How to Decorate a Reptile Cage

Reptiles are popular pets, whether they be snakes or turtles or lizards. Some types of reptiles can live many years, and will need an enclosure that is comfortable and safe for that entire time. Because they are cold-blooded and often from climates that differ from their new home, reptiles cages will need some special items to ensure their residents are happy and healthy. Like any pet cage, these enclosures also will require regular maintenance, so their decor should be easy to clean.

Things You'll Need

  • Reptile care instructions for your specific reptile
  • Reptile cage with good ventilation
  • "Hide box" or equivalent decoration
  • Substrata, such as sand or gravel (if required)
  • Bedding material
  • Water dish (with sponge for smaller reptiles and crabs)
  • Food dish
  • Reptile basking lamp or heat stone
  • Reptile-safe decorations
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose natural-looking decorations for your cage. Reptiles feel most at home in surroundings that mimic their natural habitat. The more comfortable your pet is, the friendlier it will be, giving you more opportunity to watch and play with it. Your care instructions will give you an idea of your reptile's native climate and terrain, thus providing you with a guide to use when selecting cage decor.

    • 2

      Prepare the cage by using a mild bleach solution to clean the walls and floor of the empty tank, then rise thoroughly with water. Allow to dry, then use a soft cloth to remove any streaks so you can have a good view of your pet once the cage is finished. Make sure you inspect the cage for any sharp edges, cracks or other dangers to your reptile.

    • 3

      Add you substrata if necessary, then top with bedding. Substrata will allow the bedding to drain of water, but is not necessary for all reptiles. Bedding, however, is essential. For most reptiles, calcium sand or reptile bark work well as bedding material. Some reptiles are natural diggers, or bury themselves to hide, molt or relax. This means different reptiles need different amounts of substrata and bedding to be comfortable, so inquire at your local pet store or check your care sheet to determine what is recommended for your particular reptile.

    • 4

      Position a basking rock or lamp. Reptiles need heat to help them digest their food properly and to regulate their body temperature. They will spend a lot of time under their lamp or on their rock, making it an ideal piece to place near the front or center of the cage for easy viewing. Wattage and setting vary for both lamps and rocks, so check the care instructions for your pet to make sure you get the one best suited to your reptile. If you're using a lamp, consider positioning it near an interesting resting place, such as a piece of driftwood or an attractive stone.

    • 5

      Decide where to put the reptile's ̶0;hide box,̶1; a decoration that allows them privacy. Reptiles generally like to have a place out of sight to hide when they are stressed, molting or sleeping. There are many types of hide boxes, so try to select one that fits your pet's physical dimensions and emulates its natural habitat.

    • 6

      Place food and water dishes in an area accessible to both you and your pet. Avoid placing dishes under climbing objects to keep excrement from being shed into food or water. Some species of reptiles need water dishes they can immerse themselves in, or food dishes that are appropriate to contain live food such as worms.

    • 7

      Finish the cage by placing the rest of your decor in ways that simulate the reptile's habitat and create an interesting viewing area. If your reptile is a climber, you may want several different levels for it to explore. Reptiles that live in desserts may prefer a variety of rocks and caves.