Introduction

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pets across the world. These friendly and docile reptiles have a unique charm and can make great companions. If you’re planning to get a bearded dragon, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable and safe living environment. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating an awesome bearded dragon enclosure from scratch.

Size Matters

Bearded dragons need a lot of space to move around and explore. They also require multiple basking spots, a hide box, and climbing opportunities. As a general rule, the enclosure should be at least 4’x2’x2’ in size for one adult bearded dragon. For hatchlings, you can start with a smaller enclosure and upgrade as they grow. Remember, providing adequate space is crucial for your bearded dragon’s health and happiness.

Heating and Lighting

Bearded dragons are diurnal creatures, which means they need access to UVB lighting to produce vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. The easiest way to provide this is through a UVB bulb mounted inside the enclosure. You also need to provide a heat source to create a basking spot. A basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter can work well for this purpose. Place the bulb on one end of the enclosure and ensure the temperature gradient is between 95-110°F at the basking spot and around 75°F at the cool end of the enclosure.

Substrate and Decorations

The substrate is the material used to cover the bottom of the enclosure. Choose a substrate that is safe for your bearded dragon and easy to clean. Some popular options include reptile carpet, ceramic tile, and paper towels. Avoid using substrates like sand, gravel, or wood chips, as they can cause impaction if ingested. You can add various decorations like logs, rocks, and plants to create a natural environment for your bearded dragon to explore.

Feeding and Watering

Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and insects. Their diet should consist of mainly leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits, with occasional insects like crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Provide a shallow dish of fresh water for your bearded dragon to drink from. You can also mist the enclosure once a day to maintain the humidity level at around 30-40%.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining a clean enclosure is essential for your bearded dragon’s health. Remove any uneaten food, shed skin, and feces daily. Spot clean the enclosure as needed and do a full clean once a month. Use a reptile-safe disinfectant to clean the enclosure and all the decorations thoroughly. Rinse everything well and let them dry completely before placing it back in the enclosure.

Conclusion

Creating an awesome bearded dragon enclosure may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s worth the effort. A well-designed enclosure can provide a safe and comfortable home for your bearded dragon, keeping them happy and healthy. With these tips, you can create an enclosure that is perfect for your bearded dragon’s needs. Happy reptile keeping!