Before designing a naturalistic bearded dragon cage , you must take into consideration the following facts about bearded dragons:

1. Bearded dragons need to bask under the sun or an artificial heat and light source. They are active during daytime, and love to be under a light source. As reptiles are cold blooded, they need heat to assist in the circulation of their blood and digestion. A good location for the basking lamp to be placed is in the center or off to one side of the terrarium so as for you to easily locate your pet reptile. It would be recommended to provide for your reptile a piece of driftwood, a bamboo root, jungle vine or even a tambora wood root.
2. Bearded dragons need a hiding place. These creatures also need a private place from time to time. utilize pieces of wood or vines in their environment with holes or spaces between them so they may have a place to snooze in. They are also curious as to explore all nooks and crannies that are available around them.
3. Reptiles need a place to observe the world around them. They are an active lot, so it would be best to plan the settings they are in for them to go around and scamper up and down. for example, a jungle vine placed at a certain angle will give them a chance to get closer to a light source and get warm on chilly days.
4. Create a natural-looking setting. Bearded dragons are generally from the wild. You must consider this fact and make use of natural materials in order for these reptiles to easily adapt and feel at home in their new environment. Try different types of stones, jungle vines, plant roots and more to make a lifelike environment for your bearded dragon.

Now, on to create that unique terrarium for your bearded dragon :

1. The size enclosure for baby bearded dragons is 20 gallons, while adults require enclosures of up to 40 gallons and larger – with 8 square feet of floor space being preferable.
2. Calcium sand, aspen bedding, and reptile bark are good choices for bedding. It is best to use bedding that is easily replaceable when cleaning is necessary. Tropical moss, bark chunks, and leaves are great additions to the base of your cage. But you should keep in mind that these items should be properly cleaned before placing it inside the terrarium.
3. Situate the basking lamp above the screen to provide ample light and heat for the bearded dragon.
4. Make a selection of natural decorations or materials for these reptiles to play, run around and bask on. Secure them thoroughly first as not to bring any harm to the reptile.
5. Always keep the cage clean. You should regularly dispose uneaten food and waste. It is imperative that you must keep it’s environment clean.
6. Another factor to consider is proper ventilation.
7. You must choose your reptile well in order to ensure that they are simple enough to care for and will live long in  the terrarium.
8. Always maintain a fresh natural look and change any decorations that have worn out. These bearded dragons  will love a change of environment from time to time.

Why do you need a Veterinarian?  Although your Bearded Dragon may only be a lizard in some people’s eyes, they quickly become family members to a vast majority.  Bearded Dragons with proper care and medical attention can live happily for up 15-20 years.  They make great pets and become as loved as the family dog or cat.   And like all creatures there comes a time when we need the helping hand of a medical professional.

It’s because of this it becomes   important to do the homework to find the best Veterinarian possible.   By doing the questioning and research now to locate a good Reptile Veterinarian you will speed up the process of finding good medical help when the time comes.  And   this, at times can make the difference between a speedy recovery and death of your pet.    Be prepared!

Whether trying to locate a Veterinarian for a dog, cat, bird or reptile it takes research, time and patience.   Keep in mind that the training most Vets get in school on reptiles is very limited simply because they are not the normal household pet.  But more and more people have become interested in exotics and some Veterinarians are doing continuing education seminars and prescribing to medical journals that contain needed information about the subject.  There are several ways to start on your search for the perfect Vet for your Bearded Dragon or other reptiles.

First:  Look at your local telephone book and see if any of the local Vets advertise they have experience with Reptiles

Second:  Ask your fellow reptile owners who they use.  (This can actually be your best source for finding a vet who is knowledgeable with reptiles)

Third:  Call your local Vets office and ask if the Veterinarian does work on Reptiles, and do they have experience with  Bearded Dragons in particular.

Once you have selected a Veterinarian it’s a good idea to take your Bearded Dragon in for health physical.  Let the Veterinarian see your reptile in good health and go over any troubles or concerns the Veterinarian has observed.  He will probably go over things like the diet you are feeding and housing conditions.  This is a great way to find out if you are feeding and housing properly.  Be prepared and take a list with any questions you might want to ask.

After the visit ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did the Vet recognize the type of lizard you have?  Bearded Dragons have become very popular and should be easily identified.
2. Did he/she handle the lizard comfortably and with confidence?  (Your Vet should be relaxed and not uncomfortable around your reptile)
3. Did your Vet take the time to answer all your questions and concerns?

It might take a couple of tries before finding the Veterinarian that you want to work with.  This is where Patience comes in.  But with a little investigation you should be able to find the medical help for your pet.  Once you have found a Veterinarian who has reptile  experience and  that you feel comfortable working with share the good news with other fellow reptile owners.   The more experience your Vet gets the better he/she will be able to deal with your own Bearded Dragon’s needs.