How to Make Your Own Reptile Basking Rock

Reptiles are easy to care for, quiet, and take up very little space making them a popular pet. You can find all sort of species from lizards, to snakes at an affordable cost. However, accessorizing their cage or tank can be rather expensive. An easy solution to this economical problem is to build your own cage accessories. One of the most popular, and practical cage accessories is basking rocks. In the wild you see all sorts of reptiles laying on rocks sunning. The reason for this is because the rocks hold heat, and reptiles are cold blooded. Basking rocks not only beautify your cage, they as serve a purpose. The edges of basking rocks are also used by some reptiles, to aid in shedding as well.

To make your reptile basking rock you will need the following:

Large rock

Drill

Concrete drill bit

Beach

Antiseptic soap (Dawn)

Bucket

Brush (nail or toothbrush)

Water

Artificial flowers, vines, or greenery

Gorilla glue

To make your own basking rock you will first need a rock. You can use any larger rock that you can find. Ideally you want one that is smooth on the bottom, however it does not need to be perfect, especially if you use calcium sand in your cage or tank. Make sure your rock is large enough that your reptile can lay on it if it is a lizard or at least get is head and several inches of body on it if it is a snake.

Next you need to drill a hole in the rock. This can be done using a concrete drill bit, and drill. You will have to apply a little pressure to get the hole started. Make sure you drill the hole at least 1/4 of an inch deep. This depth will help support and hold your artificial plant.

Once you have your hole drilled you need to clean your rock. To clean your rock first allow it to soak in a bucket of water, and bleach solution overnight. I use a half a cup of bleach in 4 gallons of water. This is easiest done if your using a 5 gallon bucket. After you have let your rock soak, rinse it will with clean water, then using a nail brush or toothbrush, and an antiseptic soap such as dawn dish soap scrub the rock, and rinse it thoroughly. This is an important step because you do not want to introduce unwanted fungus, or bacteria's into your cage.

When your rock is dry, cut your greenery or artificial flower stems to fit your rock. This not only makes your cage look decorative, it also creates a secure feeling for your reptile. Your reptile will feel as if it is hide, and will rest on the basking rock comfortably. When you have your flowers the height you want them, secure them into the hole you drilled earlier using Gorilla glue. Gorilla glue expands as it dries so you only need a drop. When the glue is dry your basking rock is complete, and ready to be put in your cage.

The UV light you have on you cage will heat the basking rock up. If you have a under tank heating mat, you will need a slightly thinner rock so that the heat can penetrate it. For my leopard geckos I place their basking rock outside to heat up naturally for a few hours. However, I live in Florida, this method might not work for everyone. My leopard geckos have an under tank heating mat, which will heat up a 2 inch thick basking rock, however it takes several days for it to heat fully.

For a large basking rock you can expect to pay $25.00 or more at your local pet or reptile supply store. I recently made 4 basking rocks for less then $10.00 and I still have supplies to make several more. Check at your local dollar, or discount store to cheap artificial plants. By making several at one time, you can change them out for different looks periodically.