Reptile & Amphibian Forums

how can i let me beardie just run around outside of his cage??like is there a way to make a area for him to run around in??i've been thinking about this for awhile..i know he'd really like something like this since when i take him out i can tell he wants to run around and not just sit and chill everytime..how long is too long of keeping him out of his cage??hes around 9 months old now and hes in his 40 gallon breeder cage but he wants more to explore i think..haha..hes really social too and loves coming out..i hope someone has some ideas..also,what is a good type of area for him to run around on??is wood ok??thanks alot for the help..
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Jonny Blaze
1.0 Nosy Be Panther
1 Bearded Dragon--sex not determined yet
0.1 Yorkshire terrier Brandy,10 years old
1.0 Golden lab-Dusty R.I.P May 16,2007,14.5 years old
1.0 Black lab "wiggler",2 years old
s136.photobucket.com/albums/q173/jonnyblaze_04/?sc=3

Any large area is fine to let your dragon run around in, as long as it is 'dragon-proof'. A small room is idea as its easier to block access to tight and dangerous areas than a large room. Make sure anything the dragon can swallow that can harm it (ie bits of paper, plastic, camera straps, ant traps and other insecticides, cat toys etc) and electrical wires are not frayed or otherwise damaged (actually, if you have any of these, saver for you to just replace them completely..) Keep other household pets that may pose a danger to your bearded dragon, (cats, dogs, large birds etc). Make sure openings in the walls etc are blocked off so your dragon can't end up escaping through them (see post below where user lost dragon through hole in the wall).

A dog collapsible play area kennel could be used to just enclose an area but not sure if the spacing of the bars of these things is small enough to keep a dragon from slipping through, so may not be feasible.

For smaller dragons the top of a bed may be a good place though dragons will climb down sheets etc so this will need to be watched for.

No matter what sort of setup you use to let your dragon run about loose, always stay and supervise so you know what your dragon is doing. It only takes a second for a dragon to suddenly end up in trouble. Even a stray bug can skitter out of nowhere and be eaten by a dragon (for the most part this may not be an issue,but if that bug has been in pesticide or other harmful chemicals, it can make your dragon sick). Or your dragon may climb over a barrier and vanish from sight etc.
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PHLdyPayne