Bearded dragons are lizards native to Australia.
They are very friendly animals and are often kept as pets.
Bearded dragons are great pets because they are very social creatures.
Though they have a reputation for being somewhat solitary, these pet reptiles can be easy to bond with.
They are also very intelligent and can live for over 10 years.
Though they are awesome pets, bearded dragons aren’t as popular as other animals, such as cats and dogs.
This is due in part to the lack of information surrounding these animals.
Because of this, some bearded dragon owners struggle to know what kind of habitat they should be using for their reptile pets.
For example, they may not know that it is recommended that you utilize a hammock for your bearded dragon.
Find out why your enclosure should contain a hammock and other essentials below.
What Is A Hammock?
A hammock is a piece of material that hangs from two points.
The most common type of hammock is made of rope or webbing.
These types of hammocks are usually used by people who want to hang around trees or bushes.
However, there are many different kinds of hammocks available on the market today.
For example, some of them are designed specifically for use by reptiles.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Need Hammocks?
Hammocks provide several benefits to bearded dragons.
First, they make your reptile more comfortable than if it was living in an empty cage.
Your pet can use this as a lizard lounger, allowing them to sleep and relax on this hammock.
It’s important to note that though they will enjoy sleeping on it, don’t expect them to spend all day in it.
Hammocks also help create the conditions of a reptile’s natural environment.
Bearded Dragons can climb trees in their natural habitat.
These hammocks allow them to climb, allowing your reptile to feel as though they are atop a tall tree.
An advantage of these hammocks is that they can be used whenever your dragon desires.
Unlike cages, which must be cleaned every time your animal wants to go outside, you can leave the hammock wherever you like.
Another benefit of these hammocks is that they allow you to use space in your dragon’s enclosure that would be wasted otherwise.
With a hammock, you can place it anywhere in your cage without worrying about wasting any space.
This is because it hangs from the walls and does not touch the floor space.
Therefore, you can still invest in a hammock even if your enclosure is not very large.
Plus, these hammocks are designed to be simple to clean.
All you need to do is wash the hammock and then hang it up again.
No special cleaning products are required!
The Best Bearded Dragon Hammocks On The Market
Now that you know why it is essential for your lizard to have a hammock, you should start looking for a product.
There are many options available when it comes to purchasing one. Here are some of the best:
Up first, this is one of the leading products on the market.
This hammock is made of nylon webbing.
As a result, it is a soft and comfortable place for your pet to perch.
It is designed to fit any bearded dragon no matter how large or small.
This is because it comes in a large size, which is suitable for a range of different reptiles.
For instance, it is marketed at water dragons, anoles, iguanas, and basilisks.
You can get a smaller version if you prefer, though it may not be big enough for your dragon.
Additionally, this reptile hammock has strong suction cups.
Though you may be concerned that these cups are unable to support the weight of a dragon, from our experience, it is more than sufficient.
We’ve had multiple bearded dragons perch on this hammock without any issues.
This hammock is easy to assemble.
Simply unroll the webbing into a tube shape and attach the ends together with the included clips.
You can easily place this bearded dragon hammock in the enclosure without any fuss.
This also means that you can choose from a variety of different locations within the cage.
You can get a ladder to accompany this hammock, though from our experience, it is not essential.
If you wish to add this feature, simply purchase the ladder separately.
As long as you put the hammock in an accessible place, your dragon should be able to reach it without the aid of a ladder.
Our second recommendation is this Penn-Plax lizard lounger, which is essentially a hammock.
This bundle features two separate hammocks, making it ideal for people with multiple dragons.
The loungers are made completely from natural seagrass fiber.
This material makes it both durable and breathable.
They are also very lightweight yet strong enough to support your lizards.
These loungers have been handwoven, so quality is guaranteed.
They also come with a sturdy closure, allowing you to hang them securely.
Simply place this anywhere in your reptile’s cage, preferably at an incline.
The loungers are designed to fit all sizes of bearded dragons, so you don’t need to worry about getting the wrong size.
You should bear in mind that this product is more expensive than the previous hammock.
However, we feel that it is worth every penny.
This is because it offers everything that the other option does, plus more.
The loungers come with two separate pieces, meaning that you can use them independently of each other.
If you only have one dragon, we recommend using the previous item.
However, if you have two, you may want to buy this bundle instead.
Our final recommendation is the Niteangel Hammock.
This is another great option for those who like to keep their pets close by.
This is because it provides a safe space for your bearded dragon to rest.
These hammocks are made from a rough texture, which your reptiles are bound to adore.
It is also extremely durable, meaning that you won’t have to waste money on replacing it.
Your pet will love resting on its own bed while watching over the world outside.
This hammock comes with sturdy leather strings, which are attached to powerful suction cups.
As a result, you won’t have to worry about the hammock falling.
Instead, it will stay in place for as long as you need it to.
How To Use A Hammock
To make sure that your bearded dragon has a comfortable time sleeping, you need to ensure that he or she has somewhere to lie down.
This includes having a hammock. These items provide your bearded dragon with a safe space where he or she can relax.
When purchasing a hammock, you must remember that it needs to be large enough to accommodate your bearded dragon.
We suggest choosing a hammock that is around 15 inches long.
This way, your bearded dragon can stretch out comfortably.
You may need to measure your tank to ensure that you have enough space for a hammock.
To set the hammock in place, simply find two walls of the cage where you can place it.
These do not need to be opposite walls.
Instead, you can hang the hammock diagonally from one wall to an adjoining one.
Once you have placed the hammock, you must secure it in place.
To do this, you need to attach the suction cups to the wall.
You may need to wash with hot water and dry the walls before doing this to ensure that the suction cups attach themselves to the wall.
You may want to test that the hammock is firmly in place before your dragon attempts to use it.
For example, you may want to try it out with a heavy object first, ideally an item that is a similar weight and size to your dragon.
If the hammock can hold its weight, then that is good.
If the hammock falls, it may be too weak.
You can strengthen it by placing supports underneath.
Try to find the ideal location in the bearded dragon tank for this hammock.
Ideally, you should place it so that your bearded dragon can see out of the window.
This way, he or she will enjoy looking at nature.
Alternatively, you could choose to put it next to the heater or air conditioner.
In either case, the goal is to create a cozy environment for your dragon.
How To Make The Ideal Dragon Enclosure
Alongside a hammock, there are plenty of other items that you need to provide your dragon with the ideal enclosure.
The following section lists some of these items:
Heat Lamps
When providing heat to your bearded dragon, you should consider using heat lamps.
They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose one that suits your needs.
You must use a heat lamp that allows your dragon to regulate its body temperature.
You should keep an eye on your dragon to determine whether these lamps are set to the correct temperature.
Water Bowl
Though bearded dragons do not require much moisture, you should nonetheless leave water for them so that they can drink whenever they feel dehydrated.
It is important that you only give your bearded dragon clean water.
This means that you must filter any dirty water that comes into contact with the water bowl.
You can buy filters for your water bowls.
Food Dishes
When feeding your bearded dragon, you must make sure that you use food dishes that are suitable for their diet.
Some foods are better than others.
For instance, you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon fruits too regularly as they are high in sugar.
Make sure that you clean these food dishes daily.
A Shelter
You will need to provide your bearded dragon with shelter.
You can purchase ready-made shelters, but you can also build your own.
There are many different designs available online.
Most dragons enjoy relaxing and sleeping underneath these shelters.
Toys
If your bearded dragon has no toys, you should get him or her some.
These can include things like balls, tunnels, and ropes.
You can also get your bearded dragon a few chewable treats.
However, most dragon toys are aimed at exercising your dragon, such as getting them to climb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind Of Cage Do I Need For My Bearded Dragon?
Your bearded dragon does not necessarily need a specific type of cage.
Instead, you should choose a cage that provides enough space for your dragon to move around freely.
You might also want to choose a cage that is easy to clean.
How Often Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?
You should feed your bearded dragon every day.
If you do not feed your bearded dragon often enough, then your dragon may become underweight.
The frequency with which you feed your dragon will depend on their age.
Baby dragons will need to be fed roughly three times a day, though they will require less food than older reptiles.
Meanwhile, an adult dragon usually only eats once a day, though they have larger portions than baby beardies.
Final Thoughts
Bearded dragons are amazing pets.
If you’re interested in getting one, you’ll need to learn about how to care for them properly.
One of the first things you need to do is purchase a suitable enclosure.
When choosing an enclosure, keep in mind that it needs to meet certain requirements.
In addition to meeting those requirements, it needs to be comfortable for your pet.
One way of doing this is by hanging a hammock in the enclosure.
