2007-02-01 13:48:57 · 7 answers · asked by zan j 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I'd go with a self-built mesh, just because they don't make many aquariums or commercial mesh cages big enough for what an adult water dragon will need (6x3x4). I'd make a few of the walls solid (glass or wood) just to keep the humidity high enough for them. A mesh top is a must for UVB lighting - this won't penetrate glass or plastic.
There are additional problems of keeping them in glass - they rub their faces raw, then are prone to secondary infections. Also, it is best not to keep them on small substrates (coconut bark, sand), rather go with reptile carpet or large pieces of bark. And provide lots of water & places to climb! See info:
http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/dragoncr.htm
http://www.anapsid.org/waterdragons.html
http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/lizards/water-dragon.php
2007-02-01 15:26:04 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mesh.
Use 2" by 2" ballusters. They are small, easy to work with and are relatively straight. Make sure you put a good coat of water based varnish on it, and let it air out for a good long while before letting the dragons near it. My dragons have a rubbermaid swimming pool (storage container) on the first floor. It's 8 gallons, very shallow, has a whisper submersible heater, and a turtle water pump/filter combo in it.
The heater in the water keeps the humidity up very well. Get lots of branches for them to climb on. A dragons favorite place to be is on a log in the sun, above a pool of water. It makes them feel safe. If a predator comes along, they just drop into the water.
Sometimes they do this when I put my hand in there and I have to fish them out of the water to clean their cage.
Also dragons don't 'get' glass or plastic and rub their noses on it. (mine is plexiglas on the top section to hold in heat/humidity for the upper branches and screen on the bottom for ventilation and prevent the air from getting stale and moldy-ish.
Oh, use indoor/outdoor carpet turned upside down for the substrate..or reptile carpet from zoomed. Get 2 of them. One is your clean one. So to clean the cage, just pull out the old carpet, shake it off outside, throw it in the washing machine, and slip the clean one in.
Read the books I list as references.
2007-02-02 12:09:56 · answer #2 · answered by moabmusher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I house my chinese water dragon in a combo glass and mesh enclusure that is taller than it is wide. He has a climbing branch which is about as wide as my arm and reaches from the bottom to the top. It has a couple of outbranches for basking. His "swimming pool" is a plastic dish about 12" long by 8" wide and atleast 4" deep that he enjoys jumping into from one of the branches that hangs over the pool about 14 inches above it. He also has a "dry area" that is padded with a coconut fiber pad to climb out of his pool with. I read that in China they like to sleep in branches over a river, When danger comes around they drop into the river for safety. I have tried to emulate that in his enclosure. He is four years old now and seems to be very healthy and happy, My guests enjoy watchin my lizard dive over and over into his pond. He seems to like entertaining them as he will peer out over his pond at them and then climb back to his branch and do it again, repeating the cycle several times. You didn't ask, but I also like to feed him his crickets in a small glass bowl. That way I can dust them with calcium and they don't escape all over the enclosure, eventually drowning in his pond. When he has eaten his fill, I remove them from the cage and return them to the cricket house.
2007-02-05 11:10:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A combination, partly acquarium and a raised section ( rocks ) with mesh sided enclosure.
2007-02-01 13:57:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A mesh enclosure, definately!
They make a great feature for your home as well!
2007-02-01 14:13:35 · answer #5 · answered by <^^Em^^> 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its always a great thing to do some research before purchasing any animal. that way then, you have some knowledge about the proper care, feeding, and housing of your little pet to better ensure the longitivity of its life and health which will better serve your entertainment and compainionship with your little friend.
here are some helpful links to check out.
http://waterdragons.tripod.com/
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/lizardsaspets/p/waterdragons.htm
http://members.aol.com/msnick1/waterdragons.html
hope that helps you out a little.
2007-02-05 09:22:16 · answer #6 · answered by RazzyDora 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol. Brilliant! Have a star!
2016-03-29 00:50:16 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋