Enclosures for kids...

[sbattisti]

Hi folks,

I'm on the verge of getting our first beardie. In pondering enclosures, I'm considering getting one of these:

http://store.herphut.org/glass-terrarium-pt-2613.html

Of course, this is awfully expensive. But, my son is only 9, and with a "top-loading" viv, it will be practically impossible for him to safely get the beardie in and out, and it's going to be largely his pet, so I want a setup that will encourage him to be able to be responsible.

Is anyone aware of any similar terrariums that might be less pricy, but good for beardies? Sadly, I am completely un-handy, so making my own is probably out of the question.

Any ideas?

Steve

 

[Kloster]

Why is making one out of the question?
I had 0 experience with any tools before I built my enclosure, I barely knew how to hold a hammer but it didnt stop me and it looks awesome and the cost of making it was some hrs of my time and around $80.

That being said, if you insist on buying one I recommend you check craigslist, or exoterras but im not sure if they make ones big enough for beardies... I use them for my "display" Ts.

Best of luck.

 

[sbattisti]

Why is making one out of the question?

I suspect it's not entirely out of the question, but my confidence in such an endeavor would be about a 1 out of 100. I own precisely no tools other than a screwdriver and a hammer, and honestly, the time it would take me to figure out how to do it, get the tools, get the parts, and make it, is probably worth the extra dollars to me.

That, plus there's the significant risk that I'd screw it up or make it absurdly unattractive.

I had people on here specifically recommend this tank for beardies. Do you think it's too small? (At any rate, for a juvenile? I'm planning on getting one around 6" to start with...)

Thanks!

 

[thacarter]

Hi folks,



Is anyone aware of any similar terrariums that might be less pricy, but good for beardies? Sadly, I am completely un-handy, so making my own is probably out of the question.

Any ideas?

Steve

http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=6

i made my own as well, but i had all of the tools already

 

[sbattisti]

http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=6

i made my own as well, but i had all of the tools already

Thanks for that! So, if I were to go with these folks, and I wanted a tank that would suit our beardie through to adulthood (a single animal), would I go for something like the "50 Gal. Tall Granite Acrylic"? (36 x 18 x 17) (Hey, it says "THIS CAGE RECOMMENDED BY BEARDED DRAGON BREEDERS FOR A SINGLE ANIMAL --GEORGIA BEARDED DRAGONS." )

Or do you see a different size that looks like a better fit?

Although, hmm, at $170, canopy not included, I'm not sure that would end up much cheaper.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[DeweysMom]

I found that Exo-Terra enclosure last night at a better price ($190). I'm also considering that one for my future beardie. You can check it out here...

http://store.everythingreptileinc.com/pt2613.html

 

[sbattisti]

I found that Exo-Terra enclosure last night at a better price ($190). I'm also considering that one for my future beardie. You can check it out here...

http://store.everythingreptileinc.com/pt2613.html

I found that too, but the shipping was $110.

 

[Kloster]

Thats the ting, with these enclosures since theyre glass and heavy expect to pay A LOT in shipping.

Hence the whole reasoning for going through the trouble of making yours.
I recommend taking a trip to petco and checking craigslist often though. Ive seen mine have 40 gallon breeders and what not for less than $200.

 

[wes]

But, my son is only 9, and with a "top-loading" viv, it will be practically impossible for him to safely get the beardie in and out, and it's going to be largely his pet, so I want a setup that will encourage him to be able to be responsible.

For what it's worth, my son is also 9 and handles the beardie a few times daily. We have a 50 gallon "top loading" critter cage that is in his room, at the foot of his bed, and he has no problems safely getting the beardie in and out of the cage. At first, he used to climb on the bed and reach in, but now he usually just stands on his toes and reaches in. I'm not sure exactly how he does it, because the top of the cage is above his armpits (he is not tall for his age), but usually the beardie is on one of his basking spots and with all the handling, I think they've built a certain amount of trust between the two of them. But my son can also reach down for the food and water bowl, to pick up poop, etc. If your son is like most 9 year old boys, and not afraid to handle a beardie, I think he will be fine with a top loading cage. Worse case scenario, you could provide a stool for him to stand on. I don't want to discourage you from a "front loading" cage, I think they are nicer, but I don't think you have to rule out a "top loading" cage.

And I agree with Kloster to check craigslist regularly. Here are the search terms I used in order of success: bearded, reptile, aquarium, fish tank. You might find someone with a whole package: cage, light fixtures, feeding bowls, etc.

 

[sbattisti]

Interesting, I found these two listed:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/for/1491145035.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/for/1488536953.html

 

[Bellalee]

Glass cages actually go to reptile shows.. I got 2 of my 40 gallons from them. Of course I can't finish my statements... that saves on all the shipping there... just look for reptile expos around you. I know they go to white plains, ny

 

[sbattisti]

Glass cages actually go to reptile shows.. I got 2 of my 40 gallons from them. Of course I can't finish my statements... that saves on all the shipping there... just look for reptile expos around you. I know they go to white plains, ny

Yeah, I just went to one yesterday, but I couldn't pull the trigger.