HOUSING FOR BEARDED DRAGONS

Heating the Enclosure

Dragons have a preferred body temperature (PBT) of 35-39ºC and their enclosure should provide a hotspot of 36-40ºC.
The cooler end of the enclosure should be around 25-28ºC.
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the enclosure. Place one thermometer under the hotspot and one in the cold end to make sure there is a temperature range (called a temperature gradient).
A thermostat is required to control the temperature.
For heating, use a red globe or preferably a ceramic heat lamp at one end of the enclosure. Care must be taken to not allow contact with the heat lamp. Most commonly this is achieved with a wire cover or the lamp being at the top or above the enclosure. The wattage of the lamp will depend on the enclosure size.
Heat mats and hot rocks are not recommended for most animals due to the risk of burns.

A source of ultraviolet light is required to prevent Vitamin D deficiency which causes metabolic bone disease (MBD). Use artificial UVB lights for indoor enclosures with the light a minimum distance of 30cm from the dragon. The light needs replacing every 6 months as it will stop producing UVB spectrum light, even if it is still producing visible light.
Dragons also require natural sunlight for 30 minutes per day or 3½ hours per week total. The dragon must be in an enclosure/box with a shaded area and a wire top, as sunlight must not be filtered through plastic/glass.

The enclosure (ideally made of both wood and Perspex/glass) should be large enough for your dragon to move around freely.
A screen top or vents on the sides will ensure airflow and the escape of excess heat.
Provision of logs or rocks placed under the heat source allows your dragon to sit at varying heights and distances from the heat source.
Hollow logs or upturned flower pots provide a cool retreat. Ideally use non-porous plastics, ceramics or regularly changed wood/cardboard to allow for effective disinfection and hygiene
Substrate should be easy to clean and change. Newspaper, butcher’s paper and newspaper-based kitty litter are all appropriate choices. Sand carries the risk of ingestion and impaction and makes cleaning more difficult.
Enclosures and their furniture should be scrubbed with diluted dishwashing liquid to remove soiling and then disinfected with a product such as F10 or Avi-care. Rinse the furniture and allow to dry before replacing it into the enclosure.