Enclosure Type
bin cage
Floor Space
4.4 sq ft
Dimensions
~37"L × 17"W (varies by bin)
Bearded Dragon Minimum
8 sq ft
Verdict
Depends on Setup ℹ️
💰 Typical Price: $20–$40
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is depends on setup ℹ️ for a Bearded Dragon.
🔨 DIY Setup: Cut a large ventilation panel in the lid and secure with metal mesh (not plastic craft mesh). Use cable ties around the perimeter. Search YouTube: "DIY bin cage hamster" for full walkthroughs.
Pros & Cons of the DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
✅ Pros
- Cheapest large enclosure option
- Excellent burrowing depth
- Fully customisable
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Great ventilation when mesh panel is cut correctly
❌ Cons
- DIY required (mesh cutting + cable ties)
- Less aesthetically pleasing
- Bin quality varies — check for rigid non-flexible walls
- Not suitable for climbing species
What Bearded Dragons Need in an Enclosure
Bearded dragons need front-opening enclosures with full UVB lighting (T5 HO, full-length fixture), a basking spot reaching 100-110°F, and a cool side around 80-85°F. Glass tanks are acceptable for adults but PVC or wood enclosures retain heat more efficiently. Screen-top enclosures cause heat and UVB loss. Adult dragons need a 4'x2' enclosure at minimum.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Bearded Dragons
- Screen or mesh-top glass tanks for adults — loses heat and UVB rapidly
- Enclosures under 4x2 ft for adult beardies
- Compact spiral UVB bulbs — proven to cause eye and health damage
- Housing two bearded dragons together — highly territorial, causes stress and injury
- Loose particle substrate for juvenile dragons — causes deadly impaction
Other Enclosures for Bearded Dragons
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- Single Critter Nation
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')
Can Other Pets Live in a DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)?
- 🐹 Hamster in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐭 Gerbil in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐿️ Chinchilla in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐾 Guinea Pig in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐇 Rabbit in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐀 Rat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐱 Cat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐶 Dog in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)