Terrarium for the bearded agama: what should it ideally be
A terrarium for a bearded agama is something that should be equipped long before an exotic pet settles in the house. The fact is that the bearded agama is a creature with a rather gentle psyche, despite its harsh appearance. And if suddenly the terrarium is arranged inconveniently for her, she will experience real stress. How to avoid this?
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Terrarium for bearded agama: what should it ideally be
What terrarium is ideal for Agama?
- Size – the first thing to do pay attention when choosing a terrarium for the bearded agama. Since agamas can hardly be called miniature – some lizards grow up to 60 cm in length – miniature housing they do not fit. But these reptiles are also curious and active beyond measure! That is, should take into account their love for active movement. In summary, experts believe that 400-500 liters for one lizard is minimum capacity. That regarding the parameters, it is – 180x50x40 see minimum. Than more dragons will live in a terrarium, the, accordingly, the more extensive it should to be. Some owners think that while the pet is small, he can live in a small terrarium. In fact this is not a practical solution because lizards grow very fast – about additional are recruited per week 2-2,5 see
- Around topics about whether or not a cover is needed, constantly disputes arise. Since the agama is nimble mobile lizard – without a lid it can easily run away. But even for a tamed lizard is undesirable, because there are many dangers at home. On the other hand, the lid is a risk that the level of humidity and ventilation won’t be good enough. What what to do in this case? Как practice shows, you can not cover purchase at all if the terrarium deep enough, but the lizard does not the ability to climb onto something, to get out. If a cover is needed, then a lattice of metal is what you need! In this case about ventilation and humidity worry. And here are the whole covers from glass or plastic is bad. They are close the aquarium completely, and plastic It can also catch fire from the lamps. If a the lid will be locked generally great! So no lizard neither other pets nor children will disturb.
- That concerns the material, then it is worth it note. Yes, popular acrylic or plastic terrariums not suitable for lizards – they are more suitable for snakes. plastic like us already wrote, it may catch fire, but Acrylic agama claws will easily scratch. Glass – the best option because it durable, easy to wash. А transparency is what is needed for pet monitoring.
How to equip terrarium for a bearded agama: useful recommendations
That should be in a terrarium prepared for a bearded dragon?
- Lamp heating – you can’t do without it, given the fact that the bearded agama is desert lizard. Therefore, during the daytime, the temperature should be in the range of 26-29 degrees, and in especially “sunny” areas – 35-38 degrees. The ideal lamp should without problems to provide such indicators. At night, it is desirable to reduce them up to 20-24 degrees. Perfect fit power incandescent mirror lamp at 50, 75 or even 100, 150 watts. Post it is desirable at a height of at least 20 cm above the bottom, otherwise the pet runs the risk of getting burn. To hang this lamp is desirable over a flat large a stone that will become peculiar pet bed.
- Lamp ultraviolet is a must necessary, because in natural conditions the lizard is accustomed to receiving a dose of vitamin D3. A simple heating lamp, of course, this one the vitamin won’t. And without it, the agama can rickets appear, and especially in the risk zone there are young lizards. Need to pay attention to the fact that the emission spectrum was at level 10. This is just the spectrum desert spectrum, which is necessary Agama.
- Measuring instruments – that is, a hygrometer and a thermometer. Can’t keep up without a thermometer exactly the same temperature which will allow the lizard to feel like at home. After all, our latitudes are far from desert. Without a hygrometer also not do, as the agamas are accustomed to low humidity level. All these devices must be located outside the area reach of lizards, as curious pets are quite capable of damaging them. Maybe you will have to stock up on an air dryer, if the owners live in the region with elevated levels of air humidity.
- Filler – it is obligatory, as the agamas adore burrow Therefore, at least 7 cm filler – an indispensable condition Agama content. Which one is better to choose filler? Many immediately think of sand, and this is not surprising, given natural habitat of lizards. Soft sand is ideally combined with calcium powder that will benefit lizard, which is in the process of burrowing sure to swallow some sand. Paper is undesirable, as burrowing she is not so comfortable, and, besides, she does not look aesthetically pleasing. Soil, bark and shavings are completely unsuitable for Agamas who do not like high humidity, as they actively absorb moisture.
- Scenery – they fit perfectly pebbles, snags, twigs. Agamas with enjoy exploring these objects, and lie down with delight on flat stones. Branches and snags will become favorite climbing objects. Besides, everything it looks very natural and helps recreate the atmosphere of the desert in miniature. It’s desirable buy such decorations in the store, since in a natural tree it is quite pathogens can hide diseases. And pebbles, if they are brought from the street, must be preheated in the oven setting the temperature to 120 degrees. As far as plants are concerned, they undesirable: living will raise humidity level, and artificial will be gnawed by a lizard. Some the owners are trying to install cacti – Like, desert plants! However curious agama – especially in a closed space – probably want nibble on a cactus. As a result, she is more everything, get hurt.
Choose terrarium is now easy – assortment wide in shops. However, it is necessary buy exactly what will be perfect home for a pet. Deal with it, what is most interesting, can even a man who has never held agam. The main thing is to take into account all the useful recommendations.