Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an outdoor cage now and was wondering if uvb rays still get to the dragon even if it's in the shade? Does it have to be direct sunlight to get beneficial UVB?

Yes it does...but at least part of the basking area should be in the sun, beardies are sun-lovers and benefit from bright light both physically and psychologically. Have a pic of the set-up ?

UV, like all wavelengths of light only travles in straight lines. The fresh air will do them a world of good and the expierence of putting the dragon outdoors will give you a more secure, well adjusted dragon, but unless he is in direct sunlight, he is not getting enough uv.
-----
www.moonstonedragons.com

Actually, according to Purdue university agronomist Richard Grant,UVB is present in the shade. People mistakenly equate the amount of UVB to the amount of visible light they see. UVB, unlike visible light doesn't shine down in a straight line from the sun, but it bounces around. BUT...I still agree that every outside enclosure should have a bright area...there will be a variety of basking temps. and dragons simply enjoy and benefit from a bright area.

Technically even visible light can be reflected...every object and particle reflects and absorbs certain amounts of light energy, both visible and invisible. If I recall correctly the reason we see colors is because that particular object is absorbing that particular color (or maybe its reflecting...can't remember now and don't feel like reading it up).

www.uvguide.co.uk/ is a great site to read up on UVB and how it relates to reptiles, including amounts of UVB put out by the sun at any given location at different times of the day etc. There is alot of reading on this page but well worth the time browsing. It also has articles about problems with some brands of compact UVB bulbs caused in various reptiles.
-----
PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess

He will still get some UVB even in shade, unless its very dense shade (ie like under something solid, like corner of the house, tree trunk, cave/hide, etc.) Shade from leaves still allows some amount of UVB to reach down. Also, reflected sunlight off walls, pale rocks, patio stones, etc. can redirect UVB into a cage as well.

It is best to only have part of the cage in shade or adequate hides and good ventilation in the cage (like all screen cage...keep in mind a glass or plastic tank even with an open or screen top, can get very hot fast in direct sunlight, even if the air temp isn't very high outside the cage. Think of how quickly the inside of a car can heat up, even with windows open.)

Time of day and your location in relation to the equator and how high above sea level you are, and time of the year, all affect levels of UVB. Very hot days and high humidity can also greatly increase the UVB index into levels that can be damaging with prolonged exposure. On really hot days, its best to just take the dragon out in the morning, or later afternoon, early evening and just for a short period of time.

Never leave them unattended, even for a few minutes. Its better to bring them back inside if you have to go inside for any reason.
-----
PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess

There's more UVB in the shade outside that is emitted from UVB producing bulbs. So there is some benefit, but direct sunlight with some shade would allow him to bask and thermoregulate as well as get the benefit of increased UVB. In the shade it's probably not warm enough for him to get to his desired core temp. unless it's a very hot day.

I thought I heard they could get uvb while still in the shade vet says half hour of direct light twice a week makes strong bones. Also instead of 1/2" hardware cloth I used 1" chicken wire keeps the temps way lower my opinion safer. I'll try and figure out the camera to show a pic nothing special just has a ramp and 12"x18" basking spot. Also Rage keeps scratching up on the walls I just put him in a 4'x2' cage a month ago temps are still good he just keeps trying to climb the walls. I think he knows there is a female in the cage next to him he does alot of head bobbin'. I hate learning the hard way, from mistakes o yeah exclusive dragons has a whole info library on BD's

Rage hates going outside he just flips out so i give him a day or 2 and try again but i don't think he will ever like the outdoors.