Can you put your bearded dragon in a cage outside? Yes, bearded dragons like being outside in the sun. With even just a little natural sunlight each week on top of their indoor enclosure UVB setup, bearded dragons can live a happier, more natural life and avoid issues like metabolic bone disease. A bearded dragon outdoor cage gives your pet access to natural sunlight, which is crucial for UVB exposure and helps with the production of vitamin D3, necessary for healthy bone development (Johnson & Adwick, 2018). In their natural environment, bearded dragons spend much of their time basking in the sun and climbing on rocks or trees to regulate their body temperature (Greer, 1989; Johnson & Adwick, 2018).
Building an outdoor cage enriches their lives by recreating this wild habitat. It allows your reptile to behave naturally, which reduces stress. However, it also comes with challenges, like protecting your pet from extreme weather and predators.
This guide will walk you through how to create an optimal habitat for your bearded dragon outdoors.
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Ideas for Outdoor Bearded Dragon Cages
Designing a DIY bearded dragon outdoor cage can be both functional and fun. But we don’t all like to get that creative or simply don’t have the time. Fortunately, there are plenty of prebuilt cage options that can easily be adapted for your bearded dragon’s needs.
1. Aviary Cages: Aviaries are typically spacious and well-ventilated, making them ideal for a bearded dragon outdoor cage. The vertical height allows for plenty of climbing opportunities, and the open design makes it easy to add branches, rocks, and basking spots. Just make sure the mesh is fine enough to prevent escapes or predator access.
2. Rabbit Hutches: Rabbit hutches can be used as is as a bearded dragon outdoor cage. These prebuilt enclosures often have divided areas, which can be useful for creating both sunny and shaded zones. They’re typically sturdy and already designed for outdoor use. However, they are often not very tall unless it is a double decker hutch.
3. Chook Pens (Chicken Coops): Chook pens are another great option. Being quite spacious they often come with both enclosed and open areas—perfect for offering both basking and hiding spots. Ensure you predator-proof the coop by securing all openings and using appropriate mesh for the walls.
4. Dog Kennels with Runs: Dog kennels with attached runs, can be adapted to house bearded dragons outdoors. The run area gives your bearded dragon space to move around and bask, while the kennel section provides shelter and privacy. Adding climbing structures and branches can make it a more enriching environment. If the wire allows your bearded dragon to escape then cover it with chicken wire.
5. Custom Built Pit Enclosures: Cannon (2003) suggests outdoor pit enclosures for those who prefer a more natural habitat. Outdoor pits are large, sunken enclosures with natural substrate, rocks, and plants. These pits simulate a more natural environment. Just make sure the walls are high enough to prevent escapes and the pit is predator-proof.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Outdoor Bearded Dragon Cage
Size is a top consideration when designing an outdoor habitat. Bearded dragons enjoy basking and climbing, so they need enough space to move both vertically and horizontally (Cannon, 2003). For an outdoor enclosure, Cannon (2003) recommends a minimum size of 5 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 3.3 feet high (1.5 meters wide, 0.6 meters deep, and 1 meter high) for adults. While this is the minimum, larger enclosures are always better. A bigger space allows your bearded dragon to roam more freely, reducing stress and promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Bearded dragons regulate their body temperature in their natural environment by moving between different terrains (Johnson & Adwick, 2018). They do not need us humans intervening in any way except to provide the right accessories for them to do it themselves. Your bearded dragon outdoor cage should mimic their natural environment by offering sunny spots for basking and shaded areas for cooling down. If possible, include natural elements such as upright posts or branches, as bearded dragons naturally bask on elevated structures like rocks or tree stumps (Cannon, 2003).
For indoor cage size recommendations, check out our Bearded Dragon Habitat Guide.
Design of a Bearded Dragon Outdoor Cage
When designing a Bearded Dragon outdoor cage, it is critical to ensure it is safe, secure, and weather-resistant. Bearded dragons are vulnerable to predators like birds, cats, and other animals, so predator-proofing should be your first priority (Johnson & Adwick, 2018).
Predator-Proofing: Make your bearded dragon outdoor cage predator-proof by using sturdy materials such as metal mesh for the walls and roof. The mesh needs to have small enough openings to prevent your reptile from escaping, keep predators out, and still allow UV rays to penetrate. Secure all doors and access points with strong locks to prevent any unwanted access and ensure your dragon stays safe.
Escape-Proofing: There are the obvious escape points for bearded dragons, like climbing out but they can also escape by digging. If the Bearded Dragon outdoor cage is on, sand then ensure the cage has a wire base or solid substrate like concrete than cannot be dug out of. Bearded dragons are natural diggers, especially when they feel the urge to explore.
Materials to Use: The type of material you choose for your Bearded Dragon outdoor cage should be durable and safe.
Metal frames are a durable and weather-resistant, but they can heat up quickly under direct sunlight. That shouldn’t matter as long as there are plenty of branches to climb on rather than just metal.
Wood is another great option, but it is best weatherproofed to prevent damage from rain and humidity (Cannon, 2003).
Be cautious with plastic, as it can warp or degrade under extreme temperatures, making it less suitable for outdoor enclosures.
Be careful of fabrics for bearded dragon outdoor cages, such as the dog play pens. They offer great space to run around in but little bearded dragon claws can get stuck and can easily be broken off.
For DIY enclosure ideas, read our Bearded Dragon DIY Enclosures Guide.
Keeping a Bearded Dragon in the Backyard in Summer
Can you keep your bearded dragon outside in summer? Yes, your bearded dragon can live outside in summer as long as it has protection from the weather, access to shade and sun and it doesn’t get too hot or too cold.
One of the greatest benefits of an outdoor cage is the access it provides to natural sunlight, which delivers vital UVB rays for vitamin D3 production. That said, regulating temperature outdoors can be tricky.
Temperature Regulation: Bearded dragons naturally move between warm and cool areas to regulate their body temperature (Cannon, 2003). Ideally, your cage set-up will provide a temperature gradient starting with a basking spot under 104°F (40°C) and a cool, shaded area preferably under 77°F (25°C). Johnson & Adwick (2018) recommend 95°F (35°C) and shaded areas dropping to 71°F (22°C). This temperature gradient allows your dragon to adjust its body heat as needed.
Choosing the Right Location: A mobile cage will make it easy for your to move it to the right location for your bearded dragon. But whether your cage is mobile or fixed, choose a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. If you live in a cooler area, take advantage of warmer, sunny days by placing the cage where your dragon can benefit most from the sun.
UVB Exposure: Your outdoor cage provides natural UVB, but remember that the intensity of UVB decreases with distance from the sun. Ensure your bearded dragon has several hours of direct sunlight each week while offering shaded spots to prevent overheating (Cannon, 2003).
Internal Link: Learn more about proper heating and lighting in our Bearded Dragon Heating and Lighting Guide.
Accessories for your Bearded Dragon Outdoor Cage
The right accessories can transform your outdoor bearded dragon cage into a dynamic, enriching environment that allows your pet to engage in natural behaviors.
Natural Elements: Incorporating natural elements such as branches, rocks, and vines into your outdoor bearded dragon cage provides opportunities for climbing and basking, which are essential behaviors for these reptiles (Johnson & Adwick, 2018). Bearded dragons often perch on elevated surfaces to monitor their surroundings and absorb heat, so ensure that these accessories are sturdy and secure to prevent injuries.
Water and Food Stations: Place water dishes in shaded areas of your outdoor bearded dragon cage to prevent evaporation and ensure that fresh water is always available. Bearded dragons are susceptible to dehydration, leading to constipation and other health issues (Wright, 2008). Food dishes should also be placed in shaded areas to keep food fresh and prevent insects from spoiling it.
Substrate Options: You may not need substrate if your outdoor bearded dragon cage on grass, soil or has its own floor. However, if the cage requires some form of substrate, consider using tiles or large, flat rocks that are easy to clean. Avoid using loose substrates like sand, however some grassed area and some sand might offer a variety of surfaces.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Outdoor Bearded Dragon Cage
Proper maintenance of your outdoor bearded dragon cage is crucial for your pet’s health and safety. Regular cleaning helps prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to infections and other health problems (Johnson & Adwick, 2018).
Regular Cleaning Routine: At least once a week, remove any uneaten food, clean the water dishes, and clear out any waste. Spot clean daily, and perform a thorough cleaning of the entire enclosure every month, including scrubbing rocks and accessories with a reptile-safe cleaner (Cannon, 2003).
Weather Protection: In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to monitor the weather and adjust your outdoor bearded dragon cage as needed. If it’s too hot or cold, you may need to bring your bearded dragon indoors or add extra protection like heat lamps or temporary covers to keep your dragon safe and comfortable (Johnson & Adwick, 2018).
Seasonal Considerations for Outdoor Bearded Dragon Cages
Seasonal changes can impact how you manage your outdoor bearded dragon cage. In cooler months, bearded dragons may go into hibernation which in most instances is best allowed indoors where it is easier to monitor them.
In Australian there are often warm sunny days during winter. If your bearded dragon
wakes out of brumation during winter then it may enjoy a couple of hours outdoors in the sun. Just as reptiles do in Australia when it gets warm and sunny.
Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect Outdoor Bearded Dragon Cage
Building the ideal bearded dragon outdoor cage can be great fun. With planning, you will design an attractive and useful second home for your bearded dragon.
Choose a large size enclosure, strike a balance between sunlight and shade, and give plenty of shelter for when your reptile wants to hide.
With the right setup, your enclosure will give your reptile the opportunity to thrive in a more natural environment promoting its physical and mental wellbeing.
References
Cannon, M. J. (2003). Husbandry and veterinary aspects of the bearded dragon ( pogona spp. ) in Australia. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, 12(4), 205–214.
Johnson, R., & Adwick, S. (2018). Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Companion Animal Care and Welfare, Chapter 19, 395–411.
Stahl, S. J. (1999). General Husbandry and Captive Propagation of Bearded Dragons, Pogona vitticeps. Bulletin of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, 9(4), 12–17.
Wright, K. (2008). Two Common Disorders of Captive Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps): Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Constipation. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 17(4), 267–272.
