Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there any documentation or valid observations from experienced keepers of agressive behavior effects due to natural sunlight exposure? I was recently told that there is a syndrome called "psycho sympatic" (sp?) that causes natural "wild" behavior to be expressed more intensly in reptiles. After visiting with a large tame BT I was asking one of the pros at the shop questions trying to discover some reasoning to my BT's aggressive behavior. Besides the inborn temperment theory I wanted to determine if there were any variables that might be worth changing. He had mentioned this syndrome. Whether it has anything to do with my BT's behavior I would like to learn about it if it is true? Thanks for any input!

Sunlight is nature's energy and animals respond as they should! Yeah your going to see a what I like to call an increase in horsepower! Their doing what they are programmed to do. My lizards tear my ars up when I bring them back inside from chillin' in the sun.

When you take them outdoors they are afraid of raptors and other predators, they are also more capable when warm enough outdoors on a warm day they are ready to go. If you take a monitor outdoors and it acts differently you need to make changes so that they dont act differently. Of course differently minus, disease, predators etc. The idea of the difference from the sun to the lights in the cage, you need to make changes. Hatchlings of course are skittish outdoors more so than adults. They should have the same energy and defensive capability indoors as outdoors.

That makes some sense. My BT has a roof over his head so he is not "exposed" especially since he is in his hide when not basking. When I take him out and walk from under the roof edge he start twisting his head looking in the sky. I assumed this is innate behavior looking for raptors. Speaking of which, how good is their hearing. I had him out yesterday and he was looking all around and I could faintly hear a Red Tail hawk in the distance screaching. Thanks for the response!

I had my sav outside this weekend and we had an unusual encounter. We were walking through the yard and then all of a sudden a Red Tailed Hawk was overhead. I saw it way before Hunter (Sav) and then he cocked his head and spotted it, he the looked at me. The hawk then let out a scream while almost stopping in flight. He obviously spotted hunter although he probably had no clue what it was.In an flash Hunter sprinted to me and the hawk flew away. It was much neater to experience it than to read!! Thought I would share.

1.0.0 Savannah Monitor
1.1.0 Columbian Boas
1.1.1 Rabbits
1.0.0 Parakeet on the TV

The key to it is temps. If you monitor goes crazy ouside I would bet you keep it too cold inside.

Steve

I should have been more specific. My BT is outdoors all of the time under a covered patio. So, he gets all day reflected light and can catch some direct if he desires in one corner, but he never does. He usually just basks under the halogen which hits 130-150 depending on ambient temps. I live in S. FL

Anyway I was asking if in general there is a reaction if reptiles are kept in natural sunlight every day as opposed to being housed in a basement etc. with only artificial lighting. Maybe someone who has kept many monitors may have housed certain monitors inside for a substantial period then moved them outdoors or visa versa and observed behavior changes in result.

The last "Permanant cage" (this is his third)I built for my albig, I made with a window that opens to the outside.I open his window and the house window and he seems to stay in it looking out and tounge flicking. He seems fasinated by all the noises and sounds coming from the yard. He has a special intrest in the birds that land. I hear they taste just like chicken.
He will freeze if he there is a large bird like a vulture circling the area.

Scott
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.