If you are interested in buying an exotic reptile in the form of a bearded dragon, there is one very important thing that you should take into consideration: their habitat. When bearded dragons are taken out of their natural environment and forced to live in an artificial enclosure, it’s very crucial to provide them with all the elements that will resemble their comfort zone. With that said, it is recommended that you make an informed choice when purchasing bearded dragon cages.
Factors to consider when buying bearded dragon cages:
1. Size – This is one of the first things to consider when getting a new cage for your beardie. When shopping for a bearded dragon cage, determine if the enclosure under consideration has enough room for a full-grown dragon. Bearded dragons, in general, need an enclosure no smaller than 36x18x18 inch. If you purchase a cage in a shop with a baby dragon, you will soon realize that you will need to replace the item within approximately four months. Therefore, to save time, money, and effort, try to get a cage that is big enough to accommodate an adult beardie from the very start.
2. Furniture and Accessories – When buying bearded dragon cages, think about getting a full set-up or a bare one. Remember, beardies love to climb up and spend a lot of time in rocks and tree branches. If you think you can’t do a good job decorating a cage, then it’s best to purchase a fully furnished enclosure. If you would like to be hands on when it comes to accessorizing your pet’s cage, however, just be careful with your arrangements, making sure that your beardie will have adequate space to explore the place (you don’t want a cage that’s nearly impossible to navigate). Branches, hammocks, hide boxes, rocks, and dishes are good items to put in a bearded dragon cage.
3. Design and Orientation – In general, a front-opening cage is easier to maintain than the more common top-opening cage, especially if you have furniture pieces in your dragon's enclosure. Reaching for all those rocks and branches is easier from the front or sides than from the top. Having to take them all out from the top for cleaning purposes is not just time-consuming, but also backbreaking.
4. Material – Cages made out of glass are probably the most popular type of enclosure for a bearded dragon. For one, they are not so hard on the pocket; and two, they are easily available. Glass enclosures are able to keep heat better than other types of cages. Not only are glass cages efficient, they also look nice on wood aquarium stands.
The enclosure for your exotic reptile is usually the biggest purchase you will make besides your dragon. Your pet’s enclosure is where your beardie will be spending most of his or her time – and life. Therefore, a suitable, comfortable, and safe enclosure is essential.
There are many types of bearded dragon cages out in the market and they all have their own s of pros and cons. While the presence of too many choices can be quite overwhelming, one just needs to make an informed choice. In order to come up with a good buying decision, one needs to address the critical issues that bearded dragons have when it comes to their habitat. When buying bearded dragon cages, simply look at the size, decoration, design, and material and see if they meet the needs of your bearded dragon. Doing this will not only make you a happier owner, but will also make your beardie a satisfied pet.