Introduction

If you’re thinking of getting a bearded dragon as a pet, you’re probably aware that they require a proper enclosure to live in. As much as you’d love to give your little reptile friend the best home possible, the cost of commercial enclosures can be quite steep. Fortunately, with some time and effort, you can build a cheap DIY bearded dragon enclosure that is just as good (if not better) than the store-bought ones.

Why DIY is the Way to Go

Before we dive into the details of building a cheap bearded dragon enclosure, let’s discuss why DIY is the way to go. First and foremost, it’s much cheaper than buying a pre-made one. You can save hundreds of dollars by making your own enclosure with materials you can find at your local hardware store.

Another great advantage of building your own bearded dragon enclosure is that you can customize it exactly to your pet’s needs. You can make it as big or as small as you want, add specific features or modifications, and even design it to fit into your home decor.

Materials Needed for a Cheap DIY Bearded Dragon Enclosure

Here are the materials you’ll need to build a cheap DIY bearded dragon enclosure:

• Melamine boards
• Silicone sealant
• Heat lamp
• UVB bulb
• Thermostat
• Tile flooring
• Ceramic tiles
• Screws
• Power drill
• Saw
• Staple gun
• Door handles

Designing Your Cheap DIY Bearded Dragon Enclosure

Before you start building, you need to plan out the design of your enclosure. Consider how big your bearded dragon is, how much space they need to move around, and what kind of features you want to add (such as a hiding spot, basking area, or climbing branches).

A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 1 square foot of floor space for every inch of your bearded dragon’s length. You’ll also need to make sure the enclosure is tall enough for your bearded dragon to stand on their hind legs comfortably.

Once you have a rough idea of the design, you can start cutting the melamine boards to the desired dimensions. Use the power saw to make clean, straight cuts.

Assembling Your Cheap DIY Bearded Dragon Enclosure

To assemble your bearded dragon enclosure, follow these steps:

• Apply silicone sealant to the edges of the melamine boards that will be touching
• Use screws to attach the boards together to form the frame of the enclosure
• Attach the tile flooring to the bottom of the enclosure using the staple gun
• Cut the ceramic tiles to fit the basking area and attach it to the top of the enclosure with screws
• Install the door handles on the front of the enclosure
• Attach the heat lamp and UVB bulb to the top of the enclosure, and connect them to the thermostat to regulate the temperature

Final Thoughts

With these simple steps, you can build a cheap DIY bearded dragon enclosure that is just as functional as a store-bought one. Remember to do your research and make sure your bearded dragon has everything they need to thrive in their new home.

In no time, you’ll have a happy and healthy bearded dragon living in their new custom-made enclosure that didn’t break the bank. Happy building!