Guest Author - Leslie

CAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR BEARDED DRAGONS


Young bearded dragons do not need a large area to live in, but there are a few requirements for their homes. One of the requirements is that they need a place to climb, if they don’t they won’t get as big or strong as they should. A good thing for your dragon to climb is a stick; you should round it off at the ends so the dragons won’t get hurt.

Another requirement is that they need a place to get sunlight and heat. The way to get heat is to get a heat lamp, you should put the lamp at the top of your cage. A spot light with a metal shield that directs the heat downward works well. The basking spot should be about 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the dragons can get out of this spot if they are too hot. The heat lamp should be turned off at night or placed on a timer for about 8 to 10 hours of "day" time.
Bearded dragons also require a UV-B source to prevent brittle bone diease. This can be achieved either by providing an outdoor cage (very difficult for cooler regions) or providing 8 to 14 hours of artifical flouresent UVB light. These bulbs should be the length of the cage and 12" or less from the bottom.Thats why its best to choose a lower aquarium if possible. The closer to the animal the more UVB it will receive. Leave the light on longer if the bottom is further away (i.e. 14 hours) You can shorten 1-2 hours for winter, or lengthen this time for summer, to simulate seasons. It is also good to get a heat pad or a heat rock and place it at the bottom of your cage. If you decide to use a heat pad you can place it under up to half of the cage. Be sure to check to see if it has a temperature setting and set it at the lowest one. Give it time to heat up and be sure it will NOT BURN your lizard. If you are using an aquarium the heat will warm up the cage. You may not need the bottom heat source if your house temp stays over 75 degrees.
Make sure your bearded dragons have a place they can go to cool off if necessary. This could be foliage like plastic plants or a cave to sleep in.
For the cage bottom I prefer to use paper grocery bags: cut to the correct size if neccesary. They are easy to change, absorbent, and inexpensive.

Do not forget to place a water source and keep it clean. Bearded dragons also enjoy soaking in a larger warm water container occasionally. Make sure they can stand and keep their head out of the water.

Large, full grown bearded dragons will require a cage a least 4 feet long (40 gallon aquarium). If you have more than one, or intend to breed them, you may need a 100 gallon aquarium or simalar sized wooden or plastic encloser.
I have had a lot of experience with lizards and the bearded dragon is by far one of the best tempered and the easiest to take care of.
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