How To Create Your Own Bearded Dragon Habitats

By Sam Patrolio

Lizards, when taken care of well, make great pets. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular lizards available today. This article explains a little about bearded dragon life styles and provides the necessary information to set up your own bearded dragon habitat.

A medium sized lizard with ten year long lifespan, the bearded dragon is originally from Australia. Measured from snout to tail tip, these lizards can reach up to two feet in length. Omnivorous creatures, bearded dragons like to much on crickets, pinky mice, leafy greens, and earthworms. Also make sure to always have fresh water available and to mist your lizard. Social by nature, you can keep bearded lizards together, without too much trouble.

Found in central Australia, bearded dragons like woody, warm, arid climates. In nature, they can be located in shrubs and trees, as well as basking on hot stones. The health and happiness of your lizard is dependent on mimicking this environment as closely as possible.

The first step to setting up a new habitat for your lizard is to choose the appropriate tank. Hatchlings are small and can be kept in standard aquariums measuring 10-15 gallons, but adults need much more space, approximately 55 gallons, such make sure you plan ahead. Bearded dragons are renowned escape artists, so make sure your tank has a tight fitting lid.

Once you have chosen a tank, you should pick the kind of bedding or substrate you will use. This substrate needs to be absorbent, digestible, and easy to clean. Most major pet stores cell bedding specifically designed for bearded dragons, but you can something simple, like newspaper, as well. However, for the safety of your lizard, you should avoid gravel, cedar shavings, kitty litter, and crushed gravel.

Once your substrate is in place, you can decorate the tank. Be creative! The more hiding places and things to climb on your lizard has, the happier he will be. Oak sticks make good climbing posts, and flat rocks are perfect for basking. Live plants can also be added, as long as they are non toxic.

Last but not least, you need to choose and install light and heat fixtures. This part of tank design is vital because your lizards are cold blooded and depend on you for heat. 78-88 degrees F is an appropriate day time temperature and 70 degrees F works at night. The easiest way to provide this is to install incandescent light bulbs at the top of your tank. Special basking lights are also important to create a hot spot where your new pet can bask. - 32403

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