Geckos

Why Is My Gecko Digging? What You Need To Know

Geckos are some of the most popular reptile pets to own. They are hardy enough for beginners, but they still have strange behaviors you need to learn. One common behavior is digging. Why do geckos dig, and should you be worried?

Geckos mainly dig for three reasons: boredom, a hot habitat, or egg-laying. It’s important to determine why your gecko is digging so that you can care for your gecko properly. Making sure to take proper care of your gecko’s habitat will largely eradicate unnecessary digging.

To learn more about why geckos dig and what you should do about it, keep reading.

Why Is He Digging?

Geckos can dig for a number of reasons, but the three most common reasons include boredom, a hot habitat, and laying eggs. Let’s take a closer look at each one of these reasons so you can discover why your gecko is digging.

He’s Bored

Geckos get bored just like us. Unfortunately, it can be tough to determine if your gecko is digging out of boredom. Just make sure that your gecko has plenty of things to climb on and is eating a varied diet. Also, consider putting a hide box in the container to ensure your gecko feels secure. Doing these things will eradicate boredom digging.

His Habitat Is Hot

Unlike humans, geckos cannot regulate their own temperature. The temperature of their enclosure determines how hot or cold they feel. If your gecko is too warm, he may try to dig in order to find a cooler area.

Geckos should have a temperature gradient that ranges between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. You will want to select a light bulb based on the size of the enclosure. Smaller enclosures may need a 60 Watt bulb, whereas larger enclosures may need a 100 Watt bulb.

She’s Laying Eggs

Female geckos will begin digging as a way to prepare the nesting site. If you know that your female gecko is getting ready to lay eggs, prepare a proper nesting site using a humid hide. It should include a lot of plant material. Some people use terrarium plants.

Does He Need Me To Do Anything For Him?

Whether you need to do something for your digging gecko ultimately depends on why the gecko is digging.

In most cases, geckos dig because their environment does not provide everything the gecko needs to be happy and healthy. For example, a lack of items to crawl on and too hot of temperatures will cause the gecko to dig. In these situations, you will want to adjust the habitat so that your gecko is happy.

As soon as you notice your gecko digging, make sure to double-check the temperature of the enclosure, and add extra items for the gecko to crawl on. If the gecko is getting ready to nest, provide a proper nesting area as well.

Should I Be Worried?

You should not be worried if your gecko is digging. Just make sure the enclosure is the right temperature and offers items for your gecko to crawl on. If everything checks out, your gecko may be digging for fun. Some geckos just like digging, and there’s no reason to explain the behavior other than that.

Final Thoughts

If your gecko is digging, you don’t need to panic. However, you will want to double-check the enclosure to make sure your gecko is getting everything it needs to be happy and healthy.

Double-check the temperature of the enclosure and add extra surfaces for the gecko to crawl on. If you have a female gecko preparing to nest, purchase a specialty nesting box as well.

If everything seems normal within your gecko’s cage, the digging is likely just a form of entertainment. You have nothing to worry about in that case!

Chris

Chris is a reptile enthusiast, breeder, and blogger from the Milwaukee, WI area. After breeding hundreds of bearded dragons to supply local pet stores and owning many other types of reptiles, he is now focused on sharing knowledge to help owners properly care for their little reptiles friends.

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