Choosing the right vivarium size
Guidance by species – tall or wide?
Size depends on species and age
A vivarium should suit the adult size of your animal and leave room for temperature and humidity gradients as well as areas for climbing, hiding and basking. Young animals need less space and can feel insecure in a very large, open vivarium.
Rough guidance
The right size always depends on the particular species. As a first orientation:
- Geckos and small snakes: around 90 x 45 x 45 cm
- Medium species (corn snakes, royal pythons): at least 120 x 60 x 60 cm
- Bearded dragons: at least 150 x 60 x 60 cm
- Large boas and large lizards: from 180 x 80 x 80 cm, often considerably more
Climbing species such as chameleons and crested geckos need a tall vivarium (height matters more than floor space), while ground-dwelling species need a wide one.
Our starter kits are also a good guide to which vivarium suits which species. You will find specific minimum dimensions in the care article for your species – and when in doubt, go slightly larger.