As a new bearded dragon owner in Australia, setting up the perfect enclosure for your pet can be a daunting task.
However, with this step-by-step guide, you can create a comfortable and healthy environment for your bearded dragon to thrive in.
From choosing the right size enclosure to providing the right lighting and temperature, this guide covers everything you need to know. Of course, if you need any additional information, our team of expert staff can gladly help you!
Choose the Right Size Enclosure.
The first step in creating the perfect bearded dragon enclosure is choosing the right size. Bearded dragons need plenty of space to move around and explore, so it’s important to choose an enclosure that is large enough for them to do so. As a general rule, the enclosure should be at least 120cm long, 60cm wide, and 60cm tall for an adult bearded dragon.
Make sure that you add a hide for your lizard, this is essential for them to fell safe if they need to retreat. The Get Your Pet Right Medium Lizard Setup is ideal for Beardies.
However, if you have the space and budget, a larger enclosure is always better. Remember, the more space your bearded dragon has, the happier and healthier they will be.
Provide Proper Lighting and Heating.
In addition to choosing the right size enclosure, it’s important to provide your bearded dragon with proper lighting and heating. Bearded dragons require UVB lighting to help them produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their bone health. You can purchase UVB bulbs specifically designed for reptiles at most pet stores. It’s also important to provide a basking spot in the enclosure where your bearded dragon can warm up.
This can be achieved with a heat lamp or ceramic heat
emitter. Make sure to monitor the temperature in the enclosure to ensure it stays within the appropriate range for your bearded dragon’s needs.
Temperature
Creating the perfect enclosure for your bearded dragon in Australia requires careful consideration of their needs. One important factor is maintaining the right temperature, which can be achieved with the help of reptile heating pads.
It's important to create a temperature gradient in the tank, with one side being warmer than the other. This allows your bearded dragon to regulate its body temperature by moving to different areas of the tank. To achieve this, use a heat lamp or ceramic heater on one side of the tank and a cooler area on the other. This gradient should span temperatures from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius. In order to create this ideal setup, a specific basking lamp should be used to raise the temperature in the basking area to approximately 32 degrees Celsius. On the opposite end of your lizard's habitat, aim for a cooler range of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. In cooler regions, you might consider utilising a heat mat to warm the substrate as an additional measure. Maintaining this proper temperature gradient is vital for the overall health and happiness of your bearded dragons.
Monitor the temperature regularly to ensure it stays within the recommended range for your bearded dragon's health and comfort.
Create a Comfortable Substrate for your bearded Dragon.
The substrate, or flooring, of your bearded dragon’s enclosure is an important
aspect of their overall comfort and health. To mimic your bearded dragons natural habitat, we recommend substrates like reptile safe sand.
Additionally, you can add some natural elements like rocks or branches, and grass hammocks for your bearded dragon to climb on and explore.
Just make sure they are securely placed and won’t fall on your pet.
Offer a Variety of Hiding Places and Climbing Opportunities.
Bearded dragons are active creatures that love to climb and explore their 
environment.
Providing a variety of hiding places and climbing opportunities in their enclosure can help keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
You can add branches, rocks, and other natural elements for them to climb on, as well as hide boxes or tunnels for them to retreat to when they need some privacy.
Just make sure these items are securely placed and won’t pose a risk to your pet’s safety.
Provide a Balanced Diet and Clean Water.
In addition to creating a stimulating environment, it’s important to provide your bearded dragon with a balanced diet and clean water. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
Offer a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as insects like crickets and mealworms. Avoid feeding them wild-caught insects, as they may carry 
parasites or pesticides.
Make sure to also provide a shallow dish of clean water, which should be changed daily. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain harmful chemicals like chlorine or fluoride. Instead, use filtered or bottled water.
Water and humidity
Setting up the perfect enclosure for your bearded dragon in Australia requires careful consideration of their natural habitat. Since bearded dragons are adapted to living in the desert, they don't drink large volumes of water. However, it's important to provide them with a suitable water bowl and pay attention to hydrating them.
For hydration, offer dark leafy greens and fruit, and occasionally mist your dragon with water from a spray bottle. With a well-designed enclosure, your bearded dragon will thrive in its new home.
Finally, include a shallow water dish for drinking and mist the enclosure daily to maintain humidity levels. Always monitor your bearded dragon's behaviour and adjust the enclosure as needed for their health and comfort.
By following these steps, you can create a comfortable and healthy home for your bearded dragon.
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