Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I was wondering if it's ok to take bearded dragons otuside to get a little sun? I took my baby bearded dragon out (which seemed risky, so I dont' think I will do that again). He was in direct sunlight (with me) for only about 20 mintues, but I swear to god his color started changing. Has anyone else experienced this? It seemed as though his colors became a lot more pronounced...way more brilliant. It was weird how fast it happened.

Anyway, does anyone have any tips on how to take a beardie outside without the worry that they will get away? A leash perhaps?

I don't have any real good advice here - I just wanted to tell you that, depending on where you live, there are a lot of fireflies out in the evening right now. I;m in NC, and I wouldn't want mine outside right now at all (b/c they're poisonous). P.S. - I've tried leashes and my girl hated it, but I've heard others swear by them. Wait for more advice.

I take mine out all the time! In fact his current home is in his "summer villa" a secure enclosure out of doors with plenty of perches for sunning and shady spots for the heat of the day (which has been fast approaching 100 degrees here in North Florida. You want to talk about a happy dragon? Loki is loving the sun and the sights and the space.
Other parts of the year if it's warm enough I take him out for a jaunt around the Koi pond in the afternoon when I get home and he really enjoys that as well. I've found he doesn't really move all that fast unless really frightened so if I keep a sharp eye on him it's just fine to let him loose for a little walk around time. He loves the sun and takes a swim in the pond from time to time as well.

QB

Taking them out is a great idea because nothing can be better than real sunlight.

Just watch that they don't overheat and also make sure they can't escape.
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0.0.2 Bearded Dragons(Ziggy and Stardust)
0.1.0 Ball Python(Not named yet)

I take mine out, but if you read a post of mine from Saturday you'll find where one got away from me. I found him 4 hours later but it was HORRIBLE! I still take them outside but I'm right there with them. If anything else needs my attention for more than a second I pick them up or put them in their outside enclosure. I would never put a baby down though. I wouldn't be able to see them. My two year olds turn colors too when they're outside.

Sun is great for beardies. Not being the handy sort, I just set up two large birdcages on the porch. I added some additional perches and a log cave to each. All mine love to spend hours out there.

Lightning bugs (fireflies) are NOT great for beardies. Fatal in fact. When it starts to get buggy here I drape the cages with mosquito net.

The color change is normal.

Best,
michele
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3.2 Bearded Dragons (Rescues)
1.0 Corn snake (Rescue)
0.1 California King
4.5 Royal (Ball) Pythons (3 rescues)
1.1 Dogs (Rescues)
2.0 Cats (Rescues)
2.2 Humans
No, it's NOT a big house