Lizard Cage Size
Mark Chapple
Lizard cages should be at least twice the total length of the lizard. This should be regarded as a minimum for being comfortable. The cage should also be wide enough that allows the lizard to turn around very easily and also move through the entire cage with relative ease.
For example a 3-foot lizard should have an enclosure about six feet wide and about about 2.5-3 feet, with 3 or larger preferred. Height should be 2/3 the length of the enclosure. Arboreal animals will appreciate an even greater height. Iguanas, for example, are happy in cages 6-7 feet high. From these they can view the world.
Some people allow their iguanas to roam about freely and place the iguana in a cage at night or when they are not in the house. A number of people iguanas have both an indoor and an outdoor cage and move the animal from one to the other, depending on the weather (and also where they live).
Bearded dragons are happy to run around smaller tanks when they are young but they will out grow them and need a larger cage or tank as they grow to adulthood. They also like to have a range of high points around the cage, so it needs to be large enough for branches or rocks that they can perch upon.
Monitors will usually require a very large cage and often it can be a whole room, and even that may not be enough. All large lizards will do best if allowed to free roam. If you are determined to have a species of lizard, but can only afford/keep a smaller enclosure than required, it is strongly suggested you allow the animal free-roaming of the house when supervision is possible. In other words, the lizard should be in the cage during the night and during school/work when no one is home. When someone is home to supervise the lizard, allow it to roam free until bedtime. Similarly on weekends, allow as much time as possible, as these animals are used to moving long distances during the day.
Mark Chapple is the Author of "How to build enclosures
for reptiles"
Find out how to build these cages as well as arboreal cages. Full color pictures,
detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com