Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning to build a outdoor pen for my dragon. My plan is to make it out of alluminum sheeting that is sunk into the ground to make it about 8' in diameter and to cover it with a cloth-like net. How cold can bearded tolerate because my plan is to keep him outdoors for the summer. any advice or pics of outdoor pens would be appreciated.

thanks

55 deg. is the lowest I think they can tolerate, anything lower and they can get sick. Aside from that, you should also be concerned with what bugs can get in the enclosure. Lightning Bugs are deadly to beardies, and other bugs like fire ants and such can swarm over a lizard (I think), and cause serious harm. (If you haven't guessed already, I live in the south!!!) Know what insects are in your area and do your research. Make sure neither you or your neighbors use any form of insecticide or "turf-builder" that contains pesticides or weed poisons near the enclosure. These are a few things to look out for.
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Dl

I don't know too much about aluminum sheeting, but wouldn't that absorb heat and get really hot?
Maybe screen might be a better choice for air flow?
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www.classylizard.com

I live in oklahoma and there is no real problem with fire ants where I live but i need a solid wall because I have a dog and the lizards might get stressed but you pointed out a good point with the overheating.

keep the advice comin'!!! thanks

I am preparing to build an outdoor enclosure. I am going to use plywood on the back (Where you wanted to probably put the metal), then building the frame. We are going to put it on rollers so we can move it easily. On the bottom we are putting multiple layers of plywood, then going to add our substrate. To keep bugs out, we are doing a layer of steel pet screen on the outside of the frame and softer screen on the inside of the frame. Hope that helps..

Make sure they have plenty of places to hide and cool off. Keep in mind too they are excellent diggers and you need to go 8-12 inches under ground with your enclosure. I have read plenty of stories about escapes under the enclosure. My biggest concern would be lightning bugs. They are plentiful in that area and are an ugly death for Dragons.

acually i've never seen any lightning bugs in my yard or even in my neighborhood, Thanks for caring