Bioactive bearded dragon enclosure!!!!

[Klyde O'Scope]

So at the basking spot I'm looking at a reading of 2.0 from the linear and I'm guessing 2-4 from the compact beacause it's so close so I think she'll be good until I get the new uvb and hopefully it will be resolved before that beacause I did just set up both of those uvb lamps, thanks for your help guys

That's better than nothing, but UVI of 4-6 is recommended.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=uvi+for+bearded+dragons

 

[Thatcher]

That's better than nothing, but UVI of 4-6 is recommended.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=uvi+for+bearded+dragons

I just talked to my mom about her loaning me enough money for the uvb so she can get healthy quick and so she doesn't have to wait

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

After the bath she ate a bunch of vegetables including spinach that I haven't fed before and understand the risk and amount you should feed and she climbed around! She looks a lot better and climbed her vertical ladder and is sleeping on top of it, it's so cute!!!

Last I knew, this was the goto chart for beardie nutrition:
http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html

If something has superseded that site, it'll be on the beardie forum.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

BTW... how big is her enclosure? (Please measure—don't guess. THX)

 

[Thatcher]

Its a 40 gallon and I want to build a 24/24/48 inch enclosure for her horizontalaly

BTW... how big is her enclosure? (Please measure—don't guess. THX

 

[Thatcher]

Bilbo pooped!!!!!!!!! And my mom ordered the uvb which will come tomorrow!!!!!!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Its a 40 gallon and I want to build a 24/24/48 inch enclosure for her horizontalaly

Let me know if you need help on that, but be prepared that they aren't cheap.
For DIY, research plans for the Crossfire Enclosure.
Here are a few links I had left over for a start.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cro...jL4NGkua_jAhVOVc0KHd9nDlIQsAR6BAgFEAE#imgrc=_
https://web.archive.org/web/20120103205559/http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/
https://web.archive.org/web/20170918084308/http://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html
https://www.beardeddragon.org/threads/crossfire-made-easy-updated-3-09-2008-56k-warning.71756/

Here's a kit. They started at $220 (without glass), but they're up to $240-$300, which is still inexpensive compared to a Zen ($350-$500).
https://talkingserpents.com/product/d-i-y-reptile-enclosure-kit-48w-x-24d-x-24h/

They don't include the glass, because it may break in shipping. When I built mine (original design), I found that 1/4" plate glass much less expensive than even 1/8" acrylic (and doesn't scratch/scuff).
You do have to shop around; I got glass quotes that varied over 100%.

 

[Thatcher]

Let me know if you need help on that, but be prepared that they aren't cheap.
For DIY, research plans for the Crossfire Enclosure.
Here are a few links I had left over for a start.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cro...jL4NGkua_jAhVOVc0KHd9nDlIQsAR6BAgFEAE#imgrc=_
https://web.archive.org/web/20120103205559/http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/
https://web.archive.org/web/20170918084308/http://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html
https://www.beardeddragon.org/threads/crossfire-made-easy-updated-3-09-2008-56k-warning.71756/

Here's a kit. They started at $220 (without glass), but they're up to $240-$300, which is still inexpensive compared to a Zen ($350-$500).
https://talkingserpents.com/product/d-i-y-reptile-enclosure-kit-48w-x-24d-x-24h/

They don't include the glass, because it may break in shipping. When I built mine (original design), I found that 1/4" plate glass much less expensive than even 1/8" acrylic (and doesn't scratch/scuff).
You do have to shop around; I got glass quotes that varied over 100%.

I have a reptibreeze xl that I could turn horizontal!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I have a reptibreeze xl that I could turn horizontal!

No. Beardies require much higher temperatures than chameleons, like 80°F on the cold/cool side, and up to 90°F+ on the hot/warm side. Basking temperatures up to 105°F (for adults; 115°F for juvies).
Check out a few care sheets or https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=bearded+dragon+temperatures
for a concensus, and/or ask on the beardie forum.

Solid walls (and ceilings) will hold heat much better, and beardies don't need as much ventilation as chameleons. That's why the Crossfire Enclosure was developed—specifically for bearded dragons.

That Reptibreeze on it's side (still have to do something about a new floor/substrate) would be great for something like green anoles. Check carefully though; Virginia has some strict laws & requirements about owning herps.
http://virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/herplaw/

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Any chance of making a beardie enclosure a father-son project?

 

[Thatcher]

Any chance of making a beardie enclosure a father-son project?

Maybe, last time I went in debt for months beacause I didn't have enough money for it and I have to pay taxes soon beacause of some weird ebay thing a year ago but I will try to get a bigger enclosure soon, any chance I could modify the reptibreeze with shower curtains or towels?

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

any chance I could modify the reptibreeze with shower curtains or towels?

I think that's a better question for the beardie forum.
https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/enclosures.34/

More beardie owners—more opinions—more experience.

Searching their archives, I find one instance asking about using a Reptibreeze for a beardie, and that was over 10 years ago.

It just wont stay hot enough for a dragon. Thats basicly a cham. cage.
https://www.beardeddragon.org/threads/open-air-screen-cage-for-a-beardie.144149/#post-1155387

IMH(onest)O, a DIY Crossfire is your best (least expensive) option. It can be done with one 4 x 8 sheet of 1/2" hardwood plywood (same cautions about softwood for reptiles) and some dimensional lumber for framing & trim.

This is an expensive hobby.

 

[Thatcher]

I think that's a better question for the beardie forum.
https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/enclosures.34/

More beardie owners—more opinions—more experience.

Searching their archives, I find one instance asking about using a Reptibreeze for a beardie, and that was over 10 years ago.


IMH(onest)O, a DIY Crossfire is your best (least expensive) option. It can be done with one 4 x 8 sheet of plywood and some dimensional lumber for framing & trim.

This is an expensive hobby.

View attachment 322050​

I actually have the plywood for that! I'll do it!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

At least you won't need a mister.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I actually have the plywood for that! I'll do it!

Plan carefully, and remember to account for 1/8" for saw kerfs.

 

[Thatcher]

so i have most of the stuff so total cost is looking to be 60$ which I can get soon!

 

[Thatcher]

is there a specific timeline this needs to be done in or just asap also what are the downsides to a 40 gallon? she doesn't really move that much, just curious. Obviously I want a bigger enclosure for her because she will look and act cooler in it because she will feel more comfortable

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

A 4 x 2 x 2 is 120 gal. That's 3X the 40 gal breeder.
Imagine your room being 1/3 the size it is...

My guy gets plenty active in the morning, but it's also providing the various gradients, perches, hides, places to lay her eggs, enrichment, etc.

What kind of plywood have you got? I can't stress this enough because softwood veneers (pine, spruce, cedar, etc.) contain VOCs, and in the enclosed space, respiratory issues can be of concern. Hardwood (esp. birch) is better, but if toy have to use softwood, seal the out of it to keep those VOCs from off-gassing. Same with structural/framing wood. Pine is OK, but keep knots to a min., and seal the wood.

 

[Thatcher]

A 4 x 2 x 2 is 120 gal. That's 3X the 40 gal breeder.
Imagine your room being 1/3 the size it is...

My guy gets plenty active in the morning, but it's also providing the various gradients, perches, hides, places to lay her eggs, enrichment, etc.

What kind of plywood have you got? I can't stress this enough because softwood veneers (pine, spruce, cedar, etc.) contain VOCs, and in the enclosed space, respiratory issues can be of concern. Hardwood (esp. birch) is better, but if toy have to use softwood, seal the out of it to keep those VOCs from off-gassing. Same with structural/framing wood. Pine is OK, but keep knots to a min., and seal the wood.

Idk what it is but it's warped so I might have to use something else but that's ok beacause my dad said he would pay for 80$! Yay! This is really cool beacause my parents have never given me a penny towards my animals!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Maybe he likes beardies, or sees that you're really serious about this—rather than new hobby/interest of the week. Don't forget him next B-day or F-day.