The central bearded dragons natural soils is extremely varried, it is true some areas such as the south east segment of 'territory' that there are natural landmarks named 'travelling sands' which in truth are large sand-dunes stretching for miles. But, this isnt to say that these animals live on these dunes without shade vegetation, food or water, in all seriousness, why would they? the large blue area on the image below isnt to say that in every square meter or area shade blue belongs a wild central bearded dragon thriving in his naturalistic environment, the truth is they can and do move around especially after hatching, to find a solitary and thriving environment, free from fellow siblings, preditors and even other species of dragon, and of course, a sutable substrate for future burrows and egg laying.

 

 

 

As i said before, the soil scape of the australian outback is extremely varied, from hard rock, cracked clay, hard packed soils, to compact dunes, and bushland soils. patches of soil become more 'dirt' or darker soils, as the tree's and foliage die. other areas become stripped with rain, leaving hard rock and clay, left to 'bake' as the weather warms. some areas, for instance Uluru, or the Olgas or Mt Connor are proof that terrential rains in the wet season, and the fact this place used to be underwater and a big ocean. that the landscape is practically 'stipped' of loose soils. its just a big rock.. lol

 

Here are some images of the soil types etc. of their natural environment.

 

This image is of the hard packed cracking clay of the simpson desert.

 

Heres another of simpson desert

 

Mt Sonder

 

 

Mt gillen

 

 

 

Central Bearded Dragon

 

 

Central Bearded Dragon

 

Central Bearded Dragon ... i love this one, its ADORABLE

 

Bearded Dragon

 

Western Bearded Dragon

 

as you can see, there isnt much soft or particle soils. there is some dusty red soil areas, and alot of hard packed, and rocky planes.

 

 

their natural soils, are in fact not entirely safe. as mother nature goes, and the deaths of pretory feasts, impactions by soil, food and other foreign objects come, their population seems to level out, even with tens of thousands dying on our roads each year. they seem to be a 'feeder' food themselves by other reptiles, and preditory birds and wild dogs. there soils can contain chokable and impacting rocks, calcium based sands (in clay mixes) and even twigs and bush litter. keep in mind alot of wild animlas die of impaction, there not someones pet, there not expected to be looked after, as they are 'mother natures responsibility' and in this a natural death and cycle.

 

in no way should you put your dragon at risk  (imo) in a captive environment, via preditors, or dangerous substrates or impacting articles (stones twigs). it is our responsibilty as their care givers, to provide a safe and loving environment, free from dangers and health risks. this includes a purely naturalistic substrate.

 

i choose slate or ceramic tiles, textured and glased, as well as siliconed in place for extra ease with cleaning. from my visits to the central Australian desert, and the research ive made with the chemical makeups and government statistics on the deserts soils. i feel this is the most natural, easiest and safest for my dragons. (i havent even touched on the governments chemical classification of soils, to back up the images or statements ;) this will be a few more pages long :) )

 

Sand, IMO, doesnt even allow digging, they may shift and throw around the loose soil. but they do not successfully make a burrow or den as they would digg for in the wild to escape heat of day, and lay eggs... sand isnt 'prefered' by many species of reptile and marsupial as it doesnt allow sufficient grip, or a balance for quick get-aways. it doesnt flourish the bushland for hiding, shade or food, and doesnt allow water to hold in the soils or in pools. thicker, harder, less particled soils or harder in chemical makeup allow growth and 'life'. clay is found in most soils all across australia. in fact its in my own back yard.

 

'particle susbtrates' each to their own are undoubtably 'foreign undigestible material.' this to me, does not make it safe, or suitable. i use ceramic tiles, and repti-carpet. both being non particle and safe. each to their own having added benefits, or soft and snuggly, and keeping nails trim, and easy to clean. with tile being naturalistic. and both with a aesthetic appeal.

 

as for no 'safe' substrates allowing a 'burrow', i find a suitable, snugg hide will do the trick, after all they only want a 'snug' spot to feel secure. either soft towels, or plain straight on the indoor/outdoor carpet, puppy enjoys best.

 
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