How to Set Up a Water Dragon's Habitat

The water dragon requires a habitat with ample room to accommodate its length; the male can measure up to 36 inches and the female 24 inches. With proper care, the lizard can live about 18 years in captivity. Without adequate room, the water dragon can suffer from abrasions on the face. It should also have room to climb around, so it does not become obese from a sedentary life style. Proper cleaning of the enclosure will also prevent infections or abscesses from occurring.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Screen lid
  • Cage liner
  • Oak limbs
  • Non-toxic plants
  • Flower pot or cardboard box
  • Swimming container
  • Handheld mister
  • Fluorescent and incandescent lights
  • UVB reptile light
  • Food
  • Reptile calcium supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide the water dragon with a glass tank that measures at least twice its length. Ideally, the tank should measure at least 6 feet in length, 36 feet in width and 6 feet in height. Make sure the tank has a screen lid to prevent the water dragon from escaping. A screen lid will also offer the lizard ample air ventilation.

    • 2

      Line the cage with brown paper or nontoxic newspaper. Indoor/outdoor carpet will also work for a substrate.

    • 3

      Place oak branches of various lengths and diameters to allow the water dragon a place to climb. Covering flat boards with indoor/outdoor carpeting also makes good perches for the lizard. Locate a cardboard box or overturned flower pot in the bottom of the cage for the water dragon to hide within. Place nontoxic plants such as hibiscus, dragon plant, pothos, staghorn ferns, and ficus.

    • 4

      Locate a tub such as a cat litter pan, in the bottom of the habitat for a swimming container. Build rocks or boards up around the pan so the water dragon can enter the pan to soak. An elaborate plastic pond liner can also be used. Some owners even use a pump system to construct a small pond with a waterfall in the center of the enclosure to make it more visually appealing. Mist the water dragon daily using a handheld mister. They enjoy a humidity level of 60 to 80 percent.

    • 5

      Affix a combination of fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures above the water dragon's enclosure to provide ample light. Locate the water dragon's cage where it will also receive adequate sunlight. Use a UVB reptile light source indoors to provide the water dragon with a sufficient sunlight replacement. Locate the UVB reptile light at least 10 to 12 inches from a favorite basking location.

    • 6

      Clean the water dragon's cage daily. Wash the water and food bowls. Rinse out and scrub the water dragon's swimming container because it will regularly defecate in the water.

    • 7

      Feed water dragons a combination of crickets and mealworms daily if young juveniles or ever three days for adults. Feed the insects nutritional commercial insect foods prior to feeding them to the water dragon. The water dragon will benefit from the added nutrition that the insect's full gut will provide. Place the insects into a bag with a powdered reptile calcium supplement (powdered calcium carbonate or calcium gluconate), and gently shake so the insect's skin becomes coated in the powder prior to feeding them to the lizard. Large lizards will also eat earthworms and pinkie mice. Give the water dragon a wax worm as special treat. The water dragon will also benefit from legumes, rolled oats, cereals,corn meal, carrots, sweet potatoes, fresh greens, vegetables and fruit.