DIY Naturalistic Enclosure Background for a Bearded Dragon

[@valentine126]

I’ve been watching enclosure builds for years now and this is honestly the most beautiful, natural looking enclosure i’ve seen! It belongs in a world-renown zoo somewhere. You did an incredible job, thank you so much for showing us how you put it all together!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you very much!

[@philbangert8046]

I agree by far the BEST

[@lelasandoval4327]

lol

[@Jay-cz5gj]

​@@TheNaturalHerpKeeper how'd you seal the rock? I can't seem to find any answers lol

[@PonchoTheBeardie]

@@Jay-cz5gjexpanding foam

[@SwissFrogGuy]

I think one of the most useful tips that I got out of this was to make extra freestanding rocks, using the same technique as the background. This really helps with keeping the entire enclosure feeling natural, and All allows you to change things up a bit from time to time. So thanks for that!

[@danequeall6134]

Amazing enclosure, this has to be one of the best background builds I’ve seen

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@jamesbeitia1353]

Wow, that is the most realistic looking enclosure l have ever seen. I just can't imagine it looking more natural than that. That belongs in a museum somewhere. Mam, you are a true artist!!!

[@Op-wj8bw]

This has literally got to be the best naturalistic beardie enclosure I’ve seen amazing work!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@christopherweaver2220]

This is better than any other I've seen. You might consider making morre how-to for Australian habitat terrarium design. This is a gem of a video.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you, I would definitely love to build more and make videos on them, but time is in short supply unfortunately! One day!

[@snarthfoulsnot]

I'd love to see how you'd make a 3d bioactive enclosure for a boa constrictor or a ball python! I've never seen an enclosure done so beautifully and thoughtfully of their natural habitat in the wild. 💕 You've got a new follower, and I can't wait to see more of your content!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much! Unfortunately being in Australia means we can only own natives so no Boa or Ball Python builds! But I'm sure you could adapt the techniques to suit them😊

[@morneschaap2944]

What a beautiful enclosure. Very inspirational 😊

[@thespacebehindmyeyes5110]

Wow! This is the best build tutorial I've ever watched. You have a great eye and really made this come alive! I feel like I can do a way better job now on my beardie's enclosure upgrade. Your tips on creating more depth to the rock are easy to follow and practical. Thank you!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found it useful! Good luck with your build!!

[@CarnivoreKrak]

I’m currently working on my first beardie naturalistic enclosure and this has given me sooooo much inspiration for what I wanted to do. I keep hearing so many ppl talk about how bad sand is and so much added to this and I just cannot buy the hype . Seeing a video from someone who would actually know because of her location definitely helps a lot. Thanks for this awesome video!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks! Sand is only bad if the rest of the husbandry is not spot on, impaction becomes an issue when lizards aren't kept warm enough and aren't given a hot enough basking spot.

[@CarnivoreKrak]

@@TheNaturalHerpKeeper agree! I opted for the expensive awesome color sand from Australia lol. It’s like 40 bucks a bag here but we’ll worth it because the tank looks awesome and they both have been as happy and healthy as can be .

[@gregmartin1615]

This is an incredibly generous "sharing of knowledge video". Such a lot of detail and technique. Thank you.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rebeccahays2063]

I've watched SO MANY build videos, and this is definitely my favorite!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Hey! Thanks so much-needed, glad you enjoyed it!

[@henrik276]

What a talent you have! Very impressive.

[@thesilkkradle9558]

oh wow this was pretty cool and an aussie. nice to hear a local.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks!

[@cheriforget1674]

Thank you very much. I have been watching all kinds of enclosure building tutorials, this is by far the best I have seen yet! Awesome enclosure!!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much!!

[@afrodietea]

Great way to inspire people to build their own enclosures!

[@rmcleod9]

You make it look easy, but I know it's a real art to make it look so good and you are truly an artist. I think zoos, etc. Would gladly hire you as a consultant to build their naturalistic enclosures, of you wanted to go that direction. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much! We do work at a zoo and have done multiple enclosures there as well

[@ashleywilcox4907]

This is incredible, the level of detail and the quality is awesome and it looks completely realistic 😃👍

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps!

[@mikelingley]

My bearded dragon Tyfose loves watching your videos.

[@Hogstrictors]

Really awesome natural looking desert-ish looking!

[@MiBackpacking]

This is easily the best enclosure build I’ve ever seen and I’ve been looking for inspiration for my beardie for quite some time. Bravo 🎉

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps 😊

[@jessescales4982]

what a great video! Carving out the rock detail with the bamboo skewer just blew my mind.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks! Its all trial and error to find what works best and I just stumbled upon that lol!

[@alisonoxholm9315]

Amazing that’s the most realistic DIY rock I’ve seen 😊

[@arpadungvari7160]

I like this enclosure. It's looks like a tougth space for live, with that rocks and dead branches, but looks so live thanks to the green plants, amazing looking. And enough big for a bearded dragon. I keep one an enclosure like that, with some live plans, and he's been doing great. For spring to end of summer I keep my lizard in an outside enclosure. It's much bigger, put there much big brances and logs for clibing, and he simply love it. Great job....

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps!

[@S_t_even]

Awesome tutorial, really motivating and it makes me feel like I can make something like this too! A lot of the other tutorials seem quite intimidating but this looks really accessible even for an average bloke like me

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! That was my hope, to explain it in such a way that anyone can give it a go! Its all just practice to find what you like!

[@coopsreptiles2588]

Amazing work! Excited for your channel :)

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you 😊

[@kabong1978]

Really enjoyed this. You've got an eye for detail...and camera angles.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

The detail maybe, camera angles I'm not so sure about🤣 still trying to work out this filming stuff!!

[@aqua.scape69]

You are absolutely amazing. The best I’ve ever seen.

[@crystaldawn2736]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!! You are very talented!!!!!! Your work is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@ReptileFitness]

Loved it how it turned out! Really good tutorial!

[@OutdoorsAffiliated]

Just plain Incredible!! Wow!!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you 😊

[@paulosborne3695]

You hands down have the most realistic finished enclosures I have seen. Your enclosures are beautifully designed. Well done.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much!

[@jennyrebelein3617]

Wow, so much work! But absolutely worth it! Looking awsome!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you

[@maciejandrzejewski4949]

Thank you for sharing. That was the most informative video about making backgrounds i've ever seen on yt.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@antbates966]

This has really helped me with the setup I was looking for I've got a field near me with sand cliffs I wanted try replicate in a viv for my sungazer

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

That sounds like it will be amazing once done! Good luck with the build

[@misspbj2634]

Some serious talent building these enclosures!!! Amazing 🤩

[@chacongrafx2238]

Wow. Very impressed with your artistic abilities, making this setup look so natural! Great tutorial too!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you 😊

[@captioninsanoshowsnomercy3613]

Great video would love to see more of this kind of content on your channel

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps! We have a few more videos in the making!

[@Auditing.northern.N.Y.]

Definitely put your work in. Nice job

[@firebelly02]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your tricks! I really enjoyed watching.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

I am glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 😊

[@claudiahenk8048]

Absolutely stunning! Best tutorial and i watched a lot of tutorials.Thank you so much!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks heaps!

[@KristopherONeill1987]

Yeah I’d agree this is absolutely fantastic and definitely one of the best builds.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you😊

[@davidcoburn2461]

This technique is amazing! I will most definitely be using the spray rock-aging technique on my grout!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you and good luck!

[@tazim201004]

This is the best DIY background on KZbin. If i saw this video earlier, i would have attempted it myself. I brought the hot foam cutter but opted to buy one as i wanted a realistic look. I now wish i didn't spend £200 on a rockways background. But i am really happy with my enclosure, but lighter in my pockets😁

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps! There is always future enclosures you can have a go at building yourself 😉

[@CustomReptileHabitats]

Nicely done. Looks amazing!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you😊

[@AdventureFreak86]

Best buil I've ever seen! Bravo! Subscribed

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps!

[@bmxking6582]

Amazing, so much detail! Great filming and great step by step easy to understand instructions. Thank you

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you 😊

[@CK0320]

Thank you for posting. It looks great and it's motivating

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps😊

[@gahlenfr]

I am building a really large enclosure and have been looking for something just like this. I agree with others, your work is museum/zoo quality! Well done!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you 😊

[@danneuenschwander3743]

Wow, can’t thank you enough. What a wonderful video. So well done. You have inspired me.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps! And glad it helped with some inspiration!

[@MarinaIslas]

It's refreshing to see a lady herpster who also appreciates naturalistic vivarium builds on this platform. Thank you for sharing your process and your work. The outcome is beautiful and inspiring! You are truly an artist!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! I have such a passion for these amazing critters and just want to inspire more people to keep them as best as we possibly can!

[@andrewpayne5093]

Awesome! I just got a 5ft enclosure and going to do a tropical bioactive enclosure for a spotted python. Being a 5ft tank it's going to have plenty of room.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Oh that sounds amazing! Thats one lucky spotted!!

[@erikaswanstrom6335]

Such an amazing job! Wish you were in Canada! Your work is incredible!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jacksall3080]

Absolutely amazing! This helped!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks!

[@HumDingaDoozy]

Thanks so much! I really love your channel!

[@timjung640]

Beautiful and incredible!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!!

[@tribex11]

Absolutely love this and the whole concept of the channel. I try to keep all of my reptiles in enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible and hope to one day be as creative as you and make them look like this instead of just the usual cork bark, branches, plants, soil mix etc. Also nice to see someone who actually knows first hand what a beardie's habitat looks like and not just making it look like the Sahara 🤦‍♂️

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much! Yes thats why I like to include the field herping videos to give people an idea of the actual habitat their animal comes from, I think that is so important when designing an enclosure

[@tribex11]

@@TheNaturalHerpKeeper 100% agree, my sister in law is from Sydney and my brother met her while travelling across Oz so I was able to ask them for more detail on the climate and habitat. If I see one more box of sand video for a beardie enclosure I'll crack up. Keep the great vids coming. Unfortunately we've almost no reptiles in Ireland so I can't help with habitat advice on native species 😂😔

[@Nickp_s3]

Καταπληκτική δουλειά μπράβο σου!!!

[@curlsbynat9763]

You are absolutely talented 😻I'm not that talented, but I think I could start on a smaller scale. I was thinking of making my own basking platform for a 4'x2'x2' enclosure for my beardie.

[@michaelsj77]

Nice art work, very impressive

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@justalilcynical5558]

Most depth on any background I've seen thus far on KZbin. I've been asked to build quite a large reptile enclosure so I'm doing my due diligence. Now I have to find some videos on waterproofing. I really think you did a fantastic job

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@sconads23]

So much more informative and detailed than all the other how to tutorials..... You've given me a boost of confidence to have a crack at it myself 🙂...... You're enclosure looks absolutely amazing 👌👌👌🤟🤟🤟

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much! And definitely have a go at making one, its all trial and error and the more you do the better you will get at it 😊

[@sconads23]

@@TheNaturalHerpKeeper already 2 days into the process and loving it 👍

[@Wheelabarraback]

That’s an incredible effort ! Thanks for posting!

[@lewisclement41]

That is the best and most life-like background I've seen. It's awesome well done. Will be using some of these techniques for my Ackies new home. Thank you for making the video.👍

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps

[@jonatw75]

best i've seen, most real and natural looking. Amazing work!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@leonardlipscomb2163]

It’s beautiful

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Sk8erSpanky]

Amazing work! Thank you for sharing!

[@rickymullane9973]

very nice work love the look

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Love this! Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you😊

[@guillermoperez2750]

It looks more natural than nature itself.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you 😊

[@janhuber3708]

What If you wanted to do a rainforest terrarium? I really really like this tutorial, one of the best results, If Not the best I have seen.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

You can definitely do this background for a rainforest enclosure, I will actually be doing one for Boyds Forest Dragons in the coming months so stay tuned for that

[@janhuber3708]

@@TheNaturalHerpKeeper I am really looking forward to that now, thanks for the fast answer. Was Just worried about the humidity maybe seeping to deep into the grout and causing mold or something Like that. Keep Up the great work! I will Most definetly use this tutorial for my next enclosure 👍

[@janhuber3708]

@@TheNaturalHerpKeeper It would also be great, If you could link the type of grout etc you used. Thanks in advance:)

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

I've built some humid enclosures before and never had issue with mould in the grout.

[@mitchmccline1614]

Amazing work! Thank you for the information I am excited to try some of your techniques

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Have fun! And good luck with the build!

[@RustyShacklefardd]

The foreground is noice too

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks 😊

[@highrollerph]

AMAZING! I learned a lot from this video!

[@eddydesmet9964]

excellent best basework i have ever seen

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much!

[@Rebellious.Official.Tv.2024]

Good setup mate I'm just started my bio active setup good plant to use is basil 😊

[@adammann42]

Incredible!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you😊

[@larsice9]

This is nuts! Just crazy awesomeness!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@shaniathorpe4693]

I need a tutorial on building the enclosure 😭😭 You're the first Australian KZbinr for this type of content I've seen and I'm so happy but I need you to tell me where you got everything and what everything is This is so amazing and exactly what I've been looking for thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jandvoracek7903]

WOW!! Simply like in nature :O gj

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! Nature is the best inspiration!

[@fryziesreptiles575]

Fantastic build 👏

[@roxoriginal732]

I was tossing around a few ideas for the one I’m making and now you have solved that for me . Good well explained vid lovely rock face and colours.well done .👌

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks so much and glad it helped!

[@douggraham6133]

absolutely amazing. beautiful and so natural.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@Poteluz]

Beautiful work, the only downside is that I feel the background was made too thick to where it took up most of the usable space of the enclosure.

[@mcwendel8066]

Unbelievable!!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@65cj55]

Very talented.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@stephenpeTRYCKI]

This build is amazing

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@MR-puffnstuff]

I love this display case u made i have a six foot by two foot by four foot tall all glass display case i just build a sweet picnic table i build tall cabnet for climbing lizard or snake with live plants inside like u did almost i start gathering supplies soon i try hard get my 18 year old soon to be son been distance as hell from me for way to long he used to do all this stuff with me he still does but hopefully he help and i offer him the display case to have after cause i will not have room for it anymore.

[@kenstephens7366]

I’ve watched many videos on enclosures I’m getting ready to build a big one for a snake . And yours was one of the best I’ve seen !!! It goes threw each step simply a lot r over complicated and make it seem pretty complicated , and yours was a great tutorial. Thanks I hope you make more of them and I’ve subscribed just in case .

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it easy to follow! I will definitely have more build videos coming in the future

[@winstonandsarah]

Beautiful work!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps!

[@SwissFrogGuy]

Really great work! You have been inspirational to me and doing some of my first terrarium work! Your grout information was really useful when I attacked my giant 2 1/2 m x 1 1/2 m background.

[@AJK12ap]

One of the best Diy backgrounds I have seen on KZbin. Thank you for the detailed explanation of how you painted the grout.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@KevMacG]

Great Video! Can't believe, that out of 22k views, less than 1k liked it! I bet you more than that found it useful and used some of your techniques. Thanks for making it ✌

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps!

[@CricetinaeGerbillinae]

Amazing, beautiful!!!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@trevorbraden5448]

Man I wish I had the time and patience to do something like this..... Lucky Dragons

[@headfangs]

I feel like it's very easy for desert enclosures to look artificial-- either way too flat and parallel or hysterically red, but you really nailed a natural look here. Is it easy to clean waste off of those foam rocks?

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you! Yes it is easy to have it looking too 'fake'! Cleaning is easy, i just manually remove the waste (that hasn't been eaten already by the clean up crew) and use a small scrubbing brush to remove the stuck on bits with no damage to the background

[@MyFunnyBeard]

This looks so great! Awesome build

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks!

[@thecanopyclimber]

Absolutely incredible!!!

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thanks heaps!

[@BeachesScalyBeasts]

Great video! Subbed. Can’t wait to see what you do next.

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Thank you!

[@DogHumpsMonkey]

That’s a great method for aging. Great job

[@TheNaturalHerpKeeper]

Lots of trial and error but it does work pretty well! Thanks!