How to Make a Cage for a Frilled Lizard

The frilled lizard, a native of Australia, is a large lizard named for the mane-like flaps of skin around its neck. These animals can thrive in captivity with proper husbandry, and designing a proper cage is the first step. Frilled lizards can live up to 20 years in captivity and juveniles grow quickly, so it's important to plan for the long-term care and space needs of your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Substrate
  • Branches and vines
  • Heat light
  • UV light
  • Thermometer
  • Humidity gauge
  • Mister
  • Water dish
  • Waterfall (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a cage that is the right size for your lizard. Babies can be housed in 20 to 30 gallon aquariums. Adults, however, require much larger setups. At minimum, the cage should be 4 feet high by 3 feet long by 1 foot deep. Much larger cages are preferable. Frilled lizards spend most of their lives in trees, so they require ample climbing space in the cage. Many reptile stores sell tall cages specially designed for climbing reptiles. The cage substrate should be bark, coconut husk or paper towels. Choose only substrates that are edible, as these lizards do tend to eat their substrate. If you're concerned about substrate safety, note that frilled lizards do not require substrate and that it serves a purely ornamental purpose.

    • 2

      Add branches and vines to the cage. The branches should extend to the top of the cage and should be broad enough to support the weight of your lizard. Branches with suction cups and other securing mechanisms are ideal, and allow you to leave some floor space for your lizard. While frilled lizards do need plenty of climbing room, they also require open floor space at least as long as their bodies. Avoid using branches you found outside, which may harbor parasites and bacteria. Instead, opt for artificial cage ornaments from the pet store.

    • 3

      Set up a proper lighting and heating system. The ambient temperature in the cage should be about 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area of 95 to 100 degrees. Use a heat bulb and a clamp lamp to reach this temperature. Ensure that the lizard cannot touch the light and that the temperature immediately underneath the light does not exceed 100 degrees. Frilled lizards also require UV lighting to properly metabolize calcium and vitamin D. Use a full spectrum UV light for 12 hours each day to ensure proper calcium metabolism. You can also keep your lizard outside -- if temperatures are sufficient and you have secure outdoor housing -- for eight hours each day to expose him to real UV light.

    • 4

      Use a mister to ensure adequate humidity. These lizards thrive in 50 to 70 percent humidity. You can mist your lizard's cage several times each day or install an automatic mister. A deep water dish or a water fall will also increase humidity. Frilled lizards require constant access to water, so ensure that your lizard has an easily accessible water dish on the floor of his cage.