How old was your bearded dragon when you started taking them on fun outside adventures?
And how did you go about doing it to ensure they wouldn't run or jump off of you?
My beardie is 4 months old and I really want to take him to the beach/pool or even bring him along for car rides. I am just not sure when I should start and I am kind of nervous about it. He seems small to me still, but he is growing like crazy! When I hold him he also tends to want to run and jump on all the furniture, he's a rascal.
Please just let me know what your experience was like bringing your bearded dragon out with you and how you made the experience non-stressful and manageable.
(Top) Basil when I first got him - 2 months old & 5 in long
(Bottom) Now, 4 months & 10 in long
If you do, always be very attentive and, cautious! There are many dangers lurking outside that most folks don't think about like.....
Cats
Dogs
Hawks
Eagles
Owls
Crows
Snakes
Ect...
It is a very dangerous world out there for them and, remember...they are super fast too!
Hi there I have a two month three week old baby beardie and he's been going on with me since he was about two months old. I made him a little harness with some Yarn so that if he did decide to be a little turd and jump off me he would be connected to me by the yarn harness and leash.
It also depends on the climate where you live -- little ones can cool off a lot faster than adults, so you want to make sure he's warm enough. If the outside temperatures are at least 70 - 80 F in the shade, then it should be okay, but if I were you I would take a thermometer along so you can monitor his temperature, because he could also overheat quickly if you put him in the sun. I would also suggest having some sort of a carrier for him if you take him anywhere away from home and away from his heat lamps, and have a source of heat with it such as a hot water bottle or hand warmers. You can also use mammalian body heat in a pinch (in other words, cuddle him if he'll tolerate it). He may also appreciate having a warm place to hide if the outside gets too overwhelming for him.
Some people use playpens or pop up screen tents to keep their beardies protected and corralled when they take them outside, but as Gormagon has said, you should always supervise him very carefully whenever you have him outdoors.
BTW, he's beautiful and it looks like you've done a great job helping him grow.
I’d make or buy him a harness, there are tons of tutorials for making inexpensive ones on YouTube. Usually Larry rides on my shoulder or I hold him like a baby or gently on my forearm if we’re in public. Maybe start by taking him to a local pet store so you have a controlled area just to see how he reacts to outside stimulation. We’re lucky to have a place the specializes in reptiles so Larry gets hornworms from the cashier when he goes. When it warms up the beach would be fun just keep him harnessed and leashed on a short one so nothing happens.
I’d make or buy him a harness, there are tons of tutorials for making inexpensive ones on YouTube. Usually Larry rides on my shoulder or I hold him like a baby or gently on my forearm if we’re in public. Maybe start by taking him to a local pet store so you have a controlled area just to see how he reacts to outside stimulation. We’re lucky to have a place the specializes in reptiles so Larry gets hornworms from the cashier when he goes. When it warms up the beach would be fun just keep him harnessed and leashed on a short one so nothing happens.
Larry must have learned to love going to the pet store if he gets a hornworm every time.
But do be careful about letting him ride on your shoulder -- make sure he's protected from falls. Always have your hand over him, or a harness or some other means to make sure he's safe.
Our beardie sometimes likes to climb up on my shoulder when I'm holding him, and I get to guess whether he wants me to put him down, or if he wants to look around the room, or get up under my chin and snuggle. :?
That's very smart! I started taking Basil out now that its summer here in San Diego, but I am still nervous about going to the beach or pool! So this is great! BTW This is my little guy now:
I’m new to beardies too. We got our little Yoshi about 4 months ago (he’s 9 months old now). He’s very sweet but seems extremely nervous. His viv is in our rec room in the basement and he’s quite happy down there. The minute we take him upstairs tho, he goes dark and puffs his beard and will occasionally hiss at us. I tried taking him in the backyard for a bit since the weather was so good and to say he freaked out would be an understatement! I’m trying to expose him to new things gradually but am wondering if he’s just nervous by nature and we should just accept it - he has so many other lovable qualities
I bought my little girl a rabbit run only to find she hates been outside I've tried a few times but she just runs to the corner hides in the nettles and stays there even though I've provided basking areas for her
Unless you have a harness and leash , and an escape proof yard , or rabbit / guinea pig enclosure IMO it's not worth the risk.
My gang are happy enough with floor time and like looking out the window . Too dangerous here , none - my yard is not fully fences off, there are free roaming cats about, and next door have lots of dogs, and there are big predatory birds about.