Do leopard geckos need to dig/burrow?

Question

I have mine on paper towel substrate, and sometimes it scratches the same spot on the floor of its cage for a few minutes at a time, and I'm wondering if I should get a sand substrate to let it do whatever its doing more easier?

Answer 1

genrally leos do not dig, unless they are about to lay eggs. but if you provide a moist hide, then they do not need to dig at all.

im sure you have heard about the whole substrate arguement, in which people say sand causes impaction and may lead to death.

i myself do not use sand, because i do not want my reptiles to get impacted and sand is now becoming expensive in my area.

if you wish to use sand, use the finest sand you can buy, which ive heard is playsand.

whatever you do, DO NOT BUY CALCISAND. it claims it is digestable, but it is not! your reptiles eat it as a source of calcium, and get impacted!! http://www.myoops.org/twocw/tufts/course...

your best off on paper towels, their cheap and completely safe.

Answer 2

i would research what the real native soil is, then mimic it. papper towels are that great to live on. itd get old if you wanted to tunnel and could not

also, my beardies are in sand and have been, i just feed them out of the tank and put a papper towel at the end that the water and letus is at

Answer 3

No, The only time they might dig is when the female is near to giving birth.

If you have sand or calcium sand make the substrate 1-2cm. Reptile Carpet or tiles are the more recommended substrate.

There is also Newspaper, which is cheap and clean, but does not look as natural.

Hope the information has helped you.