Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Every where I look I see comments that beardies aren't arboreal. However, my 2 yr old male, Harry climbs like there is no tomorrow. I have him in a 36L X 23D X 21H Vision display cage and built a lightweight, washable cliff and cave system out of plaster-covered foam. I also have branches securely fastened and sand as a substrate. He will spend his day up and down the cliff thermoregulating as necessary but loves to climb his tree and the 8 in. high litterdam (he just hangs and cocks his head at me). Even food won't interest him if he's climbing. Spending time outside his cage is an opportunity to dash up the nearest textured vertical surface. If his claws can get hold, he's guaranteed to go up. I should say that I believe he enjoys this; there is no evidence of defensive posturing or threat displays. Does anyone else have a beardie that enjoys climbing?

Yes, most beardies love to climb. I think what people mean by saying longer is better, and things like this is because dragons are considered Semi arboreal. Meaning some time is spent above the ground most of the time just a few feet getting A view over their terrain too watch for food, or to get to a warmer spot to sun, but their bodies, and activity show us that they are semi arboreal and better on the ground. I think what they're saying is don't go out and buy a cage 2l 2w 4h because although dragons spend basking time up most of their life activity is done on the floor including most of their exercise, eating, and theromoregulation from one side to the other. Most arboreal species climb to hide. I know my beardie digs down or under things. I mean if you could afford to house them 4l 4h 3w by all means go for it I'm sure he would get use out of the height, just don't compromise his length for running for hight. The average person could not afford to buy such a cage, and most don't have the skills to build either. So the best way would be to give them the length they need. Compromise hieght with normal height giving them a nice 10inch high basking spot which puts them close to the uvb lights, but also giving them a nice width to run and turn around in, and room to get away from the lights. 4x2x2 seem to be the perfect length, height, and width for most beardies. Just what I've seen, read, and a few opinions thrown in to make it original
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Mystical Dragons

n/p

Hey Joey,

My beardie looks just like that in size. How old is the beardie in the pic?

My GUESS is about a year /- 3 or so months. I've always thought she's sort of small for her age, she weighs somewhere in the area of 240grams or so (that's a guess, she was at 232 at the last vet check, and hasn't sheded in MONTHS). I'm starting to guess that she may be done growing.

Mine too. Weighs the same, same size, and around 8 months old. Did you get yours from a petstore? If so, was it a chain store like Petsmart/Petco?

I got mine from Pet World Warehouse in Milwaukee (actually West Allis) Next time it will definitly be from a breeder. Between the price and the amazing amount of coccidia she had, it's been a lot of work. That and the fact that the pet store doens't always know what they're talking about. They were right on the requirements for the beardie, but they were somewhat off on the requirements for a water dragon. Oh well, doesn't matter anymore. (I'm wondering if the coccidia has stunted her growth, I hope not, I was really hoping for a big dragon.)

Great pic! Exactly what I'm talking about. LOL