The 10 Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums for Bearded Dragons
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The bearded dragon gets its name from the frill around its neck that it can puff up like a beard when it feels threatened. These reptiles make wonderful pets because they are generally very docile and can become very tame with frequent handling.
If you’re considering a bearded dragon as a pet, be sure to research this reptile’s needs before doing so. One of the first things you’ll need to do to prepare for your new pet is buy a cage or terrarium.
In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for bearded dragons and provide tips for choosing the best bearded dragon cage. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best bearded dragon cage.
At a Glance: Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums For Bearded Dragons To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums For Bearded Dragons
|
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Screen |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Acrylic |
|
Size
48x24x24 inches |
Size
36x18x18 inches or 36x24x18 inches |
Size
36x18x24 inches |
Size
18x12x20 inches |
Size
24x18x12 inches |
Size
24x18x12 inches |
Size
10 gallons |
Size
30x12x12 inches |
Size
48x18x18 inches |
Size
40 gallons |
|
Features
Sliding doors, key-lock security |
Features
Screen top, hinged doors |
Features
Dual doors, front window ventilation |
Features
Open air, dual front doors |
Features
Front window ventilation, dual doors |
Features
Dual doors, front window ventilation |
Features
Screen cover, 2 reflective dome lights |
Features
Included dome lamps, all-glass construction |
Features
Sliding door, mesh top |
Features
Stronger than glass |
What To Look For In Cages For Bearded Dragons?
Your bearded dragon will spend most of its life in its cage, so it is important to create a cage that provides for your pet’s needs. It needs to be large enough for your bearded dragon to exhibit natural behaviors like digging and scavenging with plenty of room for rockwork and other decorations. You don’t necessarily need to buy an expensive tank, but there are certain things to look for.
Here are some important things to look for in bearded dragon cages:
- Materials – Your bearded dragon tank doesn’t need to hold water and won’t have to withstand a great deal of abuse, but it is still a good idea to choose one made from sturdy materials like glass or acrylic. A mesh top is important since bearded dragons require UVB and glass will block the UV light that they require.
- Size – The minimum case size recommended for baby bearded dragons is 20 gallons, though an adult will need a great deal more space. Do yourself a favor and start with a 40-gallon tank or larger so you don’t have to switch as your pet grows.
- Dimensions – In addition to the total size of the tank, consider the dimensions. The tank should be long and wide enough for your bearded dragon to move comfortably but it doesn’t have to be especially tall – just tall enough for your bearded dragon to be able to warm itself under the basking lamp.
- Security – Bearded dragons are not the most talented climbers in the reptile world, but they could potentially escape from an uncovered cage. To keep your bearded dragon secure, choose a cage that comes with a mesh lid or purchase one separately.
Our Top Picks For The Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums For Bearded Dragons
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a bearded dragon cage, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best bearded dragon cages.
Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium, Extra-Long
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 48x24x24 inches
- Features: Sliding doors, key-lock security
- Hinged doors for easy access/cleaning
- Key-lock security to prevent escape
- High-quality construction and large size
- More expensive than many models on the list
REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 36x18x18 inches or 36x24x18 inches
- Features: Screen top, hinged doors
- Available in two different dimensions
- Hinged front doors for easy access
- Window ventilation on sides for tubing/wires
- Assembly instructions may be somewhat confusing
- Glass materials may be prone to cracking
Exo Terra AllGlass Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 36x18x24 inches
- Features: Dual doors, front window ventilation
- Front window ventilation and screen top
- Dual front doors open separately
- Closable side inlets for wire and tubing
- Door hinges are plastic not metal
- Construction could be more durable
- The cage is taller than wide in one dimension.
Zilla Fresh Air Screen Habitat for Reptiles
Product Info
- Materials: Screen
- Size: 18x12x20 inches
- Features: Open air, dual front doors
- Dual front doors, open separately
- Mesh screen is sturdy and offers ventilation
- Mesh materials may make it extremely difficult to retain heat
- Not large enough for an adult bearded dragon
- Taller than it is wide, further complicating the heat concerns
- Bearded dragons often dig at the side of the cage and may get their toes caught in the mesh.
Exo-Terra Outback 20-Gallon Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 24x18x12 inches
- Features: Front window ventilation, dual doors
- Comes with unique 3D painted rock background
- Mesh top and front window ventilation
- Hinged dual doors for easy access/cleaning
- Not large enough for an adult bearded dragon
Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 24x18x12 inches
- Features: Dual doors, front window ventilation
- Dual hinged doors open separately
- Front window ventilation and mesh top
- Perfect size for baby bearded dragons
- Not large enough for adult bearded dragons
- Glass materials may be more fragile than acrylic
Zilla Tropical Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 10 gallons
- Features: Screen cover, 2 reflective dome lights
- Starter kit includes all of the essentials
- Affordably priced under $100
- All-glass construction with a mesh top
- Only large enough for very small bearded dragons
- Requires tall decorations to get close enough to basking lamps
Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 30x12x12 inches
- Features: Included dome lamps, all-glass construction
- Comes with all of the basic necessities
- All-glass construction with wire mesh top
- Affordably priced under $150
- Only large enough for a baby bearded dragon
- Light bulbs included with fixtures may not be ideal
REPTI ZOO 67Gallon Reptile Large Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 48x18x18 inches
- Features: Sliding door, mesh top
- All-glass construction with top mesh cover
- Sliding front door for extra security
- Window front ventilation and covered side inlets
- One of the most expensive options on the list
- Front door is not dual, slides rather than hinges
SeaClear 29 gal Show Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Product Info
- Materials: Acrylic
- Size: 40 gallons
- Features: Stronger than glass
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Acrylic construction is very durable
- More lightweight than glass tanks
- Not specifically designed for bearded dragons
- May be too tall for appropriate distance from heat lamps
Tips For Setting Up A Bearded Dragon Cage
Choosing your bearded dragon tank is just one part of the equation – you also need to know how to set it up properly! Everything from installing the right heating and lighting systems to choosing the best decorations is a detail that shouldn’t be ignored.
Here are some simple tips for setting up a bearded dragon cage:
- Choose a tank larger than you actually need to provide your pet with ample space – a 40-gallon minimum for adult bearded dragons but ideally 75 gallons.
- Make sure your bearded dragon cage has a mesh top – this is important for ventilation and to prevent your bearded dragon from escaping. It also allows UV light through the top.
- Set up your under-tank heating mats and overhead lighting to maintain one end of the tank at 80 and the other around 100, or slightly higher in the basking area.
- Keep your full-spectrum and UV lights on for 10 to 12 hours a day and use a night-time heat lamp to maintain tank temperature at night.
- Choose the right substrate and decorations to create a natural desert-like appearance in your bearded dragon tank. Rocky desert is their normal habitat. Sand should be used only in a small area of the enclosure, if used at all.
Now that you know what to look for in a bearded dragon tank and how to set it up, all that’s left to do is start shopping! Take what you’ve learned here to heart as you start looking around for the perfect cage for your bearded dragon.
Final Remarks
Bearded dragons are desert animals, so your cage should mimic your pet’s natural habitat as much as possible. Choose a cage that provides ample space and decorate it with rockwork and other natural elements to create a desert-like environment. You also need to equip it with the proper heating elements and lighting to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity.
If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a bearded dragon cage, try out one of the top 10 best bearded dragon cages we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
