Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Recently my CB DHL's (born this summer) have started digging "pits" in the sand in their aquarium. They dig with the front legs, then push it back with the rear legs. End result is a small pit which they eventually settle down in for awhile...then leave it to start a new one.

As for the enviro details. 60 gallon tank, 1 UVA light, 100W at one corner, providing up to 110F. A UVB floresent bulb in the middle, providing ~80F. And the far corner stays at room temp. Now using Play Sand as a substrate, recently switched off from Repti-Cal. Light cycle is on for a couple hours in the AM, window light during the day, and couple hours on again in the evening. Hydrating ~ 1/week, which they don't seem to care for. Wondering if they're attempting to hibernate our are they possibly looking for the Repti-Cal?

Behaviour is alot like their mother does just before she lays eggs, only she's a lot better digger, and they can't possibly be pregnant at their size.

Anyone seen this behaviour before? Are they trying to tell me I'm missing something?

Thanks,
Roger

I too have observed this as well, I believe that this is also common in other lizards such as my fronge-toad sand lizard and others. I believe this is like an otimium spot to bask and they sort of make a lounge spot. Then sometimes they will move to another spot and do the same thing, perhaps conditions change with the heat or maybe the comfort loses it's condition or they may need to thermoregulate and move.
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I have observed the same on occasion from my Cornutum. tries to claw up the bottom of the food dish sometimes before laying down flat on his belly. looks like my dog when he does that...even stops his attempted digging to look around and see if yer watchin.