HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMONLY KEPT REPTILES

Environmental Guidelines for Common Reptile Species

 

Species

Optimal Temperature

Humidity Level

Natural Habitat

Bearded dragon

35oC-40oC

10%-20%

Arid, terrestrial, semi-aboreal

Blue tongue lizard 

33oC

35%-50%

Arid, terrestrial

Carpet, diamond python

29oC

35%-80%

arboreal

Children's python

33oC

35%-50%

terrestrial

Eastern long necked turtle

26-27oC

60%-90%

Aquatic and terrestrial

 

Minimum Cage Size Requirements

Species                          Dimension

 

Lizards         Length: 3x snout-to-tail  
                                 length

                   Depth: 2x snout-to-tail length

                   Height (terrestrial): 1.5x snout-
                                           to-
tail length

                   Height (arboreal): 3x snout-to-
                                            tail 
length

 

Snakes         Length: 1x adult snake's
                                        total length

                   Depth: 2/3 adult snake's total
                             length

                   Height (terrestrial): 3/4 adult 
                                   snake's 
total length

                   Height (arboreal): 1 x adult
                                   snake's 
total length

 

Turtles         Length: 5 x carapace (shell) 
                              length, 
of  total cage 
                              length should be land

                   Depth: 3 x carapace length

                   Water height: 2 x carapace
                                       length

                   Total height: 2 x carapace
                                     length 
plus 30cms