Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys. I am trying to build my own cage for my bearded dragon. Sam is only 3 months old, 11 inches long, and 92 grams and is a normal morph. The cage is going to be 40in W X 2ft L X 2ft H. It is going to be made out of wood and mesh screen. I am going to paint the wood with some kind of coating that the crickets wont be able to climb up. I have a pretty good idea of what Im going to do (I drew exactly how I want it) but I would like pics of your guy's enclosures for your beardies. It of course doesnt have to be just mesh and wood (it can be glass) but I just would like to get an idea of what most people do. Thanks
Meghan

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1.0 Normal Bearded Dragon (Sam)
2.2 Russian Tortoises (Leo, Cole, Piper, Prue)
0.2 Dogs (Molly-Beagle, Zoei-German Shorthaired Pointer)
View My Photos: http://photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

>>Hi guys. I am trying to build my own cage for my bearded dragon... The cage is going to be 40in W X 2ft L X 2ft H.

Unless you have compelling reasons for these dimensions (like they're the only ones that will fit in a designated space) I'd encourage you to make the cage a bit longer and a bit taller.

The extra length will be appreciated by your dragon and will likely be easier to build since most lumber comes in 4' increments. Reduces the number of cuts. It's also better if you plan to use 4' lights which provide more light intensity per $$ than smaller lights. Not as big of a deal if you're using mercury vapor.

I like a bit more height to allow room for lights and heating elements while still providing a bit of climbing area.

>> ...I would like pics of your guy's enclosures for your beardies.

This is a very basic cage made of birch laminated plywood and sliding glass doors. The wood was coated with a mahogany colored stain and several coats of Polycrylic, a water based polyurethane.

The floor is covered with a scrap piece of vinyl flooring.

I typically have said on this forum that the cage looks much better in person than this picture suggests, but after a few moves, etc. it's looking a bit worn. Nothing a few light sandings and refinishing won't cure.

Ventilation is provided by a screen covered false-ceiling. Totally hidden and works very well for a bearded dragon.

Cage is about 49.5" x 20" x 29" - I don't have a tape measure handy to double check.

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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

Hi,
Very nice cage. The reason for the dimensions is that is what will fit in the area I have for the cage. I can make it a bit taller and possibly a bit wider but definately not longer. I would love to make it bigger but that just isnt possible. Thanks so much
Meghan
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1.0 Normal Bearded Dragon (Sam)
2.2 Russian Tortoises (Leo, Cole, Piper, Prue)
0.2 Dogs (Molly-Beagle, Zoei-German Shorthaired Pointer)
View My Photos: http://photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos