Natural Habitat

Bearded Dragons are from the deserts of Australia. They live in an arid and warm environment. There are often many branches, trees, and boulders for them to climb on and bask on. They also like to burrow into the ground for shelter.

Enclosure

There are many factors to take into consideration when building your bearded dragon's terrarium. It is important to think about the tank used, the flooring in the tank, lighting, and decor.

Tank

It is important to have a properly sized tank to house your dragon. Babies don't require a large tank, a 20 gallon will suffice. However, as they grow and get older, it will become necessary to upgrade to a larger tank. Bearded dragons need rooom to run around and climb, so take that into consideration when choosing a tank size. Adult dragons should be housed in at least a 75 gallon tank. It is also important to make sure the tank is not in direct sunlight and is kept away from loud noises inside your home.

Flooring

There are many options for what floor to use in your dragon's enclosure. No one owner can agree on the best substrate to use as they all have various pros and cons.

Sand and pebbles are not very good options for substrate. Sand can be dangerous for your dragon as it can be easily inhaled, causing gut impaction and respiratory issues. Rocks can potentially scrath you pet and break its teeth if it accidentally bites it while eating. There are some alternatives to these, as some loose substrates are made with edible material, but caution is still advised if deciding to use them.

Pet stores also offer sand mats and carpet as a floor for your terrarium. Sand mats make it less likely that your dragon will swallow harmful materials, however, like rocks they can cut and scratch your bearded dragon. Carpet is not a bad option as they are fairly cheap and don't risk your draogn getting scratched. It is easy to clean, but there is the risk of your dragon's nails getting caught in loose fabric. If carpet is used, it is recommended that you place a rock or some hard surface in the enclosure to ensure that your dragon's nails will naturally file down.

Tile is a very popular option for dragon substrate. Tile has enough traction so that your dragon has no issue moving around and is very easy to clean. You have to be careful with tile however, as certain tiles can be too slippery or retain too much heat that in turn can burn your dragon. Tile also helps with naturally filing down your dragon's nails and keeping a clean appearance in the enclosure.

Lighting

There are two nonnegotiables when it comes to bearded dragon enclosures. A UVB lamp and a heat lamp are required in your enclosure. Without a UVB lamp, your dragon will lack required nutrients and can get metabolic bone disease. A heat lamp is also required to keep the dragon warm, with ideal daytime temperatures around 95 to 100 degrees and nighttime temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees. It is recommended to have a thermometer to ensure that the temperatures is where it needs to be and your dragon is comfortable.

Decor

There is a lot of creative freedom when it comes to decorating your dragon's enclosure. Whether you want a simple, clean look or a dense, thick look, the possibilities are endless. There are some important things to include in the terrarium. A basking rock is important for your dragon to get the heat it needs. A rock or branch serves as an excellent basking spot. A good practice is to have multiple levels that the dragon can bask on as it will allow them to move to be warmer or cooler. It is also important to included structures for them to climb on, such as a log or a chill hammock! As many enclosures don't have room for the dragon to burrow, it is also important to inlcude a hideaway for them to sleep and hide in. Plants, real or fake, can also add a bit of color to the tank and make a nice finishing touch. Just be warned, dragons often like to dig up and topple the plants! Finally, a good sized food and water bowl should be included in the enclosure.