I posted on the Health forum about my new adopted/rescued beardie. I recently transferred him from a 20gal terrarium to a much more livable 4x2x2 Mellamine cage.
I have been doing a lot of research as to how to set this cage up and it just seems a bit overwhelming.
I am wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to specifically set this cage up in terms of branches, wood, decorations, etc., so that it is a much more livable space for Risky (that's his name!)
So far, all I have is a basking rock, one fake strand of cannabis plants, and a piece of Malaysian driftwood (all purchased from Pet Mountain). Right now, I'm using newspaper for a substrate, but will soon get the non-adhesive shelf liner. I know,...this is a pathetic setup right now.
What products/items/objects specifically (brand names, websites to purchases, etc.) can I get some really good materials for his soon-to-be environment.
What should every good 4x2x2 cage have in it? I have seen some pictures online of just fantastic cages. I know that this is a skill setting this stuff up, so I wanted to ask some of you beloved beardie owners out there...what should I get for Risky?
Well, he doesn't really need anything, other than some good basking spots and enough space to move from warmer to cooler areas when he feels like it. All the decorations are for you - the owner - not the lizard. So if you are asking if he needs anything else for it to be a suitable home, then the answer is no.
If you want to put in some cool looking rocks and things, that's perfectly fine. Just keep in mind that the more stuff you add, the more of a hassle cleaning can be and the more trouble it can be to find uneaten insects. You definitely don't want any stray insects running around in the cage after dark.
I would definitely recommend using tiles it works out really well and looks really nice. I used 12x12 slate tiles. The shelves work out great too( also made from 12x12 slate tiles). Shelf liner seems wasteful and generally stained really easy when I used it in Obie's 90 gallon aquarium.
As far as decorations go you really don't need them. I would recommend a fairly minimalistic setup so that there is a lot of
roaming space. All extra decor does is clutter up the space with things your dragon does not need and makes it harder to clean. By all means give your dragon a great basking spot, but I wouldn't waste money on other stuff.