Any downsides to outdoor trips on hot sunny days?

[Romicron]

We've taken Pascal out for a couple of trips for the last two weeks because it's been hot outside. The first was for a 15-30 minute walk, the second was for a short drive to a store and back (I stayed with him while my wife went shopping).

Since then, he's seemed more lethargic during the day and doesn't seem to be eating as much (although is still eating one or two doz. 3/4" crickets per feed vs. 40+). Is it possible that being outside has had some sort of effect on him that I can't identify?

The other things that have changed are:

- The 2 outdoor trips
- Upgraded from 1/2" to 3/4" crickets on Friday
- Moved him from 13.5h to 14.5h sunlight around the time of the cricket switch

He's currently in the final stages of arm/leg shed and his body colour has started to dull, indicating a possible shed there, but he hasn't had a history of decreased appetite during shedding before (although he's only 5 months).

Thanks in advance.

 

[CooperDragon]

I think it's good to bring them outside and give them some new stimuli. Being outside gives them natural sunlight and natural colors to look at as well. The benefit outweighs the downside in my opinion. The downside seems to be that the extra stimuli cause them to be on high alert which seems to tire them out more than usual - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Makes me wonder if the thought that they burrow or nap during the hottest parts of mid day in the wild is true for recharging as well as to get out of the heat.

 

[charmander16]

Like with all indoor pets, taking them outside has a risk of contracting diseases they have little or no resistance to.

Also, when taking them outside you need to be really mindful of the specific temperatures, especially if you keep them enclosed in an area. On a sunny day when its just 80 degrees outside, the temperature of specific surfaces can still easily get over 150 degrees F. My advice would be to take a digital temp probe to places you plan to take him, under similar conditions you plan on exposing him to, and take some surface temps. Or bring a probe with you and do some tests as you go. And of course you CANNOT leave them in a car alone.

In the wild they will often hide during mid-day, they don't actually sit out in full sun at noon. Most reptiles get most of their sun exposure in the morning and later afternoon. Aquatic animals of course can bask in mid-day, but most desert animals are hiding in shade at mid-day.

Also there are predators. Depending on where you go, you may need to be on the lookout for dogs off leashes, stray cats, and ever present hawks. Hawks in urban areas are bold. They will go for animals in the presence of humans. I had a hawk grab a rabbit in my yard not more than 20 feet away from me. I don't know if they would grab one off your shoulder, but I wouldn't be shocked if it happened. Seagulls, however, will do it.