Dragon Housing

Babies up to 12" long; nose to tail
It is suggested to use a 10 to 30 gallon tank for small dragons. If you already have a larger tank then it can be partitioned off to make a smaller space for the small dragon until it gains size. There are several reasons that a small home is best to start with. First it makes it easier for your little one to find and catch its food. Second your little one can find its basking spot with ease. Third it makes it easier for you to catch the left over food and remove them before bedtime.

It is also suggested that you keep your young dragon's home simple. Just a basking rock or limb, maybe a hammock. This gives the dragon's food less places to hide so your dragon can catch it. Also this way your dragon can find its basking spot with ease; getting the heat and UVB light it needs to process its food. You do not want to provide your young one with places to hide initially, for they may chose them instead of basking in the light needed for growth. So with a small area and not too many items in the home your dragon can get all it needs and not feel overwhelmed. Tanks should be longer rather than higher to provide the most footpath you can for your pet.

Juveniles, 12" or longer and Adults
The larger the footpath and space you can give your dragon the better once they reach this size. They should have a minimum 40 gallon tank to live in, preferably 50 - 60 gallon size. Glass tanks are fine, however to be sure not to use wood, plastic or any other solid material for the top. Screen is the best for ventilation and allowing the most light possible into the home. You don't want to allow too much humidity in the home as it is not healthy for your dragon.

You can find screen tops at most pet stores and online at some of the suggested sites listed on the website Supplier Page. If the size you need is not available it is simple to make your own. Any home improvement store carries mesh or wire screen and wood molding. They are also happy to cut them to size for you, so take the measurement of your tank with you. Once you have what you need, it is easy to put together with nails, staples or glue so that it will set on the top of your tank. Just make sure that if you use glue, time is allowed for drying and for all of the fumes to dissipate.

Building your own enclosures is also an option; using plexi-glass, wood and screen. I built some of mine. Some people think dragons do better with limited sight. I think they are right with young dragons but my adult girls seem to enjoy being able to see out all around their homes. I think it is part of what makes my dragons so social and accepting of people. Boys however get very stressed, being able to see other dragons; either they want to fight if seeing a boy or breed if seeing a girl. So, for my boys, I use cages constructed by Mark at Boa Master. They are very functional, while being easy to clean. They're stackable, which saves space and still allows the boys to be able to see out of the front. These homes can also be used for girls if you wish.

I have included two pictures of the enclosures I built and the last two are ones that Mark built. If you are interested in building your own just email me and I will help with specifics.

When housing small dragons, they can be grouped together. But once they reach a sexable age, males should be moved out and housed alone. Females can normally be housed together as long as you are sure they're each provided a place to bask. Also make sure they are close to the same size. Smaller dragons will not eat or will eat very little, if housed with larger dragons. They have a social structure of dominate and submissive. You have to make sure the home is large enough for those housed there. No more than two girls in a 55-60 gallon tank is my suggestion. I think if the girls live together from the time they are young, as they grow older they will keep living together with ease. If you are going to add an adult girl in with another, watch them. Make sure they are not head bobbing at each other or that one does not go hide, not coming out. If this happens they will need to be housed separately.

If you don't provide a basking area for each dragon they will pile onto each other under the one provided. When this happens the girl on bottom is not receiving the heat and light she needs to be healthy.

I always say if in doubt, ask questions and go with the safer option for your dragon's sake.


The first two photos below are enclosures built by Lynn.






These last two photos below are enclosures built by Mark at Boa Master.