The Bearded dragon environment
As with most other pet lizards, Bearded dragons are kept in some sort of housing enclosure. This will not only keep them save and prevent escaping, but will also serve as the boundaries of their own, artificial environment.
Bearded dragons are desert animals. The aim of setting up an housing enclosure for pet Bearded dragons should be to mimic a desert-like environment. This post outlines the important things to know about your pet Bearded dragon’s environment.
Space
Bearded dragons need large open spaces to move around in. As pets, their environments should be large enough for exercise and to be able to accommodate some of their other needs, e.g. basking areas and a temperature gradient. A floor space of at least (900 x 350)cm / (35 x 14)” for a single Bearded dragon, and at least (1 300 x 420)cm / (50 x 17)” for an adult pair is recommended. The floor space should increase with at least 25 – 50% for every Bearded dragon added after that.
Ventilation, temperature & humidity
When in a closed environment, ventilation will aid in the control of air flow, temperature and the humidity. Ventilation can be in the form of drilled holes, grills, etc.
Bearded dragons are ectothermic (relies on external heat sources) and poikilothermic (a variable body temperature). In order to create a nice warm area with a more natural gradient, a basking spot should be supplied on one side of the enclosure.
Lighting
Bearded dragons also need full spectrum ultraviolet (UV) lighting to function and see properly. In addition to a heat lamp, a full spectrum, specialised reptile lamp should also be installed. All lights (including basking lights) should be on for about fourteen hours per day. Electrical timers can be used for this purpose.
Substrates
The substrate is what is placed on the floor of the housing enclosure. Some substrates are dangerous and can be swallowed more easily than other. Suitable substrates include newspaper, carpet. Green or brown carpet is semi-natural looking, very safe and practical and easy to clean. Also see suitable substrates for Bearded dragons for more information.
A piece of driftwood or ‘stomp’ can be placed on the cooler side of the enclosure for sleeping and hiding.
Environmental enrichment
Because Bearded dragons are known to sit on the highest spot in their surroundings, pieces of driftwood, rocks and self made ramps can be used as decoration and furniture to provide additional climbing areas. Commercially available desert-like plants made from plastic are also popular Bearded dragon environment enrichment items, but should be used with caution. Make sure individual pieces are large enough not to be accidentally swallowed. The same goes for real live plants. They should be safe to ingests, i.e. are non-poisonous and does not possess dangerous / sharp thorns or spines.
Related Bearded dragon products
Please support Bearded Dragon Care Info by using these links to purchase these awesome related products online from our partner websites. You can also use the Amazon.com or BangGood links to shop for other, non-Bearded dragon related products. Also see other ways to support Bearded Dragon Care Info. Links to other websites will open in a new window.
Iron mesh guard for protecting heat lamps. Size: 12 x 12 x 16)cm / (4.72 x 4.72 x 6.3)”
Light adapter with clamp and rotatable head used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. E27 screw-in fitting, on/off switch, 1.5m / 5ft cable,
Size: (21×19)cm / (8.4 x 7.6)”. Light adapter with reflector lampshade, protector screen and clamp used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. E27 screw-in fitting, on/off switch, 1.5m / 5ft cable.
Digital LCD Thermometer used to measure the ambient temperature.
Digital programmable timer used to switch electrical apparatus such as lights on and off at desired times.
Size: (14 x 6.5 x 7.5)cm / (5.51 x 2.56 x 2.95)”. Perfect for decorating a Bearded dragon’s enclosure.
Size: (8.5 x 5.5 x 4.5)cm / (3.34 x 2.16 x 1.77)”. Perfect for decorating a Bearded dragon’s enclosure.
Random shapes. Size (approx.): (20 x 3.5 x 11)cm / (8 x 1.4 x 4.4)”. Perfect for decorating a Bearded dragon’s enclosure.
Light adapter with clamp and flexible head used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. Flexible head. E27 screw-in fitting, on/off switch.
Light adapter with on/off switch used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. E27 screw-in fitting, 2m / 6ft cable.
Digital LCD Thermometer used to measure the ambient temperature.
Size: (48 x 28.6 x 15.2)mm. Small, simple to use. Perfect for measuring the current humidity and temperature of a Bearded dragon’s enclosure. Range 10 – 99%, -50℃ to 70℃.
Size: (4.5 x 2.5)cm / (1.77 x 0.98)”. Perfect for decorating a Bearded dragon’s enclosure.
Diameter: 100mm / 4″. For increasing ventilation and to reduce humidity.
Size: (48 x 28.6 x 15.2)mm. Small, simple to use. Perfect for measuring the current humidity and temperature of a Bearded dragon’s enclosure. Range 10 – 99%, -50℃ to 70℃.
Diameter: 200mm / 8″. For increasing ventilation and to reduce humidity.
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