When to begin taking Cappie outside? *Update*

[CappieCrunch]

Hey guys, I was just curious if i should start taking Cappie outside or wait until he is a little older? He does well being handled, other than wanting to run up my arm to my shoulder or head. I think it's important to note that I'm not just going to set him down and let him run around. I just want him to be healthy and happy . I live in Oklahoma, USA and right now on the average day its mid to upper 90's (F). I'm not sure how old he is, he is about 6 inches or so...

*UPDATE*

So we ended up getting a plastic puppy pool from Petsmart and it worked perfect! (We did half water, half dry ground and added a board over top for shade).

 

[CooperDragon]

The natural sunlight is really good for them so I generally encourage outside time if it doesn't cause stress and he is OK with being handled. You may want to set up some kind of playpen for him that is protected and will keep him in one spot (the little ones love to run off and explore). Do be sure to provide some shady areas for him so he can regulate his temperature and exposure to UV.

 

[CappieCrunch]

Thank you CooperDragon, great advice! I was thinking of getting a puppy play pen (not the wire ones), what do you suggest to keep them contained?

 

[CooperDragon]

The puppy play pens work. Some people use baby pens or other soft mesh containers. If you're worried about birds then one with a mesh top is a good idea. In general you just want something secure, large enough to roam around in a bit, and something that allows light through without obstructing UVB (mesh is a good choice).

 

[CappieCrunch]

Alright, thank you very much! Yes, birds are an issue we sort of live in the sticks and raptors are plentiful to say the least.

 

[10yearoldvet]

Hi! Start bringing him outside as young as you can. A playpen is a really good idea. But in the mean time, you can sit outside with him and put him on your shoulder. This is especially good for them if you wear a black shirt while doing so because it will attract more heat.
10 year old vet

 

[CappieCrunch]

Thanks vet! I was wondering about that because it maybe a couple weeks before I can get a pen. So in the meantime we will get some sunny bonding time :lol:

 

[CooperDragon]

If you have him on your shoulder be careful because they're known to jump off. Cooper used to jump off of my shoulders and head all the time, crazy dude. I'd shoot more for keeping him in your lap as you sit. You may also want to tie a brightly colored string or yarn around his tail in case he gets away so he's easier to track.

 

[AHBD]

I was just writing the same thing as Cooper....It can be really tricky to try to walk around with a baby on your shoulder, they are unpredictable and prone to jumping at random. It can be dangerous even in the house, but even more so outside. They don't realize the height they are at and there are quite a few threads about babies [ and even older dragons ] jumping or falling and either getting injured or running fast enough to hide under a porch or out in the street before you can catch them.

Until you can get your play pen, you can use a kiddie pool , set it in part sun/shade and put a large basking log in the middle away from the edges so he can't jump out. You would need to stay right near to be sure everything was O.K + keep baby safe. Watch that the plastic doesn't get TOO hot and that the baby isn't sitting directly on the hottest part.

 

[CappieCrunch]

Thank you guys! I'm glad you said something, he most certainly is a jumper and I didn't even think about that :? .