For Bearded Dragons, we recommend at minimum 4x2x2 enclosure, however, as more research

comes out, we will continuously be updating our care to improve as much as possible. Many reptile keepers

are discussing the new minimum for bearded dragons, which is 6x2x2. I personally do agree,

and if you are able to provide bigger you always should. Climbing is a large part 

of bearded dragons natural behaviours and we need to mimic that as best as possible.

Currently we use 4x2x2's, but have plans to upgrade our sanctuary dragons into 6x2x2's.

 

For substrate, things like eco earth, sand, and crushed walnuts, are not recommended, and are not a natural reptile substrate.

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Bioactive substrates are the most natural and realistic enclosure for your bearded dragon! Its always a good idea to quarantine your new pet. Each of our rescues are quarantined for a minimum of 2 weeks, one of our quarantine steps is keeping them on paper towel! This helps us monitor unhealthy poops, mites etc!

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Make sure you are doing your research to be able to properly create the right bioactive enclosure for your bearded dragon! There are lots of different ways, so make sure you are doing your research! Facebook groups for bioactive enclosures and youtube are amazing sources! 

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For your bioactive set up, make sure your first step is adding a drainage layer! Personally we like to use hydroballs! On top of the hydroballs, you need a substrate barrier to prevent the substrate from mixing in with the hydroballs. We use a terrarium mesh, however there are so many options out there! 

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There are many different ways to mix your soil, however for burrowing animals, generally you want something like this: 

50% topsoil, 30% sand, 20% humus (coconut coir, peat moss, etc). 

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Topsoil can be bought in any garden or hardware store this time of year, however do your research and make sure theres nothing added in/any fertilizers that could hurt your bearded dragon. You don't want potting soil, just straight up topsoil!

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Adding things like leaf litter, drift wood, and moss not only adds to your bioactive set up but it also supports your clean up crew which can consist of insects like worms, springtails and isopods!

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Bioactive set ups are not for everybody, and we do not suggest them for beginners. Please make sure you are doing your research on how to properly set up your bioactive set up for your reptile.  It does require some maintenance, and a certain commitment. It is not overly difficult but it does take some setting up and continued attention! Creating a bioactive enclosure is a great choice, but you must pay attention to it like you pay attention to your reptile. You are creating a living thing, a tiny microhabitat with its own inhabitants, its own nitrogen cycle! If you take care of it, it will flourish and take care of your reptile. If you don't, it will die and be a rotting thing that can cause problems.

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However, you can still provide your reptile a substrate safe enclosure without a bio active set up by using the same substrate listed above! (repti-soil, organic topsoil, play sand, cypress mulch, peat moss, etc!)

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Bearded Dragons should have lots of décor like basking logs, hammocks, rocks, and large hides! Rocks and logs allows for a Bearded Dragon to naturally dull their nails, and helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged.