Of course, we know that bearded dragons are often seen in the wild. However, domesticated beardies are adapted to spending time in a controlled environment under the watchful eye of their human friends.
Although many owners of these reptiles will have wondered whether their little buddy could benefit from some time outdoors with some fresh air.
Because of how accustomed they might have become to being indoors, they might not like being outdoors, or they might even become stressed at their new surroundings.
Follow our guide to find out if bearded dragons can go outside and whether there are any health benefits to them doing so.
What Conditions Do Bearded Dragons Live In?
Bearded dragons live in different environments, ranging from tropical rainforests to deserts. They may be found living on rocky slopes, grasslands, wooded areas, beaches, and other habitats.
Some species will also be able to survive in urban environments where they may come into contact with people. There needs to be a constant food source, however, or these creatures will move somewhere with more food.
The conditions that your bearded dragon lives in are important because it determines what types of food they need to eat.
If you’re keeping your bearded dragon in an area where there aren’t many plants available for them to feed on then they won’t be getting enough vitamins and minerals.
This is why you should always make sure that you provide them with a diet rich in nutrients.
Can Bearded Dragons Go Outside?
If you think that your bearded dragon would enjoy having access to fresh air and sunlight, then you should give him/her the chance.
However, when you do this, you need to ensure that you keep an eye on your pet.
You must monitor its behavior closely as well as keep a close eye on your reptile’s body temperature.
In order to determine if your bearded dragon is ready to go outside, you first need to take his/her body temperature.
Once you’ve done this, you can decide whether or not to let your bearded dragon go outside.
If you feel they’re healthy and happy, then you can allow your lizard to venture outside and explore the outdoors.
The Benefits Of Your Bearded Dragon Going Outside
As we’ve established, bearded dragons have lived in the wild for many years and have only been introduced into captivity in the last hundred years or so, since humans started to see them as pets.
These creatures thrive inside of a spacious enclosure, however, they can have some benefits from going outside.
Mental Health
The idea of letting your bearded dragon go outside can help boost their mental health by exposing them to sunshine and fresh air.
Not only does this help with their physical well-being, but it helps them get over any stress that they might experience when being exposed to something new such as being outdoors.
Each reptile will adjust to a different environment differently, but the majority find it to be a positive experience.
Physical Health
By allowing your bearded dragon to spend time outside, you’ll be helping them to exercise and burn off excess energy.
As long as they don’t find themselves in dangerous situations, this can be beneficial for their overall well-being.
For example, if you have a bearded dragon who likes climbing trees, you can encourage her to climb around and use all of her limbs instead of just her back legs.
Forming A Bond
When you allow your bearded dragon to go outside, you can form a bond with your pet. The two of you will be spending time together doing things and exploring the outdoors.
In return, your bearded dragon might try and communicate with you and show affection towards you. It might even attempt to play with you!
This special relationship between you and your bearded dragon will develop naturally over time.
On top of this, it’s nice to have some moral support from your owner when spending time in a new environment. Your beardie might feel a lot better if they have you by their side.
The Cons Of Your Bearded Dragon Going Outside
Now we’ve discussed the positives of your reptile heading into the great outdoors, we need to look at the potential dangers and cons that might occur. It’s rarely ever a walk in the park (if you’ll pardon the pun)!
Temperature Change
If you live somewhere where there are cold temperatures during winter, then you probably won’t want to leave your bearded dragon outside.
Most reptiles are capable of living comfortably within certain climates, but if you live somewhere where the weather changes drastically, you may need to make sure that your bearded dragon stays indoors.
Beardies aren’t particularly suited to colder environments. They prefer warm conditions and also like to bask in the sun. Without proper shelter from the elements, your bearded dragon could die very quickly.
Dangerous Animals And Potential Predators
Just because your bearded dragon has gone out into the world doesn’t mean that he/she isn’t vulnerable to danger. Various animals pose threats to your pet. Some of these include dogs, cats, other reptiles, and birds.
These animals might cause harm to your bearded dragon. If your lizard gets injured while going outside, you’ll need to take him/her to the vet immediately.
On top of this, being around potential threats to their well-being can cause them stress and anxiety which is never a good thing.
Running Away
Most bearded dragons enjoy basking in the sunlight, so if you let them outside without supervision, they’re likely to head straight out into the open.
As mentioned earlier, it can be hard to keep track of your lizard when they’re running around freely.
It might run away or even fall victim to predators. When you do see your bearded dragon going outside, make sure that you catch them before it leaves or keeps them in a secure enclosure.
How Long Can They Go Outside For?
As touched upon previously, most bearded dragons can stay outside safely for short periods of time. However, it’s best to only let your lizard outside for a limited amount of time each day.
To avoid any unnecessary stress on your bearded dragon, it’s important to limit how long they’re allowed to explore.
It may seem obvious, but it’s always wise to supervise your bearded dragon whenever they’re going outside. You should ensure that you’re keeping an eye on them and making sure that they’re safe.
This way you can protect them from any potential predators and you’re also making sure that you’re not going to lose them if they try to run away.
What Outdoor Temperatures Are Best For My Bearded Dragon?
As we previously mentioned, you need to make sure that the weather outside is relatively hot without rain. The ideal temperature range for outdoor bearded dragons is between 70°F and 85°F.
If the weather turns too cold, you can use heat lamps to increase the temperature inside your home, so when you bring them back inside, they can have some help with regulating their temperature back to a decent level.
Because of where bearded dragons originate from, we recommend making sure that when they go outside, they need to have lots of sunlight, but also allowing them the option of having some shade if they need to cool off a bit.
After all, they can regulate their temperature to suit their environments and surroundings, but this takes time sometimes and they need to adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Dragons Survive Outdoors?
Yes! Most of the time, bearded dragons will survive outdoors in temperate climates without needing much protection.
Of course, certain conditions could affect them negatively, such as extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall. As long as they can avoid predators and find food, they can thrive!
How Do I Keep My Bearded Dragon Safe From Predators And Other Animals?
As mentioned above, you must watch over your bearded dragon when they’re outside and make sure that they don’t stray too far.
In addition, you should make sure that you have a clean environment and that they have access to fresh water.
Your bearded dragon needs to feel comfortable enough to explore but also needs to be protected whenever possible.
What Temperature Range Do Bearded Dragons Need?
As mentioned above, bearded dragons prefer moderate temperatures. They need to be able to move around easily while maintaining a stable body temperature.
Generally speaking, temperatures below 50°F and above 90°F aren’t favorable for reptiles.
Fortunately, many places have warm days and cool nights, which means that most bearded dragons will be fine as long as they’re kept at a pleasant temperature.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Bearded dragons can go outside but there are lots of different things to consider before taking them out into the wild.
Remember that they do require a lot of attention and care because they can get lost or hurt quickly.
However, if you take the necessary steps, then you’ll be able to keep them safe and well-fed for years to come.
Ensuring that the temperature is suitable for your reptile is very important. This article will teach you everything you need to know about keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy whilst taking them outdoors.
However, the choice is yours on whether you want to risk taking your scaly friend outside.
