When the animals wander in the wild region, they sit and sleep on any substance they like. Reptiles like bearded dragon are originally inhabited in the deserts of Australia and thus they move on places that are sandy. They love to bask on the sun rays while sitting on the flat rough stones or on the bark of trees.
Also, they prefer to sit on logs and any random surfaces.
But when you keep them inside the enclosure, you need to be extra careful about choosing the right basking rocks for them. This is an important part of the bearded dragon’s life, as this animal is ectotherm.
They can regulate their body temperature along with the temperature of the atmosphere.
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Why Basking Rock is important for Bearded Dragons?
They need a certain heat to be maintained for their body and they can achieve that temperature by adjusting their body with the outer world. This is a primary reason for choosing the right kind of basking stones for this reptile pet.
The stone is the spot where they will sit at daytime and sometimes even at the nighttime, and thus choosing the right stone which will provide it with sufficient heat and yet not burn it, is necessary.
Basking rocks are of great importance as this is the place where the dragons will rest, absorb heat and UV rays and also relax. For their physical and mental happiness, this place is required.
How to choose a good basking rock for Bearded Dragon?
Before going to review and buying, it is important to understand that, Tthis is the place where the bearded dragon will rest, so it will be wide enough to give it ample space.
The heat absorption quality should be good and also it should be able to hold the heat for quite some time, so when the heat emitter is switched off, it does not get cold soon.
The rock should be also easy on maintenance. There should not be any toxic material in the rock so no harm is done due to the heating.
Keeping an adequate temperature inside the terrarium is vital for the health of the bearded dragon.
Top Basking Rock For Bearded Dragons
There are different platforms available to be kept at the basking spot of the bearded dragon, like the hammock or the logs, and here we will be discussing these. Here is our in depth Review Of The Best Basking Rock For Bearded Dragon.
1. Zoo Med Mopani driftwood
This is a large surface which looks and feels pretty natural. The smooth surface of this wood helps the dragon to rest on it under the basking light. The look is complete with textured detailing. Synthetic plants can be added there to make it look even more natural.
This has some ups and downs on its body and thus the dragon will be interested in climbing up on getting down along with it. The density of the wood is good as it comes from the original dense forest trees, thus it easily sinks on the water. There is no chance of rotting as it is seasoned wood and will not rot with time, even if it stays underwater.
Woods usually have tannins which occur due to their natural quality. This tanning chemical, when left in the water, can change the colour and pH balance of the water. When you keep the wood inside the terrarium, the dragon may get affected by the wood and get sick. So you should keep the wood soaked into water for a day, and keep changing the water after an hour or so. When you will see that the watercolour is getting lighter, you can safely place the wood inside the terrarium.
Pros:
- Nice naturalistic shape
- Original wood
- Wide and textured
Cons:
- Some users complained about sizes
2. Carolina custom cages natural habitat rock
There are two size options available for this rock, which are great for the users who have different sized aquariums. These are a nice choice for basking rocks as the natural texture and colour will make the bearded dragon feel at home.
The colour options are varied, from blue-green to deep maroon to Painted Desert, Uluru red or Watarrka rose, all kinds of options are available so you can pick your choice. We feel that Painted Desert will be most suitable for the bearded dragons as the colour matches the sand and it will also make the dragon comfortable while resting on it.
The upper portion of the stone is flat and thus it is a comfortable resting area for the bearded dragons. The porous texture of the rocks does not let it heated too much, even if it staying at the basking spot for a long time. It never gets heated like the glazed tiles or slate, so there will be no chance of getting burnt from this piece of basking rock.
This rock is natural in origin and thus no two pieces look exactly the same. This natural structure makes the stone look like a part of the natural habitat of the bearded dragons.
This is also very long-lasting as it does not break easily and so there will be no chance of getting into accidents for your bearded dragons. The size estimate as described in the direction can vary, as it is already mentioned that the exact size is not always possible to be availed. The users find that the dragons are quite enjoying the flat surface of this rock and they are comfortably basking on the rocks.
Pros:
- Smooth
- Natural
- Wide
Cons:
- No electric heating system
- Size issue as reported by some users
3. Zilla basking ramp
The brand Zilla is quite famous for offering pet-related accessories and this ramp can be trusted for your adored pets. There are two varieties available for this basking ramp, one is for the corner of the terrarium and the other one is in the shape of the platform. Also, size varieties are available to be fitted into any sized tanks. There are small, large and jumbo size options available.
This is made from black coloured stone and it also consists of a flight of steps, upon climbing which, the reptile can reach the wide platform under the light.
This exercise will surely make the bearded dragon attracted to this new piece of an accessory as they love to climb up on high stones in their natural habitat. The top is pretty flat and wide so the dragon can leisurely relax there.
The texture of the rock is much like the original river rock and it looks pretty authentic. It absorbs heat and thus helps in holding the temperature of the vivarium warm.
The smooth surface of the rock helps the dragon to climb and sit on this platform. As there are various sizes available for this platform, you can pick the right sized one based on the vivarium size and the size of the dragon. This is pretty heavy and thus will not topple over on the dragons.
It will sit perfectly on the terrarium base and will allow the dragons to play on it. The sturdy design of this platform makes it a good choice for the bearded dragon owners.
It will allow the dragons not only to roam over it but also they can pass through the below part of this platform. You can arrange for a few synthetic flowers or leaves to decorate this platform, so it looks more original and beautiful.
Pros:
- Nice design
- Sturdy structure
- Textured stone
Cons:
- Sizes are too large for small terrariums
4. Norgail aquarium décor reptile basking platform
This platform looks different than the regular ones. You will find a nice grey toned platform which is near to the colour of the desert stones. Reptiles like the bearded dragon would love to bask while sitting on the top of this stone, while they can also go below it, where they will find a shelter when they do not like the light.
The wide area on the top of this platform helps the dragon to take rest under the basking light of the terrarium. This is a nice piece of décor for any terrarium as it will improve the look of the interior attractive. The size of the basking stone is pretty impressive, though it is available only in a single size.
You can keep the moderate-sized basking platform in any large terrarium comfortably.
This basking stone comes with rough texture which is rather helpful for the bearded dragons. They can rub their skin against this platform when it is the time for their peeling. At that time they feel itchy and if you keep items inside their enclosure which can help them to rub the body against, it will be of much help.
In addition to the rough surface, there are ridges all along with the platform. These ridges make the surface more uneven. The bottom part of the platform works as a perfect hideout, and it gives the dragon chance to play while they are under it.
This is also a pocket-friendly option and you can avail it at a budget price. This is a pro for the ones who are keeping bearded dragons for the first time and do not have much experience or budget for it.
Pros:
- Nice design
- Rough texture
- Great shape
Cons:
- Not fit for the baby dragons
5. Penn- Plax Reptology shale step ledge
This one looks like a miniature nature cave and it comes with a hideout place as well as a basking spot. You can put it into any terrarium or aquarium and enjoy the vivid beauty of this nice décor. For the desert reptiles, this is an awesome piece of structure which allows the dragons to roam around it, ride upon it or hide inside the hole that is present at the middle of this piece.
This one comes with some minute details that are hand-painted on this basking ledge. This one looks like an original rock formation and it will be well seamed with the interior of the terrarium.
This shale cave will be surely loved by your bearded dragon, whatever be its age and nature. The texture of the rocks that are part of this shale cave comes with naturalistic texture which makes the shale authentic.
The roughages of the stones need to smoothen out and you can do that with the help of a piece of sand paper. However, for the bearded dragon owners, this is not much required, as the rough texture will give the dragon ample chance to get itched when they will feel like it.
Still, you can do this smoothing out if you wish. According to some users, the stones are pretty fragile and thus can get chipped easily. So you need to be careful regarding this chipping, so the pieces do not get consumed by the dragon. This shale hide will work for the bigger and mature dragons as well as baby ones. They can play around it and this way they will be able to catch up with some exercises.
Pros:
- Nice design
- Good for hideout and basking
- Perfect size
- Looks authentic
Cons:
- Fragile stones
- Sharp ages
6. Zilla Reptile Bark Bends
This is a good barking place and this one again comes from the reputed brand Zilla. But this is not a rock, but a bark bend which has a wide place on the top of it. As it looks very much original and the bark feels rough like the regular ones, it will be loved by the bearded dragons. This one is made of natural wood and thus is totally non-toxic for your pet.
It also allows the bearded dragons to dig instinctively, which is a common habit among bearded dragons. Overhead coverage is a need for the bearded dragons. This bark can offer them that privacy and they can take shelter under this hide.
Setting this on the glass terrarium is much easy. It will sit stably on the smooth surface. There are windows on each side of this bark bend through which the bearded dragon can peek through. This bend has some fun elements mixed with the utility.
As it offers privacy to the dragon, it also allows the dragon to peek through the windows when it wants to see the outer world. Both the ends are open and the dragon can enter and go out of the bark easily, and it can be a fun activity for them.
The exterior is non-porous so it will have no chance of growing bacteria on it. You can use warm water with soap to clean it easily.
Pros:
- Nice texture and colour
- Naturalistic look
- Rough surface
- Windows and openings
Cons:
- Washing can fade the colour
7. Exo Terra gecko cave for reptiles
This is a high priced option for those who love the style and wish to see their bearded dragon in a stylish environment. This is a secure hiding place for your bearded dragon, along with that it also works as a basking area as it has a wide surface on the top of it.
This piece of décor fits the need of the bearded dragon as they also will be free from stress when they will be playing around this cave. The colour of this cave is much similar to that of the desert and thus it will make the dragon comfortable while climbing upon it for basking. The cave comes with a smooth feeling outward and that will also be liked by your bearded dragon.
There are holes through which the bearded dragon can go inside the cave or come out. It also will build some logical sense in them as the holes are not at a straight line. The size fits the size of a matured bearded dragon, but it is not much suitable for a baby one.
The baby dragons are too small to play with this cave. This is made from resin which is non-toxic for the bearded dragon. You should feel the edges before installing it inside the terrarium, and if it feels sharp at any point, then you can smoothen that point with sandpaper.
For a large terrarium, you can place two caves as that will be a good use of space and the dragon will find it exciting to come out of one cave and go inside another one.
Pros:
- Nice design
- Smooth texture
- Comes in sand colour
Cons:
- High priced
- Not for baby dragons
8. Niteangel Bearded Dragon Hammock reptile Lounger
This is last but not the least important option for basking in our list. Made from seaweed, this basking hammock is handwoven and will provide the bearded dragon with the fun of hanging along with basking while lying in a spot. At the time of shedding them can rub their body against the rough surface of the weaves and it will offer them pleasure and comfort.
There are three strong suction cups which will attach it to the walls of the terrarium so the dragon can safely hang upon this hammock. There are leather strings attached to the suction cups as well which offer extra support to this reptile hammock.
This will be working as a climbing space and the dragon will be enjoying itself while sitting on it. This is a lightweight option so there will be no issue of holding this attached from the walls of the terrarium.
This is one of the most pocket-friendly options for the bearded dragon owners so you do not have to be extravagant to get this hammock for your bearded dragons.
Pros:
- Natural seaweed made
- Lightweight
- Rough fibres
- Pocket friendly
Cons:
- Suction cups may come out
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