Introduction

Bearded dragons are beautiful, intelligent, and fascinating animals to have as pets. They are easy to care for and can live for up to 15 years if well-taken care of. One of the most important aspects of caring for your bearded dragon is providing them with a comfortable and safe living environment. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to build a perfect bearded dragon house for your furry friend.

Understanding Bearded Dragon House Needs

Before you start building your bearded dragon house, you need to understand the species’ housing needs. Bearded dragons are reptiles that require heat and UV lighting to live comfortably. They need a space that is spacious, secure, and clean. So, let’s dive into the details of what is needed when building a bearded dragon house.

Location

When you are building a bearded dragon house, one of the most crucial aspects is choosing the right spot to place it. You want to select an area in your home where there is minimal noise, a stable temperature, and humidity levels. Avoid spots that have a lot of foot traffic or pets roaming around. Also, make sure the location is easy to clean, and your furry friend is safe from any dangers such as other pets or access to harmful household items.

Size

Bearded dragons are active animals, and as such, they need a lot of room to move and explore. When building your dragon house, it’s essential to consider their size and ensure that there’s ample space for them to roam around comfortably. A recommended enclosure size for a bearded dragon is 4’ long x 2’ wide x 2’ tall for an adult.

Lighting and Heating

Bearded dragons require UVB lighting to synthesise vitamin D, which is essential for their bone health. UVB bulbs should be on for 10-12 hours per day, and you should replace them every six to eight months to ensure they are still producing UVB rays. They also require a heat source, such as a basking lamp, to help them regulate their body temperature. The basking spot should reach a temperature of 95-110°F, and the cool side of the cage should be around 75-85°F.

Substrate

Substrate refers to the material used on the bottom of the cage. For bearded dragons, the ideal substrate should be non-toxic, absorbent, and easy to clean. Avoid using sand or gravel substrates as your bearded dragon can ingest them and lead to impaction. Paper towels, newspaper, reptile carpet or tile, are great options to consider.

Accessories

Bearded dragons are intelligent creatures that love to explore their environment. They require accessories to climb, hide, and bask. Consider adding a hide box, basking rock, hammock, or branches to meet your bearded dragon’s needs.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining a clean environment is vital to your bearded dragon’s health. Poop, leftover food, and contaminated substrates should be removed and replaced daily. The cage should be deep cleaned once a month or as needed. Use a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down all surfaces and then rinse well with water. Allow the cage to dry completely before placing your bearded dragon back in.

Conclusion

Building a bearded dragon house is an exciting and rewarding experience for both you and your pet. By following the tips and guidelines mentioned in this post, you can create a comfortable environment where your pet can thrive. Remember, caring for your bearded dragon should be a priority, and their needs should come first. With patience and love, your bearded dragon will make an excellent and entertaining pet for years to come.