Hello I have just came across this site as I was looking for advice.

I have a 1 year old rankins dragon and I was thinking of getting a real plant for his habitat can anybody suggest something that would do well in the heat and be safe with the lizard.

Also anybody know any any other good reptile shop around my location I know of the reptile centre in northampton but I am after a female lizard to go with my current lizard but they have nothing of the similar size.

I am located in corby northants but I don't mind a bit of driving.

Hope somebody can point me in the right direction regarding my questions.

Tim

Welcome to HC Tim!
I can't help you with your questions (I'm a snake-person and live in Switzerland), but there are probably many other members here who have the info you're looking for.
Post some pics of your little guy when you get a chance!

__________________
Andrea

Welcome to the HC

Hi Tim!
Welcome to Herp Center!

I have a bearded dragon and from all my animals, its the only one without live plants in his enclosure. First, because plants will make your humidity levels go up and second because he would probably try to eat it =)

The only way to solve this is to look for cactus plants and all their close "family". Look for something without spikes, that needs very little water and robust enough to handle a dragon walking all over it. Cross-check the name with the various lists of safe and toxic plants on the web and only buy after that.

__________________
Wish list: Blue Tongue Skinks and Uruplatus =)

Hi Tim,

Welcometo HC! I Do nat have any answers for you as I am still learning myself, but hope you enjoy the site!

Steve

welcome to HC! glad you joined us.

__________________
Professional Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
http://niksscalesandtails.com/



yes i am a she ^_^

~My Babies~

1 Rosy Boa (male) Chaos
1 Snow Corn (male) Blizzard
1 Anertherystic Corn (male) Bullet
1 Senegal Parrot (male) Shadow
2 dogs (male) Spot and Bear

Hi Tim and welcome to the Herp Center Network. Your rankins dragon has basicaly the same needs as it's larger cousin, the Bearded Dragon. They do like to climb some but usually just on anything that resembles say a fallen branch or low tree branches and usually it will be to attain a better basking area. Any "furniture" added to the habitat beyond that is merely icing on the cake. Then you have to use a plant that will survive trampling as the dragon WILL crawl all over it. Also making sure that the plant has no toxins that would be detrimental to your dragon.


"Cage furniture should include a water bowl and a branch or rocks on which the dragon can climb. A hide or hides can be provided, however most dragons will bask and sleep in the open, most of the time. If rocks are used, attention must be paid to the arrangement as safety is an issue – they mustn’t be allowed to fall onto your animals, and going as far as fixing them into position with silica gel is advisable. Remember Bearded Dragons have been known to dig, so in order to prevent them undermining and destabilising rock piles, make sure the rocks sit on the vivarium floor, and not on the substrate.
Additional decorative furniture can also be added, such as imitation plants and commercial accessories. If real plants are to be used in the enclosure, care must be taken to ensure that the plants are not poisonous to the dragon if ingested."

If at all possible, in my opinion, stay away from live plants with either rankins or regular Bearded Dragons.

__________________
Fran
January 9, 1940 - June 1, 2006 (R.I.P)

Welcome to HC Network Tim,

Rankins dragons are so petite and cute....post a pic if you geta chance...Lyn

__________________
Warmest Regards from Lyn

Welcome Tim. I too would advise against live plants. They are going to be more trouble than they are really worth as your dragon will most likely eat or destroy them. If you have your heart set on live, go with needleless or soft needled cactus or succulents, something that will tolerate the dry high temps of a Bearded Dragon enclosure. As stated you will have to make sure they aren't toxic. You might try aloe vera.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

You can also try Bromeliad, I know they are hardy and are safe for your Bearded Dragons.

__________________
MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!