Have you thought about adding decorations to your bearded dragon’s vivarium?
Decorations are a fun way to spruce of your bearded dragon tank.
They have the bonus of providing exercise and mental stimulation for your beardie.
It’s also a great way to mimic their natural habitat.
My number one pick for bearded dragon tank decor would have to be the Penn-Plax Step Ledge. Bearded dragons love to climb, and rocks provide them with the opportunity to do so. Putting the rock under their basking spot will help ensure they are getting a sufficient amount of heat.
Rocks are just one of my top 5 picks for adding decoration to your bearded dragon vivarium.
Keep reading to learn some more of my favorites and what you should avoid putting in their enclosure.
Table of Contents
What Makes Good Bearded Dragon Habitat Decor?
Whenever you anything to a bearded dragon cage, you want to make sure it’s safe for your beardie.
They tend to eat what’s put in their tank, so make sure nothing is toxic or too small for your pet.
In addition, don’t over-do it when it comes to decorations.
Sometimes less is more.
You want to make sure your bearded dragon still has room to move around their cage.
Also, too much stuff can end up being too stimulating for your pet.
What to Look for When Picking out Bearded Dragon Decor
Your best bet is to always look for products specifically for reptiles.
Items should be free of chemicals or additives.
Always pick quality products.
A cheaply made product declines over time and can end up being a hazard to your pet.
I will provide you with several ideas below on what I feel are some of the best decorations available for your bearded dragon cage.
What to Avoid When Buying Bearded Dragon Decor
You never want to put anything in their tank with the potential to harm your bearded dragon.
You should always ensure what you put in the enclosure is non-toxic since your beardie might decide to snack on it.
Avoid putting anything but the basics in a baby bearded dragon’s tank.
Since a large portion of their diet is feeder insects, you don’t want anything in the vivarium blocking their ability to catch the food.
Also, you don’t want to have a hard time removing any leftovers.
While it’s always nice to get a good price on something, remember the quality may suffer because of it.
In general, decorations for your vivarium are not going to cost an arm and a leg.
I always feel it’s better to spend a little more money upfront, so you aren’t spending more money on the back end replacing the item.
Reviews Of The Best Bearded Dragon Vivarium Decorations
My decor ideas will help make your beardie’s vivarium feel more like a home rather than a cage.
A happy bearded dragon truly makes a healthy one.
If you were stuck in a relatively small enclosure for the majority of your life, you’d want some nice decorations as well.
Your bearded dragon shouldn’t be any different.
And speaking of happy pets, we have a post on how to tell if your bearded dragon is happy that goes into details on the behaviors of your pet we recommend reading.
Penn-Plax Step Ledge
- REALISTIC ROCK FORMATION: Highlighting a rough, picturesque display, the Reptology Shale Scape Step Ledge is a must have for pet owners looking to add a beautiful and functional piece to their aquarium or terrarium. This piece is perfect for small reptiles, newts, salamanders, crayfish, axolotls, snakes, territorial fish, and more!
- GREAT FOR CLIMBING AND BASKING: This Shale Scape is not only decorative, but is also purposeful! If your pet reptile or amphibian loves to climb, this piece will be their next mountain to conquer, as they rest peacefully on the top basking platform, regulating their body temperature as they see fit.
- NATURAL HIDING SPOTS: With 3 entrance and exit holes, the Reptology Shale Scape Step Ledge offers several ways to climb, slither, and swim around! In addition to reptiles and amphibians, this piece provides a great swim through or hiding spot for axolotls, fish, and crustaceans, such as crayfish and shrimp.
My favorite of all the vivarium decoration ideas is the Penn-Plax step ledge.
It allows your beardie to have a basking spot on top and allows for a hiding spot underneath.
I’m a fan of anything mimicking the natural environment of beardies.
The ledge is similar to rocks found in the desert and can help your pet feel like they are at home.
The ledge comes in several sizes, so pick the one fitting your beardie’s current size.
Keep in mind; you are starting with a smaller tank.
Make sure you do not get a large ledge.
You want to make sure you leave plenty of room in their enclosure to roam.
Features:
- Comes in small, medium, or large
- Non-toxic
2 Pack Reptile Plants
- REPTILE HABITAT PLANTS DECORATIONS :this plastic terrarium plant is designed to replicate the plants that your pet would find in nature. The lifelike decor not only makes your habitat more vibrant and colorful, but it also gives your reptiles,bearded dragon, iguana, lizard,snake or turtle a sense of being at home in the wild.
- SAFE MATERIAL FOR YOUR PETS:the artificial terrarium plant made with non-toxic polyethylene plastic and soft silk leaves,safe and durable,creates a dynamic environment with fun hiding spots and exciting obstacles. The lifelike replica of its natural counterpart does not require even basic necessities such as light and water, making it perfect for places where living plants would not be able to survive.
- EASY TO INSTALL : just use the included suction cups to secure the lightweight greenery to the walls of your fish tank or turtle habitat, works wonderfully in any aquatic, reptilian or amphibian habitat; it also works when used creatively in home decor.
Putting artificial plants in your beardie’s enclosure helps replicate what their natural habitat looks like.
The 2 pack reptile plants offer convenient suction cups to easily place them on the side of your vivarium, giving the feel of a naturalistic enclosure.
The fake plants are non-toxic, which makes them safe if your beardie accidentally takes a snack off one.
Live plants are also an option if you do not want to take the chance of artificial plants.
The problem with live plants is the extra attention they require.
You need to make sure they don’t raise the ambient humidity inside the enclosure, and you also have to be sure to keep them alive.
Plastic plants offer the look of real plants without maintenance.
Bearded dragons require enough attention themselves, so it’s better to focus on taking care of them instead of live terrarium plants.
Features:
- Non-toxic
- Hangs with suction cups
Reptile Habitat Background
As a bearded dragon owner, you may have wondered how to mimic the appearance of your beardie’s natural habitat.
I like the reptile habitat background because it looks like being in the desert.
In my opinion, backgrounds with a theme are a fun way to change your beardie’s tank’s appearance.
Every chance you get to mimic their natural environment, the better.
The background is UV and moisture-resistant, which I appreciate.
It won’t easily get messed up while it’s hanging up in their enclosure.
It attaches to your tank with clear adhesive tape. It’s durable and won’t fall easily.
Features:
- Wide range of sizes available
- Desert design
Carolina Custom Cages Reptile Bridge
- This Reptile Bridge, Driftwood Gray, Reptile Habitat Accessory is one of the few such items that is actually sized large enough for a full adult bearded dragon. Because of its sensible design, the Reptile Bridge is stable for a large reptile.
- The Reptile Bridge, Dark Brown, Reptile Habitat Accessory measures 10"L x 4.5"W x 3.375"H x and weighs about 2 pounds. The Reptile Bridge is made from a hardened resin; it can be easily cleaned with soapy water, followed up with some chlorhexidine.
- We like the look of some wooden habitat accessories, but because they are porous, they can collect bacteria and other potential health problems for your reptile. Resin habitat accessories do not have this issue. Carolina Custom Cages is a division of Carolina Designer Dragons, Inc.; a boutique breeder of bearded dragons, selections on our website.
Another great decoration for your bearded dragon cage setup is a bridge.
The Carolina Custom Cages Reptile Bridge gives your bearded dragon plenty of opportunities for some exercise.
While it may not seem possible to get exercise from a bridge but it does get the moving.
It also gives them much-needed mental stimulation.
The bridge is made from hardened resin, which is ideal because it is not as porous as wooden bridges.
The more porous it is, the more likely it is to grow bacteria.
This particular bridge fits babies up to adult bearded dragons.
Features:
- Made from hardened resin
- Lightweight
- Secure for large dragons
Penn Plex Lizard Lounger
- COMFORTABLE FOR ALL CLIMBERS: Our Lizard Loungers provide a safe, fun, and interactive space for your reptile to climb around on! These handwoven, 100% natural seagrass hammocks allow your pet to self-regulate their temperature by moving closer or further from a basking light, when on an incline. They’ll know how high to climb!
- VERSATILE AND ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING: The provided 2.5” suction cups easily attach to glass, plastic, and acrylic terrarium walls. For a strong bond, please clean and wash suction cups with water before placing inside the habitat. Our Lizard Lounger Corner Triangles can be placed at any height, providing an elevated vantage spot for your pet.
- KEEPING THINGS CLEAN: For optimal use and longevity, our Lizard Loungers should be spot cleaned on occasion. This prevents debris and dirt buildup on the natural seagrass fiber. Use a vinegar and water mixture on the lounger, spot clean where necessary, then immediately dry completely before letting your pet climb back on.
To finish up my list is the Penn Plex Lizard Lounger.
Having a bearded dragon swing in your vivarium offers your beardie a place to relax and enjoy their basking spot.
What’s neat about the Penn Plex lizard lounger is its ability to be at an incline.
So your beardie can choose whether they want to be closer to their heat lamp or a bit further away to cool down.
It also comes with a ladder, giving your pet the ability to climb up to the swing.
The swing attaches to the sides of your tank with suction cups.
Features:
- 100% natural seagrass fibers
- Triangular shape
- Ladder
Setting up a Bearded Dragon Vivarium
Once you have all your decorations ready, it’s time to set up your enclosure.
It’s always a good idea to observe your bearded dragon while you do this.
You want to make sure they don’t have an adverse reaction to something.
Remember, bearded dragons can easily be stressed out, and it’s essential to avoid putting anything in their enclosure which will be harmful to your pet.
In addition to decorations, make sure you have the necessary equipment for your pet.
This includes basking lamps, UVB lighting, substrate, food, and water bowls.
Make sure you are checking your tank’s temperature to ensure it’s always at the appropriate level.
I recommend investing in a quality thermometer gun for accurate temperature readings.
FAQ
Can I Use Items I Find Outside?
If you’re looking to save a little money, you are able to find decorations right in your background.
Rocks and wood are fine.
Just make sure to sterilize them before putting them in your beardie’s vivarium.
This is also important if you decide to get any items second-hand.
This goes for any part of their tank, not just decorations.
Make sure to sterilize everything by baking it at a low temperature thoroughly.
Make sure to soak the wood ahead of time to prevent the chance of it catching fire.
Make sure the rocks you find aren’t sharp or starting to fall apart. Remember, safety is key in decorating your enclosure.
Do I Need Decorations?
You don’t necessarily need decorations.
You need the basics.
However, a few of the decorations mentioned in this article aren’t just for looks.
Your bearded dragon requires exercise daily, at least for 15 minutes.
You won’t always have the time to take them out of their enclosure to do so.
Allowing your pet to climb in their enclosure ensures they are getting the exercise they need when you aren’t able to provide it.
In addition to exercise, decorations provide much-needed mental stimulation.
Your beardie is capable of getting bored, and it can be detrimental to their health.
