Creating an Outdoor Playpen for Your Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that make amazing household pets. As a beginner, you are probably looking for ways to create a comfortable and safe living space for your bearded dragon. One of the best ways to achieve this is by setting up a playpen for your pet to enjoy the outdoors.

Benefits of an Outdoor Playpen

Outdoor playpens are essential for bearded dragons to enjoy the natural sunlight and fresh air that they love. Here are some of the benefits of setting up an outdoor playpen for your pet:

• Improves their physical and mental health
• Provides a safe space to explore their surroundings
• Allows for sunbathing and basking in natural sunlight
• Gives your pet a chance to exercise and stretch their legs

Choosing the Right Location for Your Playpen

Before setting up a playpen for your bearded dragon, ensure that the location is safe and secure. Here are some factors to consider while choosing the ideal location:

• Avoid areas with pesticides and other harmful chemicals
• Make sure the area is not too bright or too hot
• Ensure there is access to shade and fresh water
• Choose a secure area with no predators or harmful animals nearby

Building Your Bearded Dragon Outdoor Playpen

Once you have found the perfect location for your bearded dragon’s outdoor playpen, it’s time to start building. Here are some things to consider while building your playpen:

1. Choosing the Right Materials

Your outdoor playpen should be made of pet-safe materials that are sturdy and durable. Be sure to avoid materials that can easily break, splinter or be swallowed by your bearded dragon, such as wood or plastic. Here are some of the materials to consider:

• Galvanized wire mesh panels
• PVC pipes
• Metal pegs
• Zip ties

2. Size of the Playpen

The size of your bearded dragon’s playpen will depend on the size of your pet. As a general rule, the playpen should be at least three to four times the size of the bearded dragon. This allows for enough space for your pet to move around freely without feeling cramped. A good playpen should measure at least 4ft x 4ft.

3. Security of the Playpen

Security is an essential factor while building your pet’s playpen. Here are some tips to ensure your bearded dragon’s safety while enjoying the outdoors:

• Ensure the playpen is fully enclosed with no escape routes
• Secure the mesh panels and PVC pipes with metal pegs and zip ties
• Double-check the security of the playpen before leaving your pet unattended

Making the Playpen Comfortable for Your Pet

Now that your bearded dragon’s playpen is complete let’s make it comfortable for your pet. Here are some things to consider:

1. Adding Hides

Hides are essential for a bearded dragon’s mental well-being. Ensure that your pet’s outdoor playpen has at least one hide. You can create hides using rocks, wood or artificial hides.

2. Adding Substrate

Adding a substrate will make your pet’s playpen more comfortable. You can use reptile-safe sand, soil or coconut fiber as a substrate.

3. Providing Water and Food

Ensure that your pet has access to fresh water and food while in the playpen. You can use shallow water dishes or drip systems for watering and feeding.

Conclusion

Setting up an outdoor playpen for your bearded dragon can be an exciting project that improves your pet’s quality of life. Follow the tips and tricks in this guide, and your pet will enjoy their outdoor playpen while keeping safe and comfortable.