Enclosure "needs" ?

[Chirple]

So, it won't be for a while since my little guy is still on medication, but I'm trying to work on designing some fake rocks and such for him.

I did some searching, but found lists of UBV needs and such.

badsketch

If 50% of the width of the cage was how wide the top "shelf" was, would the resulting "cave" be too much of a shady area in the tank ? Should I break it up with like, "light leak" holes or having it away from the back corner (to be more of a bridge) ? I would probably put a nice fluffy bed in the cave area. I'm trying to stick to rectangular shapes for the rocks because I have never carved anything before. D:

And I was wondering, do they need "running around" space ? I know they mainly bask, but I've only had him and been able to observe for a few weeks. How important is unobstructed floorspace for running ?

I've been trying to look at pictures of their natural habitat, and would eventually like some tile that looks like their packed sand/earth, but I'd really like to get a better basking spot in for him for when he's clear of parasites.

Thank you

 

[Luthien]

As long as your beardie can get to a 100-110F basking spot the shaded area won't matter. As for running around space, yes beardies do need exercise but if you take him/her out daily for a running around session less space in the tank won't matter.

Also remember that a beardie needs to get within a certain range of the UVB light. All UVB lights are different so make sure to read the box of the light you have.

 

[Chirple]

Thanks ! I'm new to bearded dragons and I don't want to make something bad for him.

I was planning on making the big "shelf" where his basking spot is now. The UVB bulb is 2/3 the tank length about and to the right, so it would be right over it.

And I let him out every day. I have to make myself put him back since I know he needs the UBV from his bulb.

 

[Luthien]

Sounds good, your new friend should love his new home!