loaded

she hasnt really ate in the pass couble of days.

my lighting is on timers right now she is on 12/12 about to go to 10/14

In a reptile room..

Does not come in contact with anyother lizards.

I hope with these questions answered this helps. If not I work for a exotic vet I will just bring her in with me on monday!

How about UVB lighting?

Does her abdomen look larger than normal?

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

She has uvb lighting. she looks like she has a fully belly of food but she hasnt ate in a couple of days..

I've come to learn they dig if their enclosure is too small. Why I don't know. 29 gallons seems small for a 14" lizard. You said she was 4 years old?

I just put sandboxes in for my two female WDs - Emmie is looking a little large in the belly (still eating but sleeping more) - she is right at that age (2 1/2) where she might be ready to lay (unfertilized) eggs. She keeps digging but nothing yet. Her enclosure and all that jazz are more than adequate. Zoey is younger than Emmie (just under 2) and does not seem ready for this - but I gave her one anyhow - so, she does not feel slighted. You know how that WD (sibling) rivalry thing goes. They are just like the kids sometimes. LOL. Anyhow, your WD may be going through the same thing as Emmie. Emmie is learning to dig and it might take her a while to figure out why she is digging - I am waiting patiently (and with much amusement). Trying to find a male to add to my family too - the eggs may come sooner than the fertilizer I'm afraid.

__________________
My Reptiles:
2 Female Water Dragons - Emmie & Zoey (age 2)
More About My Own WDs:
Water Dragons, Not Just Lizards
Emmie & Zoey
Wishlist:
Uromastyx
Chameleons
Sugar Gliders
My Other Pets:
1 Female Ferret - Jackie
3 Parakeets - Taj, Sprite & Willow
1 Male Pit Bull - Noah
1 Female Husky/Wolf Mix - Angel

~ Jess ~

29 is WAY TOO SMALL for a 14 inch water dragon. You should start constructing something large, for she will need a very large enclosure to be really happy. Water Dragons need a space at least 2 x their total length therefore you will need to provide an enclosure that is a min. of 6 ft long (side to side), 2-3 feet deep and 4-6 feet high to do it right.

http://reptileguides.herpcenter.com/...-t25.html?t=25

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.