Knowing and understanding how long bearded dragons can be out of their cage is critical, like any other captive reptile, they do not want to spend their entire lives in a cage.
Read on if you’re a new bearded dragon owner or if you’re thinking about getting one.
How Long Can Bearded Dragons Be Out Of Their Cage?
The longevity of how long you can let your bearded dragons out of their cage determine by their age and the mood they are in.
Adult bearded dragons, or those that are seven months old or more, can be let out of their cage for up to two hours on a regular basis. However, it is important to know that amount of time you can let them out depends on the dragon’s age.
1. Hatchlings
Hatchlings – those less than two weeks old – rarely need to be exposed. This is the ideal time for them to rest and bask, so keep them under UV lights.
Only in the following circumstances should you take your bearded baby dragon outside:
- When changing or cleaning its habitat
- When it’s sick
2. Young or Baby Beardies
After two weeks, you can start handling and taking it out of its habitat. You can handle and let them out for 10 to 15 minutes a few times per day.
Make sure that you don’t let them out for hours because it can stress them. The younger the baby dragon, the faster they’ll become stressed.
3. Adult Bearded Dragons
Adult bearded dragons or those that are seven months old or more can be let out of their cage for up to two hours on a daily basis.
You can use this time to play with them, interact with them, and just let them be on their own without four corners restricting their movements.
Note that giving them excessive outdoor time can make them exhibit signs of laziness and even stress. Do it in extreme moderation.
When you notice that they are showing signs of being stressed like attempting to run away, the animal wanting to bite, their skin color is changing to a darker coloration, slow and lazy movements, or closing their eyes, they may be craving basking lights already.
How Do You Know If Your Bearded Dragon Wants To Stay Inside Its Cage?
Stress signs are the easiest way to know the mood your bearded dragon is in. The most frequent and most shown signs that your baby or adult bearded dragon is stressed include:
- Closed eyes
- Biting
- Stress marks
- A darker shade of coloration
- Low level of activity even when outside the cage
How Long Can You Hold Your Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons typically tolerate handling better than other lizards. Bearded dragons benefit from regular handling, so you should handle your beardie on a daily basis. This reduces stress during routine care, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are generally gentle and easy to handle.
Remember that your dragon needs at least an hour to warm up before eating and three hours after eating to digest under its heat and UVB. Aside from that, you can leave them out for as long as you want.
However, to ensure the safety of both you and your bearded dragon, practice how to properly handle your pet. Avoid any sudden movements when picking up a beardie so it doesn’t feel threatened.
Approach the bearded dragon slowly and carefully, gently sliding your hand under its belly. Your bearded dragon may try to flee once you lift it. But don’t squeeze it; instead, let it run if it wants to. When you believe your pet is ready to be held, try again.
Can Bearded Dragons Sleep Outside Their Cage?
Of course, they can sleep outside their cage as long as the temperature is in the right zone. But make sure you take them back to their habitat (cage) in the morning.
How Long Can You Play With Bearded Dragon?
You can play with your dragons for at least one hour daily, but if you see they are comfortable with playing with you, you can increase it to an hour and a half per day.
Playing with them makes them more comfortable, safe, and relaxed around you.
What Should I Do With My Bearded Dragon When I’m On A Vacation?
If you’re going on a vacation and you can’t take your bearded dragon with you, there are two options to make sure they are well taken care of.
You can put them with a friend or a family member, just make sure you inform them ahead of time and they are comfortable with having an animal in their space. You can also hire a pet sitter for a certain amount to feed and take care of your pet for you.
Does Bearded Dragon Need To Be Held Everday?
Yes, they need to be held every day. Holding them regularly helps them get used to people. They are also very gentle and easy to carry.
How Long Can I Let My Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage Without Heat Source?
Basically, there is no time limit if it doesn’t have a heat source. Nonetheless, if you notice that your dragon isn’t eating or has a runny stool, its body temperature might be low and needs to be taken to a heat source.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Breaded Dragon?
It depends on the dragon. But generally, it is expected to bathe them at least 3 times a week, this keeps them clean and hydrated. But if your bearded dragon hates baths, then once a week might be an ideal number.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Like Staying In Their Tank?
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded in nature, this means their body cannot generate heat, and they have to depend on external factors to get heat. If your room or apartment is cold, they might feel reluctant to get out of their cage and socialize with you.
What Is A Bearded Dragon’s Life’s Expectancy?
If taken and cared for properly, a bearded dragon can live up to 10 to 15 years or even longer. But if they are not adequately cared for, they might not live up to a year before dying from serious and painful health problems.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Turning Black?
Bearded dragons turn black because of thermoregulation. These reptiles are cold-blooded and depend on external heat sources to warm their body. The scales on their body turn darker because black absorbs heat better than any other color.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Like Staying Out Of His Cage?
If your tank is too small and has less roaming space, it might stress the animal. Thereby making it want to stay out of it.
Bearded dragons are also observant reptiles, if there is a sudden change in your house, like a decor change, it stresses them and makes them want to get out of the cage.
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Conclusion
Bearded dragons are very fragile and they get stressed very fast. With proper observation, you can know how long to let your bearded dragon out of its cage.
Also, note that they are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to warm their body, make sure the environment you are releasing them to is warm.
