outside stress

[dragontamer13]

I took my beardie outside for the first time today...he wasn't outside for long...but when i came back in he was black on top and dark stress marks...i feel really bad and wanted to know if there would be any lasting effects...

 

[Lenewen]

No, he will get used to it. It's a new environment and that can be stressful on them at first.

It's also important to note beardies darken when they are basking to absorb the UVB better. Perhaps he was just soakin' up the sun

 

[dragontamer13]

Could be, at least i hope...he was pancaked on my chest after coming in like he was hunkering down...should i keep him inside from now on?

 

[Lenewen]

Was he cold?? What was the temp outside?

 

[dragontamer13]

He was somewhat cold...he had been out of his cage for about an hour by then...it was about 70-75 degrees farenheit outside...but he was only outside for like 5 minutes...he did seem better after eating some crix and basking...he was back to normal after about 10 minutes

 

[Lenewen]

I usually only take mine outside if it's around 80 degrees or higher. I think he was just cold, not that 70's is really that cold. It's no problem to take him outside and I encourage it. There is nothing quite like the benefits of natural sun for beardies and humans alike.

 

[dragontamer13]

Ok! Thank you!

 

[dragontamer13]

Took him outside again today and he liked it much better. I think the wind freaked him out last time

 

[Lenewen]

lol that could very well be the case! Darn wind Glad he liked it more this time!

 

[dragontamer13]

This time he stayed out for 15 min...i would have kept him out longer but i dont have a leash so i just keep him on my chest with my hand over him

 

[Lenewen]

You can make your own leash. Get a piece of felt or cloth and cut out holes for the arms to go through. Wrap the felt around the bearded's body and secure it at the top by cutting two small holes in the edges of the felt and tying them together. Then attach a leash of some sort to another hole you make in the top middle of the felt. I used a clip-on purse handle. They don't walk like dogs on a leash, you really only need one so you can restrain them if they try to take off across the yard.

 

[Goonie]

[Moved from Health to Behavior]

 

[dragontamer13]

I did order him one about a month ago but he outgrew it in the time it took to get there lol hes a fast grower

 

[herpgirl2510]

Rosie will turn black on the top when he is basking in the sun I believe it is to absorb more UVB. However if the temps aren't right it may be stress also if it is his first time out he may be nervous.

 

[dragontamer13]

he was better the second time it probly just scared him