Using ferret cage for beardie?

aguerrant

New member
I have a big girl who’s 4 years old & I feel like her 55 gallon tank is getting too small for her… I was wondering if I used a 3 tier ferret/cat cage, would that affect her temperature. I figured the cage would be metal so I know the lamp would be fine on top but I worry she may get too cold if I were to do that. Has anyone done this before? Pros? Cons? Or any alternative options? Adding photo of cage I’m talking about using for visual
 

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ChileanTaco

Sub-Adult Member
Beardie name(s)
Taco
I agree: It is not sufficient - the tiers/levels, the wire (won't hold temperature well), all of that is far from what a beardie needs.
Please order a new or used reptile enclosure (tank, terrarium) of the size 4x2x2 (means: 4 foot x 2 foot x 2 foot, or convert it to cm if that's what you are familiar with).
 

CKnodel

Member
Beardie name(s)
Tyrion
I have a big girl who’s 4 years old & I feel like her 55 gallon tank is getting too small for her… I was wondering if I used a 3 tier ferret/cat cage, would that affect her temperature. I figured the cage would be metal so I know the lamp would be fine on top but I worry she may get too cold if I were to do that. Has anyone done this before? Pros? Cons? Or any alternative options? Adding photo of cage I’m talking about using for visual
I would be concerned with the lights to be honest. I was thinking of using like a gerbil home. I know the zen habitats are the norm however I am having issues with mine [5 months old] he hates being handled. He is always stressed and nips at me when I try to even put my hands in his 40 gallon now.
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
I have successfully used ferret cages, but not like that one. First is the ability to fall. Beardies fall and that particular cage has falls way to tall. Second is beardies are lazy, your girl will get into the lower levels and not get back up. So no basking or uvb. Third is temp, you'll never keep that cage at temp.
I used highly modified ferret nation cages. By highly modified I mean I installed birtch panels to seal the sides and I glassed in the doors to seal them. That is the ONLY way to keep heat in. I also sealed the ramp between the top and bottom to make it into two habitats.
For the price of a ferret nation cage, the materials to make it usable and the time required to prepare it, your are much cheaper and faster to buy a Zen Habitat or a Dubias.com habitat. Your Zens can be had for 299.00 at last I checked.
This is pictures of what I did. The reason I did it was because I had had ferrets and still had the cages after all my ferrets passed. I would never have bought the cages just to do this project. In the 2nd and 3rd picture you'll see the camera flash in the glass of the glassed in doors. Unless you have the ability to do wood working and to cut glass to fit this is a tough project. Heck even having the tools it was tough getting the glass to fit right. Hours of nipping for little imperfections in the door frames.
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Rocky2022

Gray-bearded Member
Beardie name(s)
Rocky, Ruby
I have successfully used ferret cages, but not like that one. First is the ability to fall. Beardies fall and that particular cage has falls way to tall. Second is beardies are lazy, your girl will get into the lower levels and not get back up. So no basking or uvb. Third is temp, you'll never keep that cage at temp.
I used highly modified ferret nation cages. By highly modified I mean I installed birtch panels to seal the sides and I glassed in the doors to seal them. That is the ONLY way to keep heat in. I also sealed the ramp between the top and bottom to make it into two habitats.
For the price of a ferret nation cage, the materials to make it usable and the time required to prepare it, your are much cheaper and faster to buy a Zen Habitat or a Dubias.com habitat. Your Zens can be had for 299.00 at last I checked.
This is pictures of what I did. The reason I did it was because I had had ferrets and still had the cages after all my ferrets passed. I would never have bought the cages just to do this project. In the 2nd and 3rd picture you'll see the camera flash in the glass of the glassed in doors. Unless you have the ability to do wood working and to cut glass to fit this is a tough project. Heck even having the tools it was tough getting the glass to fit right. Hours of nipping for little imperfections in the door frames.
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I was about to tag you🤣
 

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Mirage is feeling sPiCy
Does this look like a healthy beardie
LarryTheLizard wrote on ForLeonard!'s profile.
Aww your profile picture is precious ❤️‍🩹
Hey! I'm planning on ordering a 4x2x2 for my next beardie but I'm worried about lighting. I have a UVA and a UVB but they are small (the UVA just being a bulb and the UVB being 12 ish inches?) My house is drafty so I need a strong light that puts off quite a good amount of heat, any suggestions?

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