Bearded dragons have been a popular choice as pets for a while, and it's clear to see why. With an excellent temperament, they're gentle, chilled out and incredibly social creatures. Their relaxed manner is a big perk to having them as pets, whether they're basking in their UVB lights or hanging onto your shoulder, they're relatively happy and low-maintenance.
But there are a few things that we need to do to ensure that they're safe, healthy and happy, one of these is providing them a vivarium home. The minimum sized vivarium that is required for an adult bearded dragon according to the RSPCA is a 120cm long x 60cm high x 60 cm wide vivarium.
And when it comes to vivariums for bearded dragons you have two different types of material to choose from, glass and wood, both have their advantages and disadvantages.
We've only listed oak/wood vivariums as these are the ones that are best suited for bearded dragons and the ones that we recommend. This is due to the fact that they'll retain much more heat than glass, and your little beardie needs a hot climate to survive in as they are ‘ectothermic’ creatures, this means they utilise their environment to cool down and warm up.
Ready to purchase your ideal vivarium? We've got the best on the market, available to purchase right now:
The best vivariums in 2022
Best overall
www.reptilecentre.com
At the cream of the crop is this VivExotic vivarium, it comes with a cabinet, is made from oak and has sleek finishes, so that while your buddy can roam around, it can also fit in with the aesthetic of your home. It's also excellent value for money and quite large, which means your bearded dragon will have plenty of room to explore.
Size: 120 x 62.5 x 64.5cm
www.reptiles.swelluk.com
Love the above product but don't need the extra cabinet or space? Then this vivarium is for you, it's made from oak and features toughened safety glass so your bearded dragon won't accidentally break it. We were additionally impressed by how easy it is to assemble, and that it's environmentally friendly.
Size: 120cm x 62.5cm x 62.5cm
Recommended
www.reptilecentre.com
Prefer a darker aesthetic? This vivarium is sleek, stylish and high quality, with matte finishes on the top and sides. It's also ultra-seamless and easy to assemble, with clear to follow instructions.
Size: 120cm x 62.5cm x 62.5cm
Recommended
www.reptilecentre.com
With easy-access vents, toughened glass, and wood panels, this vivarium will be a sleek addition to your home. It's also a decent size, meeting the basic requirements set out by the RSPCA.
Size: 120cm x 62.5cm x 62.5cm
When it comes to your bearded dragon set-up there are a few things that you must ensure are in the vivarium, these include a reptile thermometer, food and water bowls, substrate and lamps. If you don't want to buy it all separately, you can buy a set-up that's ready to go, like the one below.
www.reptilecentre.com
This has got everything you need for your little beardie, lamps, vivarium, thermostat, substrate and a water/feeding dish. The upfront cost may seem a little high, but these items are crucial in terms of caring for your beardie.
How long do bearded dragons live for?
They are a big commitment as on average they live between 10 to 15 years.
How big do bearded dragons get?
This completely depends on the breed you have, but in general adult bearded dragons range between 16 and 24 inches.
What do bearded dragons eat?
They eat a variety of live insects, fruit and vegetables. These insects include beetles, dubia roaches, earthworms, super worms and crickets.
The vegetables include kale, dandelion greens and collard greens. In terms of fruit, beardies will eat blueberries, apples, strawberries, bananas and grapes.
Younger bearded dragons require more protein than adults and therefore should eat a diet made up of 80 per cent insects and 20 per cent vegetables and fruit. Once they are fully grown this rule swaps around, and they should then be consuming 80 per cent fruit and vegetables and 20 per cent insects.
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