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Cage Accessories
I use a variety of items depending on the size of the dragon and what I find they like the best and therefore use the most. Sometimes I'll switch items out that I don't see them using and try other things, until I find a balanced home space. The following list of items is what I use combinations of. Experiment for yourself to see what you find that accomplishes filling the needs of your dragon.
1) Rocks
I use Pennsylvania field stone and flagstone; I have found they retain heat well so the dragon gets heat from the lamps above as well as the rock below. Also cement blocks work as they are course enough for your dragon to climb. They can use the top for basking and slip in the under squares to cool. I use a non-toxic paint and let them dry and air-out for a week before placing them inside a home. Some people use patio stones that can be purchased at any home improvement store. Different rocks retain and hold varied amounts of heat. I advise that before allowing your dragon to bask on the rock you chose, test it. Place a temperature gauge on the surface of the rock for a few hours and see what reading you get. Make sure the rock you use does not exceed the temperature ranges suggested for your dragon's size and age. This is covered in the Lighting and Heating section.
2) Branches or Limbs
First it is NOT safe to just grab branches or limbs from the back yard; they will carry bugs, parasites or bacteria that can be harmful to your dragon. Also any bark on the branch or limb can be ingested by your dragon and cause impaction.
There are websites that explain how to make outside branches and limbs safe to use. I don't wish to take the chance of missing something and harming one of my dragons. I purchase branches and limbs both from my local pet store and off the internet. E-bay has many suppliers listed. There are sources listed on the Supplier Page here as well. Even when purchasing from a safe place be sure to sanitize the item before placing it into your enclosure. This process is explained in the Cleaning Your Enclosure section.
3) Hammocks
Most of my dragons enjoy hammocks. They're a safe, easy way to allow your dragon to get close enough to its light and heat sources. Hammocks are easy to clean, which is a plus. I only have a couple dragons that don't use hammocks and prefer large limbs instead. Hammocks can be purchased, or easily made if you look at the construction of those available for sale.
4) Hidey Places
Except for small dragons you will need to provide a hidey place. They use the area to cool down as well as to sleep. Dragons seem to feel safe in a closed-in area when sleeping. There are hidey items for sale however I created some of my dragon's hiding places with rocks so I get more than one benefit from the area. Just be very careful that what you create is sturdy and your dragon is not able to knock the rocks over and hurt themselves.
Keep the enclosure layout simple, avoid over crowding to allow footpath area for your dragon. Keeping it simple allows for easy cleaning, keeps your dragon's food from having too many places to hide and gives your dragon space to roam and explore in.
But sure that what you chose to use gives your dragon a place to climb and be near its heat and light source, I am emphasizing this again as it's very important to the health of your dragon.
I have included some pictures of my dragon's homes to help give you some ideas
of different ways to set them up.
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