Recommendations please - best vivarium for a beardie?

[CinammonGirl]

Hello all, after wanting a beardie for the last couple of years, we finally have space to have one :) I know an adult beardie needs a vivarium 4ft in length (at least) but there are so many different makes and sizes - just looking for your recommendations? I'm so excited, have wanted a beardie for so long! Our local branch of sspca have a young female beardie looking for a new home (well she is on their website) so going to phone and see if they still have her tomorrow.

[reallyneedmoresleep]

One which is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft, with air vents so that it doesn't get humid and you avoid a respiratory infection. Some people will suggest you need a smaller one for a baby but this is a total waste of money as they grow so quickly.
I don't think the actual viv is as important as what's inside it. It's really important to get the heating and lighting correct; otherwise you will create a whole raft of health problems. I really recommend Swell Reptiles (a great online shop, although also v helpful over the phone). They have various starter kits, and I particularly like the BDUK starter kit which they've set up in partnership with the Bearded Dragons UK facebook group (very helpful, but rather uncompromising in their approach).
Good luck - I love our beardie! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions

[CinammonGirl]

Hi really thanks for your reply :) I've ordered this vivexotic large deep (hope links work!) www.reptilecentre.com/vivexotic-viva-terrestrial-largedeep-oak-1150mmx610mmx500mm_p27461058.htm#.U70HzMu9KSM from Northampton Reptile Centre. They also supply starter kits (we've gone for the platinum) which look pretty comprehensive. So now I'm thinking about decoration, what would you recommend? Was thinking for going for reptile carpet first off as the beardie we are hoping to rehome is only 1-2years old so would worry about impactaction with any loose substrate to start. When she's a bit older would probably switch to sand. Do you mind me asking what you use?

Am thinking some branches, a nice little cave for her to have a hiding place, artificial plants, any recommendations for this sort of thing?

Going to meet her at our local sspca centre on Saturday, so excited :)

[reallyneedmoresleep]

I think they shouldn't have loose substrate at any age they taste their environment with their sticky tongues so any sort of sand or wood chip can cause impaction. I use tiles turned upside down - keeps her nails nice and short!

I use an aquarium backing (did have a foam one until a cricket disappeared inside it!) and a lovely bendy branch. Make sure your basking bulb has a guard on it - that way you avoid burns also if your bulb blows and breaks your beardie is protected.

Let me know how you get on!

[CinammonGirl]

Yes I guess it is a risk at any age. What sort of tiles do you use? That's a good idea :)

We have a guard, it came with the start up stuff we ordered, it all came today! I went out for tea with my friend, came home and my lovely hubby has built the vivarium :) So pleased with it, it looks great.

I will definitely let you know how it goes Saturday :)