Bearded dragon housing requirements
Pet Bearded dragons will need their own ‘house’ to stay in. Bearded dragon housing should be in the form of an enclosure which has some basic requirements.
Bearded dragon housing basics
Bearded dragons can be kept in a variety of enclosures. Enclosure types can be broadly categorised into inside enclosures and outside enclosures. Generally, pet Bearded dragons will spend most of their lives in an inside enclosure.
Inside Bearded dragon enclosures can be in the form of appropriate sized cabinets and aquariums. Although inside housing is more practical, it is recommended Bearded dragons also have full access to natural sunlight. Most of the time an additional outside enclosure is used as temporary housing.
Bearded dragon housing requirements
The basic Bearded dragon housing requirements are size, ventilation, safety, cleanability and support for other requirements.
Size
The most important aspect of Bearded dragon housing is the size. Enclosures should be large enough to support the amount of Bearded dragons being housed. Apart from allowing moving space, the size of the enclosure should also be large enough to allow for normal physiological functions. Bearded dragons can become quite active at times. 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
Ventilation will ensure adequate air flow and aid in heat control. The housing enclosure for Bearded dragons should allow for adequate ventilation. Ventilation can be in the form of drilled holes or mesh. For inside enclosures, it is preferable to have ventilation on at least two sides of the enclosure.
Safety
Bearded dragon housing should be safe with regards to sharp objects, escape routes, high climbing areas, and should offer protection from potential predators. Outside enclosures should be enclosed completely, even on the top.
Cleanability
Bearded dragon housing should be set up, or positioned in such a way to be cleaned on a regular basis. It is no use in having an enclosure positioned too high, or be too deep to reach. The sides of the enclosure should be smooth and be able to absorb a fair amount of moisture.
Support for other requirements
When inside enclosures are used, accessories for lighting and heating, and their wiring, needs to be installed. When aquariums are used, these are very often installed in the lid of the container. Wooden cabinets make it easy to install lighting and heating in better positions. For inside enclosures, the ultraviolet lighting should be mounted within 30cm / 12″ above the main basking area.
Housing Bearded dragons together
One or a couple of Bearded dragons can be housed in the same enclosure. One adult male can easily housed with a harem of females without problems. When two or more male dragons are housed together, the enclosure size should be significantly increased in an attempt to prevent territorial behaviour.
Clutches of baby Bearded dragons can be housed together in the same sized enclosure required to house one or two adult Bearded dragons in. When the babies reach five to six weeks of age, group sizes need to be reduced to about ten per enclosure. Groups should consist of more or less similar sized individuals.
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