Beardy outdoor cage substrate help.

[Beardy1]

I have made a outdoor cage for my bearded dragon. She is 1 year and 8 months old. I was wondering what would be the best substrate to put in it. It is about 5 ft tall and if she were to fall I want something soft for her to land on. What should I put on the bottom. It is wood right now

 

[CooperDragon]

If you have the space, I'd probably use a bioactive substrate in an outdoor enclosure. http://www.geckotime.com/bio-active-reptile-substrate/

 

[Beardy1]

If you have the space, I'd probably use a bioactive substrate in an outdoor enclosure. http://www.geckotime.com/bio-active-reptile-substrate/

I like that idea but about getting stuff from my woods is I live behind a farm and they spray pesticides. I don't trust anything from back there.

 

[CooperDragon]

That's definitely a concern. You can probably substitute store bought items for things picked up from the woods. You can order leaf litter and isopods to stock the enclosure. I don't have firsthand experience with this type of substrate but there are others on here who do so they may be able to provide you with some good ideas for implementing it.

 

[Beardy1]

That's definitely a concern. You can probably substitute store bought items for things picked up from the woods. You can order leaf litter and isopods to stock the enclosure. I don't have firsthand experience with this type of substrate but there are others on here who do so they may be able to provide you with some good ideas for implementing it.

Ok thanks

 

[AHBD]

Hi there, can you post pics of it ? Is it all wood + wire ? Here's how to post pics :
https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/
Then hit the XIMG button.
I was going to suggest making the cage longer and shorter. I had a wood + wire cage years ago that was 12 L x 3H x 3W. I just loaded it with driftwood an a couple of hibiscus bushes, beardies loved it.

 

[ruben0311]

if the structure is going to be staying in the same spot you would be able to dig it into a depressed area and just use the existing soil poured back into it, you wouldnt be able to use the wood though unless treated but that would ensure that if he liked to dig it would not let him escape, the natural fauna and flora would be able to come and go as it pleased, and would still be relatively soft in case of falls. I think the better choice to protect him though would be to make the climbing areas as wide and stable as possible, maybe even making a second level within the structure that is accesible through a ramp so it is even shorter a distance if a fall takes place.

 

[AHBD]

I thought the same thing, remove the bottom piece of wood and digging it into the ground. I now have cages that set directly on the grass. The dragons enjoy eating the clover + dandelion. A few tall basking areas + 1-2 hibiscus bushes are all you'd need and falling would pose no risk.

 

[ruben0311]

I would maybe put some chicken wire or some other type of good caging under the soil though, just incase he digs good or even if a darn gopher or some other little critter digs up underneath and makes a possible escape route for him... just to be safe.

 

[Beardy1]

Thanks for the suggestions

 

[AHBD]

Very nice and he's enjoying the rays already. I would definitely turn it on it's side so you have more length than height, and it might be best to get the wire off of his ramp....I think his claws will easily get snagged in them. Add a few more basking areas and a hibiscus bush from any gardening center. When I got my bushes I hosed them off to be sure any [ possible ] pesticides were run off.

 

[Beardy1]

Very nice and he's enjoying the rays already. I would definitely turn it on it's side so you have more length than height, and it might be best to get the wire off of his ramp....I think his claws will easily get snagged in them. Add a few more basking areas and a hibiscus bush from any gardening center. When I got my bushes I hosed them off to be sure any [ possible ] pesticides were run off.

. I think she would slide off if I didn't have the mesh on on ramp. She seems to climb up it fine

 

[AHBD]

I just personally think it's too high....there's a whole lot of space she isn't utilizing and a very long drop if she jumps out of fear. But I'm sure you'll figure something out, I just can see it in a much different way with a lot more room + climbing spaces. Whatever substrate you use will eventually rot the wood if the cage is always kept outside.

 

[Beardy1]

I just personally think it's too high....there's a whole lot of space she isn't utilizing and a very long drop if she jumps out of fear. But I'm sure you'll figure something out, I just can see it in a much different way with a lot more room + climbing spaces. Whatever substrate you use will eventually rot the wood if the cage is always kept outside.

She rarely moves in it. Yesterday she just walked to the top right before the ledge to bask and sat in the shade for 3 hours and then I brought her back inside. Also how do I keep the ticks away.

 

[AHBD]

I don't think you'll have any problems with ticks, they are usually in the woods. I've kept beardies outside for over 20 years, never saw a tick and dragons never got mites either. But you've done a great job making an outdoor cage for her, she will get the best uvb in the world. You can save $$ on uvb bulbs because you don't need to put her uvb lights on even when she comes back in on the days that she spends outdoors.