Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I took two of my beardeds outside today to let them play in my backyard in the sun. They both wigged out(this started to happen about a week ago and I took them back inside)while outside. They both started blowing up their beards and puffing their bodies. One of them went wild with running (I had then in a pen) and just started to run into the wall constantly. After I brought him inside, I went to get the other bearded and she wouldn't let me pick her up. She opened her mouth and hinted that she was willing to bite me if I tried to pick her up. She stayed this way for a while and every time I tried to pick her up, she flared up and opened her mouth(not with intent to lick). I finally got her in a box and back inside. Once inside she was fine and handling her was not an issue. Should I just forget about outside?

Thanks for any thoughts!

Brian

The first time he was outside a bird flew overhead...he ran like a sissy to my daughter and refused to leave her arms. It took a few times outside before he began to relax. He LOVES going outside now--we use a lizzard leash. He gets very excited when we put his leash on!

If you are using pens-make sure you have a screen top and offer a hide for security. There are many insects around that are harmful to bearded dragons and the screen top will keep them out.

DM

Thanks for your thoughts. The pen is a dog pen used just to contain. I wouldn't leave them alone. My big concern was the biting part. I bring these guys to my class and can't take any chances. I don't think a parent will undersatnd. Is it normal for them to become very defensive and want to bite?

Thanks!

Brian

if you will be showing and sharing your dragons they should get used to the outside handling...the first few times they are around kids make sure YOU are the only one who handles them. Once they get relaxed then they can be touched--don't let the kids swarm around them--or someone will surely get scratched/bit!

If your dragons are gentle at home they should adjust ok...some dragons never seem to "tame" and those should never be taken for a show/share outside of their tank.

DM

Thanks again for your thoughts. I should of explained the situation better. I had 4 dragons spend the year in my class last year. They were handled by hundreds of children and swarmed a lot of times without a problem. They were great. Never did they flare up or open their mouths when I put them around children, it is only when they go outside. Is it because it is so unfamilar (never going out) and being with children is relatively normal for their existence? I just don't understand the outside part - My most docile bearded dragon was ready to bite me.

I should also mention the first one (the male) that I brought into my house ran into a hide box when I put him back into his cage.

Can a bearded dragon can go their whole life without really being outside?

Thanks again!

Brian

I have two dragons that freak out like you describe when initially taken outside and they too are normally docile and happy. The great outdoors, with its "limitless" space, birds flying overhead and new odors, sights and sounds is scary, causing defensive behaviors. When you approach them, they then respond to you like are a predator they have to defend against.

Some dragons do fine never basking out of doors, if they receive sufficient UV lighting indoors.

You can also try slowly acclimating them. Maybe let them stare out the window from indoors for a while. I've also covered my spooky dragons' eyes with a towel while carrying them outside and placing them in the outdoor cage. I then kept a towel over the cage for the first few times they were outside to reduce the amount of new things to adjust to. I then gradually moved the towel back a little more each day til it was about half in full sun and half in shade (which is where I leave it so that they have some shade to retreat to). I also provide a hide cave in the outdoor cages. It helped, although one male is still never truly relaxed outside and I don't force it on him. My others love it outside and get grumpy when it's time to come in.

Best,
michele

you must remember these dragons are no longer wild. they feel very intimidated and vunarable when takin outside. put some hide boxes in the pen so that they have a place to feel safe and secure. Make sure the hideboxes are large and easily accesable so the dragons dont get stressed by being out in the open. Also mabye you should stop taking them outside alltogether and if the pen is movable mabye place it inside for them.
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sincerely,
Jonathan D. de Kluyver
JDDK Reptiles
Quality Reptiles and Amphibians
www.jddkreptiles.com