Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking about getting a water dragon.... I think I've decided on a Chinese Dragon instead of a Aussie Dragon, but I have few questions first. Is a wire/mesh cage about 3-4' long, 6-7' tall, and 2-3' deep sufficient ? I'm not sure if a mesh cage is going to be able to keep in the humidity or not. If I were to buy a mesh cage would I put the heat lamps on the inside or outside of the cage ? I was also thinking about making a big plexis glass box (except for without a top) and having that as a pond with some lily pads and some fish in it... any other ideas/suggestions for me? Thanks so much!

I hear that female dragons lay eggs even if they're not fertilized, is this true? And if so, what should I do to setup an area for her to lay them in ? thanks again!

The sizing that you had in mind is perfect for a pair or even a trio (just my opinion). Here's my two cents...

I own 2 male Chinese WD's and one female Aussie...and both species are tremendously wonderful. There are pros and cons to each species...but from what I've learned...I wish I would have started out with Aussies and then gone to CWDS. Aussies are more parasite-resistant. They stay in tightly packed groups, in the wild and will stay in stagnant water, even defecating in it and still staying in it for hours, possibly days. This just goes to prove their hardiness. Aussies are also less skitish and require less humidity and are more cold resistant...up to the 50-60 degree (F) range, but with allowing them to burrow underground. Their dispositions are very similar, but I've grown to love both species.

Just remember that keeping a CWD is going to require higher humidity and higher temps. And if you go with a plexiglass cage, ALWAYS have a screen top. You're going to need to keep something over it to keep the humidity inside the cage in, and to keep the lizard from jumping out. I've been suprised at how high my dragons jump.

I hope that I've shed some light on your question. I know that I didn't answer all of your questions...but I hope I helped.

Good Luck

I'll finish answering the questions...

If you go with the mesh cage, the lights need to go on the outside....only because I've seen my dragons climb upside down across the top of the screen. If for some reason your dragon does the same, then it'll burn itself on the lamps. Also, maintenance will be much easier if the lamps are on the outside (i.e. changing a burnt out bulb, etc.). If you're going to make a pond-type setting, you're going to need a very-thick plexiglass with lots of aquarium sealant to prevent leakage. I hope I helped.

Good Luck again