Introduction to outdoors

[cpl1307]

Hi,
When would be the best time for my 1 year old Horsefield to be able to spend the day outside? Obviously he will have an enclosure, but has anybody got any tips for introducing such a big change. It was quite warm the other day, but bring I'm the north it takes a while for the temperatures to boost, compared to the south say. I took him outside for a 15 minutes walk on the grass un the sun the other day. What's the best way to do this big change? He loved the sounds of the birds and the smells, but kept coming back to me between my legs.

 

[wellington]

Usually you just put them out. At his age around 4 hours would be good then back into a humid enclosure as he is developing some pyramiding. They don't really need as much adjusting to being outside. Some coverage, like plants, always helps if they don't act comfortable. It's when you have to keep them in, they might protest.
Just be sure to have him in a safe outdoor enclosure. You'd be surprised how fast you can lose them.

 

[Tom]

Hi,
When would be the best time for my 1 year old Horsefield to be able to spend the day outside? Obviously he will have an enclosure, but has anybody got any tips for introducing such a big change. It was quite warm the other day, but bring I'm the north it takes a while for the temperatures to boost, compared to the south say. I took him outside for a 15 minutes walk on the grass un the sun the other day. What's the best way to do this big change? He loved the sounds of the birds and the smells, but kept coming back to me between my legs.

Maintain both the large indoor enclosure and the outdoor one at the same time. During nice weather put him out for an hour or two, and then bring him back in. Gradually keep him outside more and more, depending on the weather, but still sleeping inside. If you build a heated shelter you can eventually leave him out there all the time and not even worry about the weather.

I explain how to do that and show pics here:

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[cpl1307]

Usually you just put them out. At his age around 4 hours would be good then back into a humid enclosure as he is developing some pyramiding. They don't really need as much adjusting to being outside. Some coverage, like plants, always helps if they don't act comfortable. It's when you have to keep them in, they might protest.
Just be sure to have him in a safe outdoor enclosure. You'd be surprised how fast you can lose them.

How has he got his Pyramiding? I've done everything you have told me what am I doing wrong. Is pyramiding dangerous

 

[wellington]

The very top of the scutes are taller than the ridges just below the top. It's not bad and no not dangerous just cosmetic.
If you are using or have used a mercury vapor bulb, or a reptile spot bulb they will do it no matter how high the humidity is. If he was started out too dry, no or too low humidity, either by the breeder or you in the beginning, that could have started it. Once started it seems to be harder to stop.
If the humidity is not or was not as high as it should be that could be it too.
For approximately the first 2 to 3 years they should be in a closed chamber with the correct bulbs/heat. Any open top enclosure, they usually seem to pyramid some as it's just not kept humid enough and too much heat is needed to keep temps where they need to be.