Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone here allow their Gilas or Beadeds access to natural sunlight? Now that we're finally getting some summer-like weather here in the North East, I thought maybe they'd like a little sun.
I know they don't do much sunbathing in nature, but I figured a couple hours once in a while can't hurt. Especially if I keep a close eye on them, and keep them in the right enclosure during outside time.
Do you think it'll be worth the trouble of building and all? If the sunlight really won't make a difference...why do it all?

It's definitely not necessary, but it won't hurt as long as they don't escape or get overheated. I have heard that they can become very aggressive when exposed to natural sunlight, but I've never experienced this. I think the only times I've taken mine outside is to photograph them.

In the time I've had my pair they have become very calm almost trustworthy (They are still a venomous animal that can inflict a serious and medically signifiant bite!). When I take them outside from time to time I notice a few things. First off is their tongue goes wild. There are so many different things in their new environment. They become very active and explore everything around. They do become slightly more aggressive but just a gape and hiss here or there and it's over. From what I can make of it they seem to really enjoy it. Tom Crutchfield currently keeps his gilas outside. The last time I spoke with him he was looking to keep beadeds outside as well. Here in Florida our temps and conditions are far different from yours and they seem to fair great when kept outdoors. When I buy a house I will surely be looking to keep many different species outdoors, till then the garage will have to work.
-----
John Light