Sorry, can't comment on "commercially available" harnesses. MrsSpectrum (DW) is pretty handy with her sewing machine, and--if asked--would relish the challenge of something like that. She might even opt to crochet one.
That said, I've been mulling over outside walks for some time. Some sources caution that there could be (depending on individual circumstances) exposure to lawn & garden pesticides/herbicides, parasites (if s/he eats any bugs or plants) or impaction from ingesting soil, pebbles, etc. Also keep an eye out (depending on your local circumstances) for predators (cats, dogs, birds, other wildlife). A harness might prevent your dragon from being spirited away, but damage could still be done.
Food for thought.
Honest, I'm not against this--just think & be vigilant. The whole idea of a harness is to protect the l'il buggers from harm, right? That's only part of the story when they're out in the big dangerous real world. :wink:
i have been looking into a harness i cant take my beardie outside he will puff up hiss and try to run away. but my parents don't often spray pesticides only when the bugs start eating our plants, he is really afraid of birds i just want him to get use to outside.
When they're outside they function very instinctively. The colors are so much more vivid and the overhead shadows can make them become defensive. My beardie would hiss and puff up a lot the first few times I took him out but after chatting with some folks I realized I was causing this because when he would run I would follow along and then crouch down to pick him up---I was creating a shadow over him when I did this so he thought I was a predator!
Now I keep him on a harness and try to stay on whichever side I'm not casting a shadow over him. When it's pick up time I try to crouch slowly behind him and gently start petting his head and then lift and I typically bring a dark towel out so I can cover his head while I carry him inside. This seems to work out well.
I've definitely heard a lot of opinions on letting these guys outside. I only let him down in the grass in spaces I know are safe and untreated and we only stay out for 20-30 minutes at a time. I personally feel like going outside is healthy for their mental health. :wink: just my 2 cents
Now I .... try to stay on whichever side I'm not casting a shadow over him. When it's pick up time I try to crouch slowly behind him and gently start petting his head and then lift and I typically bring a dark towel out so I can cover his head while I carry him inside. This seems to work out well.
If I could suggest an alternative to a harness... (As I said, I've been thinking about this) what about an outdoor enclosure, where dragons can get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise, but still be safe from harm? I have seen folks concoct a sort of outdoor "playpen" for their beardies. A top could be constructed of screen/chicken wire to allow the good stuff (e.g. sunlight) in , but keep the bad stuff (e.g. predators) out. An outdoor enclosure could have a similar footprint to his/her indoor enclosure, or be larger to allow more... exploring/activity. Substrate & floral environment could also be more controlled, and a harness/leash wouldn't be necessary. :wink:
I used to use a kitten harness, I wanted to bring my first beardie outside and happened to already have it. It fit and I felt like it was secure but I didn't like how it went around her neck. It was just too restricting. So I got her something she could be in completely unrestrained but also secure.
Each of my girls have their own so they can both be out at the same time
LOVE this....this would be a great situation to allow a digging space and maybe even toss some crickets or roaches in there so they really feel like their out hunting. Thanks for sharing that!
Yes, the top has the same mesh as the sides. The top does come off completely though if you ever needed it to.
kreinmiller":1mb1hnd5 said:
LOVE this....this would be a great situation to allow a digging space and maybe even toss some crickets or roaches in there so they really feel like their out hunting. Thanks for sharing that!
I've tried feeding mine some greens out there but they always seem more interested in what's going on around them but live foods may get their attention.
Any chance they/it could be the same enclosure? I don't mean putting them in there together; I mean more like a timeshare... unless your intention is to have both outside at the same time, in which case I would suggest separate enclosures. :wink:
It might take a little extra thought/planning, but less expense in the long run.
I used to use a kitten harness, I wanted to bring my first beardie outside and happened to already have it. It fit and I felt like it was secure but I didn't like how it went around her neck. It was just too restricting. So I got her something she could be in completely unrestrained but also secure.
Each of my girls have their own so they can both be out at the same time