Taking your beardie out.

[woahamie]

I had a question:

About how long can you have a beardie out of it's tank? Like, let's say you wanna walk around town with him, would that be a good idea to have him out for so long, or just go out with the public for a short period of time?

 

[NightFury]

Id say its best not to have them out longer than an hour if it isnt warm enough where you are taking him (like if its indoors somewhere)
On the other hand though it would do your beardie good to take him into direct sunlight for awhile when its nice and warm out, this way he gets plenty of UVB and UVA from the sun. Getting real sun exposure to your beardie can help improve his color and overall health

 

[woahamie]

So, im guessing that living in miami would be good for him >.< i guess i'll be enjoying the park more often!
i was just worried that exposure to the "outside" world would be bad after a long period of time.

would it be wise to bring some treats along, in case he becomes uneasy? or a small towel for him to hide in?

 

[RandyMarsh]

I'd bring a small fleece throw to wrap him in if he becomes uneasy. They have great vision so it really trips them out to be out of the house IMO. He could run too, so it's best to have them on a harness.

 

[woahamie]

would an iguana leash be suitable?

 

[NeosMom]

Fluffy spent the day with me at work last month. She did great. I have an insulated backpack / lunchbox type thing that I loaded up with her fleece blankies and her snuggy. I brought a critter keeper of crickets and two small bowls with veggies. I also brought her bathtub which I could put crickets in and let her eat (double deep shoebox sized rubbermaid), and later I was able to set her in it and let her hang out in the sun for a while.

We are special, though... I live in SW Florida and it was over 80 that day. I work in a laundry / drycleaner and would put her blankie and snuggie in the dryer for a quick minute so she was always bundled up warm as she could be. Plus, my son came with me that day, so I had an awesome babysitter. I guess it goes without saying that I have one seriously awesome boss, too. :lol:

Anyway, the point is that if you are very conscientious about all of their needs, I don't see a problem with the occasional day out. I think I can manage another one in 2-3 months when season eases up and it's a bit warmer. It will be Figment's turn next time. So, that means 2-3 outings per year, per dragon?

 

[my1stBD]

Basically they need about an hour before meals and about two hours after meals under the heat lamp to ensure propper digestion. As long as this basic need is met, they can be out of the tank, if temps and weather permits.

I totally agree on the benefits of natural SUNLIGHT, its amazing what it does to them, boosted energy levels, appetite increase.

And i have to agree on the harness also, they get these spur of the moment ideas to jump or run, and theyre really really fast and can get away from you so easlilly