This is a quick start reference to give you an idea of a Chinese Water Dragon’s cage requirements. Please use this in addition to other research.
A cage or aquarium that can retain humidity should be used, as Chinese Water Dragons require high humidity environments. You can use an aquarium and use saran wrap over the screen on top (only part way so you don’t overheat the cage) to retain humidity. Make sure the saran wrap doesn’t get too close to the heat lamp as to cause a fire. As your dragon gets bigger you might have to build a custom cage. You will want to consider using heavy plastic for sides, or some other material that will retain humidity.
Cage Setup:
Chinese Water Dragons prefer to live in the trees. So a cage that is taller is better than one that is wider at it’s base. Lots of branches with foliage and basking areas are ideal for a Chinese Water Dragon. There are many substrates out on the market today that you may use. I prefer to use a non-porous hard plastic for the bottom as it is moisture proof and it doesn’t stick to any prey items and get accidentally ingested. It is also very easy to clean.
Basking Temperature:
A basking temperature of 85 degrees using a basking lamp on one side of the cage over supportive branches is ideal for a temperature gradient. Ambient temperatures can be around 75-80 degrees. UVB lighting is also required for proper calcium and D3 levels.
Humidity Requirements:
Chinese Water Dragons require high levels of humidity of 80-90 percent to shed properly. You can mist the cage several times a day with a water sprayer, or purchase a mister to do it for you. A water bowl positioned in a warm area of the cage can also help raise the humidity.
Water:
A large water bowl for soaking, swimming, and drinking is required and also helps with raising the humidity. A water bowl should be available at all times and should be deep enough to go halfway up the side of your Water Dragon. A rock or branch placed in the bowl can help the dragon get out without any difficulties.
Food:
You will need to feed your Chinese Water Dragon a daily diet of crickets, mealworms, rodents, and vegetables. So you might want to use a deep bowl to put the food in that your dragon can get in and out of but the food can’t. This way there isn’t any bug escapes. They usually eat rodents in captivity when they get bigger, therefore, you might want to consider setting up an aquarium to breed mice so you can always have food on hand.
Make sure you check all your temperatures and humidity levels to make sure they are correct before putting your Chinese Water Dragon in it’s new home.
I want to add a note here about heat rocks. Please do not use heat rocks in any of your reptiles cages. Heat rocks have been known to seriously burn reptiles and kill them. They get hot spots in them and can cause some serious damage. You can use a real rock positioned under a heat lamp if you would like to provide any of your reptiles with belly heat. Obviously you will want to check the temperature of the rock when setting up to make sure the rock isn’t too hot for your reptile to lay on.
