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Are you considering keeping a bearded lizard as a pet? Or perhaps, you already have one of these cute reptiles and want to make an ideal bearded dragon habitat? Either way, we believe this article can help you. Here you’ll find out the most significant things about bearded dragon setup. In addition, we will talk about best bearded dragon cages, in order to help you find the perfect one for your new pet.
Where does their name come from?
As you have probably already noticed, these reptiles have “beard” on the underside of their throat. Clearly, they are named after their “beard “which can
turn black if a lizard is scared or stressed. These lizards are skilled climbers, and they love basking on the Sun and cooling in the shade.
Thanks to simple and easy bearded dragon care, these reptiles are commonly kept as pets. But, how you can make them happy and healthy, and create the perfect bearded dragon tank for your new pet?
Bearded dragon enclosure
Obviously, the first thing you need to buy is a bearded dragon terrarium. The cage should provide a plenty of space for your pet, because he loves to hide, play, walk, climb, and bask. So, make sure to buy a large tank with a screened top so that you can add all bearded dragon tank accessories to make his place look cool and inviting.
Accessories
You can spend a lot of money on buying all kinds of accessories to make your pet’s life even more interesting and appealing. However, if you want to shop smartly, then you can only buy essential 
items, such as a substrate, under-tank heating, UVB light bulbs, a food bowl, a water bowl, and of course sturdy branches, and logs. When placing logs and branches in a terrarium, please be sure that they are secure and sturdy so that they can withstand the weight of your pet. Otherwise, they may break under the weight of his body, and your bearded dragon can end up with a serious injury.
Adding artificial plants is great for making your pet’s home more picturesque, so consider buying that as well.
In case you aren’t in a mood for spending a lot of time on buying all those items, simply get a bearded dragon kit. This kit usually includes all the essential things that your dear pet will need, so you won’t have to choose the items on your own. Plus, buying this kit is definitely a better option if you want to save some money.
Lights and heat
Now, one of the main things your pet will need for living a healthy and happy life are proper lights and heat. Since lizards spend a lot of time (usually in the morning) basking on the Sun, you will have to buy a UVB fluorescent bulb. It will help create vitamin D3 that is essential for your pet’s health. So, you can buy either a daylight bulb or a heat emitter.
Another thing you should get is under-tank heat pad that will give your pet enough warmth. However, forget about buying heat rocks, as these may cause burns to your pet. Also, make sure not to pre-heat bearded dragon cage, as your pet certainly won’t like that. However, in case you accidentally do that, sprinkle him with water (use a mister), and even remove him from a tank for a while, to cool.
Bearded dragon substrate
In case you want to create bearded dragon custom cage, remember to place the substrate (whether it be newspapers, paper towels, or ceramic tile) and a container with a mix of potting soil (as most lizards love to dig). Also, your pet loves to have some privacy, so don’t forget to add a cave which will enable them to hide and enjoy solitude.
Easy to clean
Since lizards eat a lot, naturally there will be a lot of waste. Meaning, you’ll have to clean the cage every single day, in order to prevent bacteria growth which can be dangerous for your pet. Cleaning the substrate will be a breeze if you use a fish net to collect the waste.
Obviously, you don’t have to clean decorations items and the sides of a cage as often as the substrate, but you do have to clean them occasionally.
Humidity
The last thing on our bearded dragon care sheet you need to think of is humidity. Whether you want to buy a cage or an enclosure, make sure that your pet will have enough fresh air and that humidity is at an ideal level.
Best Bearded Dragon Tanks
With many different bearded dragon tanks and enclosure out there, selecting a good one for your pet is a demanding task. But, we wanted to help you out, so we have made this list of best bearded dragon cages. We gave our best to give correct descriptions of these products, so we included both the good and the bad about them. Hopefully, below you’ll find an ideal bearded dragon tank for your dearest pet.
1. Bearded Dragon Starter Kit
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For all of you newbies, this kit is ideal for your new pet. This starter kit comes at a reasonable price and has literary everything your little pet needs to be healthy and enjoy his life. The terrarium has a capacity of 20 gallons, which makes it a good choice for a baby bearded dragon. Considering its size, this cage would be too small for an adult lizard.
The kit includes heating and lights so that you can create an ideal habitat for your lizard, needed for a healthy life. Also, the tank will be completely safe for your favorite pet, so no need to worry about that.
Thanks to heat and lights, humidity and temperature will be just perfect for your beardie, leaving a positive influence on his health. As mentioned, UVB lights will ensure enough amount of vitamin D3 which reptiles’ body needs in order to function properly.
This starter kit is a great choice for newbies since it isn’t complicated to install. In fact, that part will be very simple.
In addition, this terrarium is simple to clean, and cleaning will take about half an hour.
Pros:
- Comes with all the items your pet will need
- Easy to install
- Ideal for new lizard owners
- Safe
- Simple to clean
Cons:
- Too small for an adult bearded dragon
2. Exo Terra All glass Terrarium
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Do you love glass terrariums? Then this Exo Terra cage will be the perfect choice for your bearded dragon. This cage is sturdy, secure, and provides easy access to your reptile.
First, this is all glass terrarium, so it’s durable and will last for many years. In case you are not sure whether its price is too high, we want you to realize that this unit is built with durability and functionality in mind, therefore, it’s a smart investment. In fact, would you rather spend money on buying new cage every two months or you’d rather buy a high-quality terrarium that will pay off in the long run?
Not only dual doors will give you quick access to your reptile’s food and water, but it will also prevent your little pet from escaping. Which leads to one downside of this terrarium and that is the holes. Apparently, the terrarium features many holes where crickets can hide or escape so that your pet won’t even get the chance to eat them.
As for the size, this is one spacious terrarium, so your pet will feel almost at home. You can add lots of decoration items and make this terrarium attention-grabbing.
Closable inlets are great for keeping things organized, whether it be tubes or wires.
All in all, this terrarium is worth buying, even though it’s pricey.
Pros:
- Dual doors
- Spacious
- Sturdy and durable
- Made of glass
- Closable inlets
Cons:
- Crickets can escape
3. Bearded Dragon Kit by Zoo Med
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In case you are one of those people who spend their money smartly, you’ll appreciate this kit for your beardie. It includes screen lid, dual lamp fixture, food and water bowls, a bag of sand, Repti-calcium, a handy book about bearded dragons, humidity and temp gauge and many more items. Needless to say, this kit has all one could ask for. Also, buying this kit you’ll save a lot of money, compared to getting all these items separately.
This terrarium is ideal for baby or young beardie, as it offers a plenty of space so that your pet can climb, walk and bask. Thanks to a screen lid, the air will circulate perfectly, giving your pet a healthy environment to develop in. The installation process is quick and easy, even for new owners.
Furthermore, dual lamp fixture will ensure enough light and heat for your pet, promoting his health. No doubt that your pet will love living in this amazing terrarium.
In addition, this is a large tank which means that you can make it look like a natural habitat for a bearded dragon by way of adding plants, rocks, logs and branches.
Thanks to a provided book about these beautiful reptiles, you can expand your knowledge and learn a thing or two about your new pet.
As for the downside, this bearded dragon kit would not be a good choice for adult beardie, as it won’t provide enough space.
Pros:
- Includes plenty of items
- Easy to install
- Ideal for a baby or young beardie
- Air circulation
- Comes with a handy guide
Cons:
- Not for adult bearded dragons
4. Universal Rocks background
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If you already have a bearded dragon terrarium and are looking for a way to make it more “natural”, why not buy this flexible background? Without a doubt, it will make a terrarium look great, and your beardie will be happier. In addition, this background looks very realistic so your friends and family will keep asking you is it real. Since this background is flexible, it can fit tanks of different sizes. You can bend it as much as you need so that it will fit perfectly in the terrarium. You can even cut it in order to place it in a terrarium.
Also, this background is very simple to install and comes with clips.
On the downside, the background is everything but cheap, so be prepared to spend some extra cash on it. However, once you place it in a terrarium, you’ll be thrilled with how it complemented the looks of a tank, so you won’t regret buying it.
Pros:
- Looks realistic
- Flexible
- Fits to all sizes of tanks
- Can be adjusted
- Easy to install
- Comes with caps
Cons:
- A bit expensive
5. Invertebrate Terrarium Habitat Kit by Exo Terra
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Are you on a quest to finding an ideal bearded dragon house? Then look no further! Here we have the best terrarium habitat kit for your much-loved beardie, and both of you are going to love it. So, let’s see what makes this product worth buying.
First, its durability. Since the tank is made of superior glass, it is reliable and sturdy. Meaning, it won’t break.
Next, this unit is a breeze to maintain as it features cleverly designed dual doors that make easy work of the cleanup. They can be wide open, so you will have easy access to your reptile or his water and food. In addition, this kit includes a lot of decoration items and comes with the directions for the installation. As well, you get an insect water dish, and a reptile cave (remember that we mentioned how much lizards love to hide?).
On top of the cage is a screen mesh, so that the air can flow freely, creating a fresh environment for the beardie.
Finally, the terrarium comes with top lighting system so you can easily make this place warm enough for your lizard.
As for the downfall, this tank is heavy, as it is made of glass. So, you won’t be able to move it without one more person to help you out.
Pros:
- Dual doors
- Screen mesh
- Top lighting system
- Durability
- Sturdiness
Cons:
- Heavy
- Difficult to transport
How big do bearded dragons get?
People who are considering keeping a bearded dragon as a pet want to know how big their pet will get so that they can buy the best bearded dragon enclosure for him. Proper bearded dragon setup will make bearded dragon care a whole lot easier, therefore it’s important to buy an enclosure that will give your pet a lot of space since these creatures love to climb on logs and trees, bask in the sun (or under artificial UVA/UVB lights) and walk. Simply put, bearded dragons love to move and be active.
Average adult size is around 24 inches long (half of the size is actually the size of his tail). This means that you should buy an enclosure that is minimum 36 x 12 x 18 inches. If you plan to keep more than one bearded dragon in a terrarium or enclosure, you’ll have to buy a pretty large enclosure, in order to give them both privacy and spaciousness. Also, don’t forget on height, as your pet love to climb so it needs space for that as well.
What can bearded dragons eat?
As far as bearded dragon diet is concerned, you’ll have to buy special kinds of food that is called bearded dragon food. Bearded dragons eat a lot, so you’ll have to provide him enough and diverse food. On bearded dragon food list should be frozen veggies (peas, carrots, and beans), fresh veggies (carrots, collard, kale or dandelion greens), vitamin D3 and calcium supplements, and of course crickets, and mealworms. The ratio for food for bearded dragons should be 70% gut-loaded insects and 30% mixed veggies and fruits. In case you aren’t sure how to give your pet vitamin supplements, don’t worry, this part will be easy. Simply sprinkle food with calcium and vitamin D3 every day. The multi-vitamin supplement should be added to your pet’s diet once a week.
You should feed your bearded dragon every day, while fresh, chlorine-free bowl of water should be in a tank all the time so that your pet can drink water whenever he wants.
Generally speaking, young bearded dragons eat more than adults. Also, young bearded dragons usually eat live food, while the adults eat vegetation.
If you don’t want your pet to become ill, make sure to throw away all veggies and fruits that he didn’t eat in a day.
How long do bearded dragons live?
When it comes to the lifespan of bearded dragons, naturally, some will live longer and others will live much shorter. This will depend on many factors including its overall heath and how well owner take care of a bearded dragon. In most cases, bearded dragon lifespan is from three to ten years.
