Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all-

Would a 36"W x 18"D x 18"H cage be appropriate for a beardie? I have a custom cage with sliding glass doors. It has a Reptisun 10.0 mounted inside as well as fixtures for both a basking lamp and ceramic heat emitter.

Also, I assume that I cannot use a MVB due to the 18" height with interior-mounted fixture, correct?

Thanks!

As a follow up, I am able to get a proper heat gradient for this cage and can easily get basking temps of 115*-120* on the hot side and 70*-85* on the cool end. These temp ranges are based on digital thermometer and tempgun readings, not stick on thermometers. All lights are on timers and dimmer switches where appropriate. I am wondering if this provides sufficient floor space for a single beardie.

Thanks again!

yes the cage size is equal to a 40 gallon breeder tank which is fine for one beardie. you are correct about the mercury vapor bulb but you really only need the reptisun and a basking light no need for a ceramic heater unless your house gets extraordinarily cold at night and those basking temps are a little too hot for a beardie, you should try getting it to around 95-100.
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coheed196
1.1 raptor leos (dorito, sunshine)
0.1 beardie (scarlet)
1.1 veiled chameleon (cricket,penny)
1.1 panther chameleon (apollo, athena)
0.1 albino burmese (peaches)
1.0 pit bull (ajax)
0.1 pyrenees mix

a single BD should be housed in a 4'x2'x18" cage. many people out there will say they are fine in a 40 breeder, which i have used also, but for best housing use measurements above. you can use what you have now and later get something bigger if you wish. not saying your BD will die in a smaller cage, but its better to have the bigger cage
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Judson
Beach Beardies

0.1. bearded dragon
1.1. Sugar Gliders
0.2. Felines *queen athena and missy*

The cage is too small for an adult bearded dragon. Most bearded dragons grow to 18" with some reaching 20" or more (especially the German Giants). Add in cage furniture and your dragon will find it hard to move around. The height of the cage can be between 18-24" fine.

If your dragon is already an adult and happens to be a small version or lost its tail due to some mishap, it may be fine in that cage...but I always recommend at least a 4'x2' of floor space for a single adult dragon. It promotes a much more active and 'happy' dragon. Not to mention its much easier giving a broader range of basking temps for your dragon to use.

The basking temp is high, only babies tend to favor the higher basking range...adults tend to bask in the 100F mark. A wide sloping basking area works best, with different areas of the basking spot falling between 95-115F. This allows the dragon more room to choose what basking temp he desires.
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks for your replies. I suspected that the cage could be tight. I will look into a larger enclosure prior to getting a beardie.

Thanks again,
Bruce