Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok this summer I plan on giving my lizards natural sunlight for atleast an hour a day, but here's my problem. The sunlight doesn't come around to my deck until like 5:30pm (I live in an apartment on the 3rd storey) and I was wondering if this is still ok, or should I have them out in early morning sun and afternoon sun? I hope that the sun at 5:30pm is still just as benificial to my lizards, anyone know???
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Lizard Smoke

While the sun in the late evening is not as strong as late morning or midday sun it is still much stronger then the average uvb producing bulb. Any extra time out in the sun for a beardie is beneficial to them. Even 15 minute sun soaks will do them some good

The sun is very deceiving though, and you must be careful. one day I brought a few different bins/cages out just to test the temps and it was up there 130 degrees in a matter of minutes in a Rubbermaid bin on a 80 degree day. Just make sure your putting them out in a screen cage or something with lots of air flow (also screen keeps out bugs. FIREFLIES KILL BEARDIES DEAD), and nothing glass or clear/or dark in color like a Rubbermaid bin, as they can really cook in these. Take the cage or whatever your planning to put him out in and test it on a hot day, and check the temps throughout the day. Also giving a shade spot out in the sun is a MUST, so make sure your providing shade too. Other then the precautions we must take bringing them out, it is extremely good for them. That's if they like going out. I have some that hate going out.. They freak when they see a shadow LOL
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Mystical-Dragons Web Site
Webshots photos

Natural sunlight is always the best thing for reptiles, whether it's morning, afternoon or evening sun. The intensity of UVB rays produced by the sun is less during the evenings but still sufficiently high to beat any artificial UVB source available to the pet trade. In fact an hour a day exposure to natural unfiltered sunlight is all the dragon will need.

As Mystical dragons pointed out, make sure the container you put your reptiles in outside is secure from outside predators and insects and the dragon has a cool place to go to if she gets too warm. They should also be supervised during the entire time they are outside, even if in screen cages.
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PHLdyPayne

Great thanx for the reply. I'm glad evening sun is still benificial to him. Ya I have a nice screen cage to put him in and he'll definatly be supervised, it'll be our hang out time.
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Lizard Smoke