This comprehensive guide reviews the top 5 enclosures for bearded dragons, highlighting their pros and cons based on firsthand experience and consumer feedback.
From the Exo Terra Large Tall Glass Enclosure to the Carolina Custom Cage Extra-Tall, each option is evaluated for its features such as ventilation, accessibility, and safety measures.
The article also offers practical insights into the ideal sizes and types of enclosures for bearded dragons at different life stages, ensuring you choose the best habitat for your pet’s needs and comfort.
Whether you’re setting up a new home for your bearded dragon or looking to upgrade, this guide provides all the essential details to help you make an informed decision.
Top 5 Best Enclosures For Bearded Dragons
1. Exo Terra Large Tall Glass Enclosure Review
The Exo Terra All Glass Enclosure provides you with the ability to replicate any habitat suited for your reptile – whether it’s an arid desert, a tropical setting, or something else entirely. It is commonly known as a large bearded dragon enclosure by beardie enthusiasts.
It comes with a waterproof foundation, which comes in handy when you want to make a tiny lake for your pet to enjoy. This gives the enclosure the appearance of being lifelike!
The Beardie’s Exo Terra also has an exceptionally generously sized ground foundation that you can fill with sand, soil, or any other substrate that your Beardie enjoys scooping up. Its base is significantly deeper when compared to the majority of glass tanks, giving your Beardie plenty of room to move around.
The Exo Terra All Glass Enclosure’s ventilation system is one of its most appealing features, and it is one of its most important selling factors. It does a great job of retaining and regulating humidity. It allows for constant airflow regardless of how you choose to alter the cage’s design. Similarly, the tank’s top is stainless steel, which does not interfere with infrared and ultraviolet light transmission. You may take the cover off at any moment to clean it if necessary.
Furthermore, this cage is easy to get into. It has twin front-facing doors. The process of feeding and interacting with your pet becomes much simpler. Cleaning is also a breeze as a result of this. Because the rotating doors open and close one at a time, it is unlikely that anyone will escape. Additionally, the doors are equipped with a safety lock to keep mischievous hands away from your animals.
This glass enclosure will be sent to your home completely constructed and ready to use. This means you won’t have to waste valuable time attempting to figure out how to fiddle with bolts and nuts on your vehicle. Unfortunately, the glass doors are not as strong and thick as the remainder of the tank, which makes them less secure. Aside from that, this cage is not recommended for those on a limited budget.
The product has the following dimensions: 18″ x 36″ x 24″.
Pros:
- Ventilation system
- Includes a raised bottom frame for the substrate heater
- Waterproof foundation
- There are two front-facing doors for ease of access.
- It is equipped with a dependable safety lock.
- Ready to use straight out of the box, fully built.
- The stainless steel cover enables UVB to pass through.
- The top grate may be easily removed for maintenance.
Cons:
- The glass doors are not as thick as the rest of the doors.
- It’s a significant drain on the wallet.
2. Carolina Custom Large Enclosure Review
Carolina Custom Cages manufactures a diverse selection of well-constructed cages. The dimensions of this particular model are 36″ x 18″ x 18″. Reptile owners who ordered this cage were blown away because it arrived in such pristine condition, as was to be anticipated from Carolina.
The cage is simple to put together, which means your Beardie will be able to enjoy his new home much sooner than otherwise. It is equipped with a strong lock, making it nearly hard for attackers to access the cage. This cage is also constructed with a water-resistant foundation. Due to its top screen being made of a metal mesh that is not too fine, the device is excellent at retaining heat. To avoid having to plug in crumpled tissues to keep your pet’s food from escaping, you can discover openings for electric wires that are small enough.
Pros:
- Extremely simple to assemble
- There is a lot of space.
- Generous-sized doors for improved accessibility
- The use of metal mesh and a door lock increases the level of security.
- The removable metal mesh will not restrict the heat.
- Crystal clear glass that is simple to clean
- The holes for electrical wiring are sufficiently tiny.
- It has a watertight foundation.
Cons:
- The product is one foot shorter than the previous model.
- There are no sliding doors in this room.
3. Reptizoo Reptile Glass Enclosure Review
A nice option is the REPTIZOO Reptile Glass Enclosure, which is also available. You may keep your Bearded Dragon in this enclosure since it is a cozy habitat. You may discover closable tube inlets that allow you to install various types of equipment that will assist you in simulating your pet’s natural environment.
This cage is constructed with doors open from the front, providing convenient access. The doors are intended to close independently of one another to reduce the likelihood of escape while you feed or make changes within the enclosure. A watertight bottom is also included, allowing you to conceal a substrate warmer behind the cage’s raised surface.
Furthermore, this cage is included with an easy-to-follow instruction booklet. To put together this cage takes no more than five minutes. This product has dimensions of 36″ x 18″ x 18″, which is sufficient space for one Bearded Dragon to live comfortably. To manage more equipment as well as some additional decorations, it is recommended that you pick a larger cage.
Pros:
- The large entrance doors open independently of one another.
- The full-width metal top screen enables UVB to pass through to the inside.
- It is equipped with a closable tube inlet for connecting electrical devices.
- Ventilation is provided through windows on the left and right sides.
- It is simple to put together.
Cons:
- There is just one key that is used to operate the door lock.
- It restricts your ability to install more supplies.
4. Carolina Custom Cage Extra-Tall Review
This simple-to-build cage is available in a whopping 18 distinct types, including medium, tall, gigantic deep, bio-deep, and others. Each model is straightforward to assemble and requires no tools. In addition to the bio-deep versions, there are models with waterproof bases that are 4 inches, 6.3 inches, and 7.5 inches deep, as well as ones with a waterproof base that is 12 inches deep. Some variants (24 and 36 inches in length) have hinged doors, whereas the others have sliding doors, depending on the manufacturer (48 and 72 inches long).
Every model, regardless of its make or model number, is equipped with a key-lock function. This cage is manufactured by Carolina Custom Cages, a part of Carolina Designer Dragons. It is available in the following specifications: The item is 49.5×20.2×11.5 inches and weighs around 73 pounds. This cage now comes packaged in a more durable cardboard box with additional Styrofoam to ensure that the cage is properly protected. Keeping reptile habitats clean is essential, and this cage makes it easy to do so because it is designed for easy cleaning. Nowadays, this is the best-bearded dragon enclosure for sale in the market.
Pros:
- These custom cages are equipped with a lock-key function.
- There are 18 various models of these cages to select from, so there is something for everyone.
- These cages are incredibly simple to put together.
- Two different styles of cage doors are available, depending on the size of the cage.
Cons:
- Certain functions are only accessible on particular models and not on others.
5. Exo Terra Short All Glass Enclosure Review
A new model from Exo Terra has been introduced, and it is somewhat shorter than the previous one. The dimensions of this cage are 24″ x 18″ x 12″. Bearded Dragons are not good climbers, and they prefer to spend the majority of their time lounging on the ground rather than climbing. As a result, a tall cage isn’t essential.
This cage also features wide pivoting doors, making it simple to feed and interact with your cat while in it. A four-inch gap exists between the tank’s doors and the bottom, indicating that it is sufficiently deep. It is possible to set up a heat lamp against the wall or to hang it from the top of the cabinet.
In some aspects, this specific model is identical to the Long Tall model in appearance. It is intended to provide a feeling of tranquility. Furthermore, it is set against a breathtaking rocky background. Without a doubt, your Beardie will feel right at home right away! The grooved wall is composed of foam, which may be removed at any moment if necessary.
However, when your Beardie develops into an adult, you will need to increase the size of your cage. This cage is only suited for a hatchling at this point.
Pros:
- Waterproof foundation
- It has a genuine, rocky background.
- There are two front-facing doors for ease of access.
- It is equipped with a dependable safety lock.
- Ready to use straight out of the box, fully built.
- The stainless steel cover enables UVB to pass through.
- The lockable mesh lid is simple to remove for cleaning purposes.
Cons:
- This product is not suited for a fully-grown Bearded Dragon.
A Bearded Dragon Tank: What to Look for
It is possible to choose from several different enclosure configurations, depending on the age of your bearded dragon, the sort of setup you like, and the amount of money you choose to invest. The majority of bearded dragon enclosures available on the market are essentially the same in design and function.
The size and design of a tank are essential factors to consider since they impact its safety and longevity.
An excellent bearded dragon enclosure, regardless of its variations, has certain characteristics in common:
- Size (120-gallon bearded dragon tank setup is considered ideal).
- Design (Material, good ventilation).
- Safety and protection (front opening doors with key lock).
- Safety (sturdy with well-fitted screen top).
The most sensitive factors to consider when selecting a bearded dragon enclosure are its size and style. A 120-gallon cage is an ideal size for an adult bearded dragon. Enclosures that are larger than this are not advised since they are difficult to clean and maintain at the proper temperature.
Below are the suggested cage sizes for bearded dragons at various phases of their life, as indicated by their age.
Optimal Cage Dimensions for a Bearded Dragon
If you have a bearded dragon as a pet, you must give them a cage that allows them to move about and exercise.
Tip: Always keep in mind that the larger the cage, the better the results.
Enclosures For Baby Bearded Dragon
You will need at least a 20-gallon tank that is around 30x13x12 inches to house a newborn bearded dragon. The 40-gallon (48x12x14) tank, on the other hand, is highly suggested because you will want a larger tank after your Beardie reaches the age of 3 to 4 months.
Some owners also use 4x2x2 bearded dragon enclosures for newborn babies, but they soon get big enough not to fit in that cage. So find a large enclosure from the very start.
Enclosures For Juvenile Bearded Dragon
A minimum of a 40-gallon tank is required for juveniles between the ages of three and five months. However, a 55- to 75-gallon tank is excellent since it provides ample space for your dragon to live a long and healthy life.
A fully Mature Bearded Dragon
A bigger enclosure/tank is required for a fully developed lizard, generally 15 to 18 months old. They do best in a tank with a capacity of 100 to 120 gallons.
Many bearded dragon enthusiasts, particularly on the internet, advocate for smaller cage sizes, such as 55-gallon containers for fully grown dragons. While a 55-gallon tank is still acceptable, I honestly feel it is far too tiny for a fully-grown bearded dragon to live comfortably in it.
Those who insist on keeping a smaller enclosure don’t go any smaller than a hundred-gallon container.
Design
Bearded dragons are not particularly excellent climbers, as seen by their lack of scales. Rather than basking in the sun, they prefer to spend their time on the ground or climbing up low branches. Because of this, a custom bearded dragon enclosure in a horizontal shape is preferable to a vertical enclosure.
Ventilation is also an essential consideration in the design process. The enclosure must be designed to allow for adequate air circulation. The height of the enclosure and the material used to construct it are the two most important considerations.
There are numerous bearded dragon enclosure ideas about ventilation, but the most effective method of achieving ventilation is through the screen mesh tops, which let heat and light pass through.
Some equipment is more effective than others at holding heat and humidity, whereas others are not. If the enclosure loses heat fast, the cost of heating will rise as a result of the requirement to compensate for the loss of heat.
Safety
If you have a bearded dragon, you should ensure that the enclosure is safe enough that your bearded dragon cannot escape and that other animals cannot get into it. It should be equipped with a key lock or cover clips for further security. The presence of them is particularly crucial if your tank is opened from the top.
Bearded dragons are curious creatures that have been known to unintentionally open the doors of their enclosures when investigating.
Durability
The enclosure should be constructed of robust, high-quality, and long-lasting materials. A well-constructed tank should survive the whole life of the bearded dragon without the need for replacement.
Bearded dragons are quite sensitive to changes in their habitat, so keep this in mind while making adjustments. If they are maintained in the same enclosure throughout their lives, they will feel more safe and comfortable.
Some beardie owners prefer DIY bearded dragon enclosures over market-based ones, and they make their enclosures (if they have the skill and resources).
Openings of Doors
Front-opening doors are preferable over top-opening doors when it comes to bearded dragon cages. The fact that you are approaching your Beardie from above may give them worry since they will see you as a potential threat. (Predators are most often seen from above.)
Front-opening doors also offer easy access to the enclosure, which makes cleaning and maintaining the enclosure less difficult. Enclosures with top openings are difficult to reach, especially when lighting and heating bulbs are in the way.
Some other important characteristics to look for in a bearded dragon enclosure include:
- It should be simple to remove any undesirable additions, such as viruses, fungi, parasites, and germs when properly cleaned.
- It should be simple to disinfect effectively.
- It must be large enough to accommodate at least basic furnishings without causing undue congestion on the ground.
- The ability to guarantee that your pet will never come into touch with heat lights is essential. They may, and do, get charred.
- No hazardous vapors should be released from the enclosure as a result of the materials used in its construction, especially when heating is used.
- The enclosure should not be susceptible to melting or warping as a result of prolonged exposure to heat, particularly near the heat lamp.
- If the enclosure is outside (even if just for a portion of the year), it must be provided with both sun and shade to allow the occupant to move between the two as needed and protection from cold drafts, rain extreme heat.
Problems Concerning the Enclosure of the Common Bearded Dragon
- The most common error new bearded dragon owners make when purchasing an enclosure is selecting a too-small space for their dragon.
- Smaller enclosures are typically more inexpensive, and they may appear to be a better fit for a newborn bearded dragon due to their smaller size. But resist the temptation! Bearded dragons are extremely fast-growing and will rapidly outgrow a tiny cage. Due to this, it is advisable to purchase a bigger cage from the start.
- When it comes to bearded dragon enclosures, glass enclosures are the most common choice. However, the glass can be reflected at times, and your Beardie may get a glimpse of itself in the mirror.
- Bearded dragons are territorial species, and they may see their reflection as an invader if they are not used to seeing themselves. If they get a glimpse of themselves in the mirror, they may begin to puff out their beard, hiss, or wave their arm.
- When purchasing a bearded dragon enclosure, one of the most common mistakes new bearded dragon owners make is purchasing an enclosure that is not designed particularly for reptiles. Non-purpose tanks sometimes lack secure tops that allow for the installation of heating and lighting equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Necessary To Use A Bearded Dragon Enclosure With A Bearded Dragon Stand?
No, for enclosures, there is no requirement for stands. Some types, like the Carolina 120-gallon long tank, are quite hefty and look better when supported by a stand.
If you opt not to use support, make sure the corners of your enclosure are elevated to allow air to circulate beneath the cage and around the plants. This is especially crucial if you are utilizing an under-tank heater to keep the tank from overheating while driving.
Q2. Should a Bearded Dragon Enclosure Have a Front Opening Door?
Bearded dragon tanks indeed benefit from front-opening doors the most. With a front-opening door, you can securely handle your dragon while also making it simpler to transport items about the cage and feed them.
Enclosures with top-opening doors are more difficult to reach without disrupting the lighting or heating systems. Furthermore, beardies do not appreciate being picked up from above.
Q3. Do bearded dragon cages have a distinct odor?
Bearded dragons are odor-free pets, but if you don’t clean their cage regularly, they may emit some extremely objectionable scents.
If you don’t clean their cage regularly, they can emit some highly objectionable odors. The organic waste and germs in the bearded dragon tank are generally the source of the foul odor. However, as long as you routinely and adequately clean their enclosure, you will be alright.
Q4. What is the best way to keep a bearded dragon enclosure warmer?
Heat lamps will need to be installed in the enclosure for it to get warmer. There are several different types of heat bulbs explicitly designed for bearded dragons that you can purchase for a few dollars each.
Conclusion
When purchasing an enclosure for bearded dragons, the essential factors to consider are the size, safety, and design of the enclosure. However, it would help if you considered other factors such as durability, material, hood fixing, and door designs.
Read More: Is It Okay For Bearded Dragons To Open Mouths Often?
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