Im making this post because I have seen an experienced keeper suggesting he prefers to start newborns outdoors in secured enclosures. The reasoning behind this is that it's nature's way, real sunlight, exposed to real conditions to develop strong immune system early on, etc.
Last summer I lost 2 newborns when I took them out in the yard to feed and bask on the lawn within a "secured" frame I made. Today, 8 months later I found one of them in the far corner of the yard.
Comparing him side to side to his siblings you can clearly see nature's way was a bit harsh on him. The growth rate is the same but the dehydration is very obvious.
To be fair, it did not have access to clean drinking water but it had access to unlimited supply of edible plants and shaded hides.
So again, Tom is right guys. Start them indoors and soak them daily to ensure proper hydration.
Last summer I lost 2 newborns when I took them out in the yard to feed and bask on the lawn within a "secured" frame I made. Today, 8 months later I found one of them in the far corner of the yard.
Comparing him side to side to his siblings you can clearly see nature's way was a bit harsh on him. The growth rate is the same but the dehydration is very obvious.
To be fair, it did not have access to clean drinking water but it had access to unlimited supply of edible plants and shaded hides.
So again, Tom is right guys. Start them indoors and soak them daily to ensure proper hydration.