I have kept some ackies in that fashion for years. Out in the summer, back inside in the winter. At this time about half are inside full time.



As a general rule of thumb, I do not put them outside until the daytime highs reach 90F and above. I do not see any actual benefit until the temps outside reach 100F(benefit=full activity)



Also consider, we are a high desert, which means we have cold nights and high days in the spring and fall. The actual temps needed where you live may vary. If your nights are warmer, you may get away with cooler days. This I don't know.



Of couse you could put a basking lite in a shady area and it will use it.



Please understand, I am only going by my own experience. I would love to hear how ackies would do in those cool temps.



Not that this is important. But if you look at the range maps of ackies, they only occur in areas where the daytime highs are near or over 90F for most of the year. In areas with to cool of temps(east coast) or places with not enough sun(too many trees) they don't occur. (Or a combination of those two)



On the otherhand, one of the reasons I like monitors is, they enjoy something new. They like it when you put them outside, then they like it when you bring them in. Also, some change their attitudes, some don't. Most don't.



One last warning, when I first considered keeping monitors outside, a friend who had tried it warned me. They will do one of two things. They will either get out(then they are really out) or they will die(weird accidental deaths) My friend was very very accurate. It took me years to control this. But it still happens. Putting them outside, is a huge gamble. It can have rewards, but there is a much higher rate of something bad happening. Cheers

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