DIY Enclosure Plans

pierceofthereptiles · Mar 30, 2017

As I'm going to be getting my tax refund back in the coming weeks, I want to start laying down solid plans for a DIY enclosure for Mizu. I wanted to know if MDF is a suitable plywood to build with instead of lumber and, one of my major paranoia concerns, if anyone has experienced their beardie falling/jumping from a ledge/upper level and injuring themselves (or seeming like they would have).

Taterbug · Mar 30, 2017

MDF would be heavy and not as strong as plywood, plus much more prone to moisture damage. I like the look of plywood but many people use melamine or even OSB.

My first dragon had some health issues and fell off his 10" tall platform into tile and was paralyzed. However Pepper jumps off things all the time. I try to arrange things so he isn't as tempered (mostly because he faceplabts into the wall or glass) but he takes the drop from his cage (18") or the couch (24") to the carpet with no issue (I've tried making ramps, he'd rather shimmy down till he drops). Health and on what/how they land probably has a lot to do with it.

pierceofthereptiles · Mar 31, 2017

Okay, that's good to know. If I'm concerned about him falling off ledges, do you think it's reasonable to make the height of the enclosure less than 2' ? Say 18", that way a basking shelf wouldn't be as high from the floor of the enclosure (to make sure the basking spot is still 10"-12" from the lamp).

Then plywood it is! I like the look of plywood plenty, just curious since MDF is usually a smidgen cheaper. I'm not sure where to find melamine, whether it's sold in large sizes at Lowes and/or Home Depot but when I go to get the wood and hardware I'll definitely ask an employee what melamine they have stocked.

Thanks for the advice!

Taterbug · Mar 31, 2017

Personally I like tall enclosures and wouldn't make one for a beardie less than three feet tall. Mine is 4', considering the lights are inside the first 12-14" isn't "usable". It's easier to adjust lights down than to make your enclosure taller if you gain confidence in your beardies climbing skill. Does Mizu have any health issues that may effect his fitness? Ortherwise, it's sortof like humans and the gym, the more practice and in shape they are the better climbers and less likely to fall if you set things up right.

pierceofthereptiles · Mar 31, 2017

I'm new to being his owner but his previous family didn't maintain a healthy diet for him. Crickets roughly every three weeks. Kale only when they remembered to put it in his dish. No water dish or misting for providing him drinkable water. And his tank was a 5 gallon with only a heat rock. No UVB provided. His tank was at floor level in the house so he was exposed to cool air. And they said they'd had him for 5 years or so.

I'm going to schedule him a vet visit so for right now I'm cautious of him falling.

Taterbug · Mar 31, 2017

Poor guy, glad he's found you. On his case I would opt for more floor space over more height for sure. 24-36" is still good height wise for an enclosed space (like the cross fire enclosures), so you can keep the lights far enough away if your mounting them inside the cage. (I recommend T5 lights too for UVB) You can add platforms and climbables but I'd make it inconvenient to take the quick way down, Tater (first dragon) liked to drop off the edge instead of use his ramp.

It might be worth getting X-rays on him if he was so poorly neglected.

DIY Enclosure Plans

pierceofthereptiles

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