RecoveryLizards
Frilled dragon care guide
Chlamydosaurus kingii
A tall-cage arboreal agamid that perches vertically on trunks. Height, hot basking and seasonal humidity swings define their care.
Arboreal — vertical height first
Frilled dragon enclosure size
Arboreal — vertical height first. An adult frilled dragon should live in at least 48" L × 24" W × 48" H; we build toward 72" L × 36" W × 72" H (6 × 3 × 6 ft, roughly 18 sq ft of floor and about a 808-gallon glass equivalent).
- Hatchling / baby
- 36" L × 18" W × 36" H recommended · min 24" L × 18" W × 24" H
- Juvenile
- 48" L × 24" W × 48" H recommended · min 36" L × 18" W × 36" H
- Adult
- 72" L × 36" W × 72" H recommended · min 48" L × 24" W × 48" H
Temperature and heating
Halogen flood above the tallest trunk, dimmer-controlled.
- Basking / warm surface
- 105–115°F surface at the top of a vertical trunk
- Warm side (ambient)
- 88–92°F ambient
- Cool side (ambient)
- 75–80°F ambient
- Night
- 70–78°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: T5 UVB 10–12% at basking distance (UVI 4–6). Run lights on a 12–14 hours photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 50–70%, higher in a simulated wet season. Daily misting and a moisture-holding substrate; they drink droplets from leaves.
Substrate and depth
Topsoil / coco fibre with leaf litter. Depth: 4–6 in.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Vertical trunks and thick branches
- Wide basking limb under the lamp
- Foliage cover
- Large water bowl
Build list
- 4x2x4 ft or taller front-opening cage — They perch vertically and need the height.
- Halogen flood + T5 UVB 12% — High basking temp and strong UV for a diurnal agamid.
- Digital thermostat — Every heat source must run through a thermostat — unregulated heat burns animals.
- Two digital probe thermometers + hygrometer — Read the warm side, cool side and humidity directly — stick-on dials are inaccurate.
- Topsoil / coco fibre — Supports planting and holds seasonal humidity.
Frilled dragon FAQ
How big should an adult Frilled dragon enclosure be?
At least 48" L × 24" W × 48" H, and we recommend building to 72" L × 36" W × 72" H — about 6 × 3 × 6 ft, or a 808-gallon glass equivalent. Arboreal — vertical height first.
What temperatures does a Frilled dragon need?
Basking or warm surface 105–115°F surface at the top of a vertical trunk, warm side 88–92°F ambient, cool side 75–80°F ambient, night 70–78°F. Halogen flood above the tallest trunk, dimmer-controlled.
Does a Frilled dragon need UVB?
T5 UVB 10–12% at basking distance (UVI 4–6). Photoperiod: 12–14 hours.
What humidity does a Frilled dragon need?
50–70%, higher in a simulated wet season. Daily misting and a moisture-holding substrate; they drink droplets from leaves.
What substrate is best for a Frilled dragon?
Topsoil / coco fibre with leaf litter, at a depth of 4–6 in.
How big does a Frilled dragon enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 36" L × 18" W × 36" H recommended, minimum 24" L × 18" W × 24" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own frilled dragon record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.