How to Build a Bearded Dragon Terrarium
Ever wanted a pet at home, but you don’t have enough time to care for it? Why not go for something more self-sustaining. Having a reptile as a pet is much more convenient than you think. Unlike cats and dogs, they do not disturb your private space and can still bring life to it. However, not all reptiles can do the same; however, one which has caught the attention of many people remains to be the Bearded Dragon. Hence, why not build a bearded dragon terrarium instead?
Here’s what you’ll need;
Big Bearded Dragon
If you have a bearded baby dragon, it often gets a little tricky on estimations of how large it is able to grow when it reaches maturity. Worry not as it won’t get as big as a dragon; however, it still does grow to a relatively large size. It is able to grow at most with a measurement of 16 to 24 inches long. For a pet reptile, that is fairly huge!
Bearded Dragon Tank Size
As mentioned, it is able to grow up to 24 inches long. Hence we suggest you get a tank which is double to triple its size. You wouldn’t want your bearded dragon to be confined in a tight space, would you? Not only does that displease your bearded dragon, but it might also deteriorate its health due to lack of movement. If you need an actual measurement o a tank size, we suggest you get a 55 to 75 gallon tank as a start. Once it reaches maturity, you might want to consider investing in a 100 to 120 gallon tank.
Note: It is not cheap to have bearded dragons as a pet.
Bearded Dragon Accessories
There are a variety of accessories you can consider for your bearded dragon terrarium. The environment where the bearded dragon is living affects the balance of its health. On the plus side, it will be able to provide enrichment and encourage natural behaviour, which promotes a longer life for them. Some accessories include large oak logs and plants. This promotes a more realistic replication of its natural habitat.
With that being said, how do you make a bearded dragon terrarium?
What To Prepare
Container
The first thing you should always take into consideration is the tank size. The tank size is able to decide on how large your bearded dragon is able to grow. Scientists have proven that growth is affected by living conditions and the environment. The more spacious it is, the larger it is able to grow. Hence do get one that is suitable for your Bearded dragon.
Note: You should never ever have two bearded dragons in a single terrarium as the containers will not be best suited for their size.
Do also keep in mind that you should not get a terrarium that is oversized. Having your bearded dragon wander around for food will not be ideal for it. If your bearded dragon terrarium is planned and designed to be self-sustaining, you have to ensure that there aren’t any cracks where its “food” can be hidden. You might hunger for it instead of trying to promote a natural lifestyle.
Decorations
In terms of decorations, there are just too many to choose from. Some of the most common ones which everyone is placing in their terrarium are live plants, tree branches and large stones. Keep in mind that bearded dragons prefer somewhere, which is drier. Hence having too many plants would not be the best choice. Instead, add in more large rocks and tree branches to provide it with a suitable platform for it to stand on and look for food and hide.
Of course, we aren’t telling you to neglect plants all the way. For a sustaining bearded dragon terrarium to work, plants are still needed to circulate not only humidity but also oxygen. Having a few ferns will still improve its lifestyle. Just don’t get too crazy on it.
Lighting And Humidity
Like any other reptile out there, they are all cold-blooded. This means that if there is a change of temperature lower than their living condition, they will enter hibernation. This may seem normal to some, but it actually causes grave damage to your reptile. If one were to enter hibernation before its actual period suddenly, this would cause an imbalance in its health.
Hence it is best if you get an artificial light and a humidifier to ensure that the humidity and temperature in the bearded dragon terrarium remain constant. With that in mind, get one in which you are able to set the lights automatically instead of manually.
Tips and Tricks
Some problems that owners of bearded dragons argue are that it is very inactive. Well, definitely! I mean, it is being kept within four walls with nowhere to go. Imagine if it were to switch places with you, would you still be there jumping around?
Hence, it is never an adversity to open your terrarium to let your bearded dragon out. Don’t get me wrong, we are not asking you to let it roam free in your house. What we are suggesting is that you shouldn’t just let it stay in your terrarium, but let it explore what is outside. However, if you have decided on doing so, you should always constantly keep your attention on it. Do not let it wander out of your house compound.
Conclusion
Hopefully, through this, you now know how to build a bearded dragon terrarium. The bearded dragon may not be suited for everyone; however, it is something unique which not everyone dares to take upon. However, the same rules are never to get one if you don’t have the time and financial capability of keeping it. A bearded dragon has lived too and would be better off with another owner who is able to care for it thoroughly.