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Post by mark68 on Feb 10, 2007 14:03:21 GMT
Of those people that visit the forum some will be those like myself that have been keeping Reptiles and Amphibians outdoors for a long time, others will be be new to the idea, or may need convincing why its a good idea. For example a lot of first time tortoise keepers assume its best to keep there babies indoors with often poor diets, dehydration and bone problems due to insufficient calcium and ultraviolet lighting. How much better to have them in outdoor vivs with wild plants available fresh (dandelions, clover etc planted in the enclosures), high levels of Uv Light etc I don't need to convince many of the members of why its good to keep our animals outdoors. But would it be a good idea to have space to explain the benefits to new potential forum members.
How many reptile keepers have large collections in basic lab animal type cages. Should we not point out how liberating for the animal and for the owners outdoor vivs are. Maybe if we point out that you do longer have to clean out the cages that all the lighting including high levels of UV are free !! No more replacing uv bulbs every six months etc
We really should be evangelical about it !!! What does everybody else think??
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john
New Member
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Post by john on Feb 10, 2007 23:10:04 GMT
I agree for some species thats why Ive joined the forum to get ideas to keep amphibians outside
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Post by mark68 on Feb 11, 2007 11:35:37 GMT
Thanks John I don't expect the average Burmese Python keeper to trade them in for Alpine newts !! But there are plenty of tortoises and Terrapins that should enjoy the sun on their shells that are not at the moment. Also plenty of people who could keep bearded dragons/ Yemenese chameleons etc outdoors for the warmer months of the year.
I have not seen mentioned on this site the possiblity of having indoor/outdoor cages like the ones often used for Chameleons and these can suit many species that would normally not be thought of as surviving outside such as basilisks/ chamelions
If you already knowlegdeable about reptiles you will not necessarily know why it is a good idea to keep them outdoors. Most reptiles are bought I'd imagine at pet shops and they have a vested interest in selling vivs UV lighting etc. So it would be good if the site sold the idea more in my view.
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Post by Killian on Feb 11, 2007 13:55:24 GMT
Some excellent points and the very reason I started this website in the first place. When I started out the only information I could find were a few pages here and there. On other forums I was told it was irresponsible and nothing would do well for me in an outdoor enclosure. Boy did I prove them wrong because for the first time in my herp keeping carrer animals started breeding consistantly and regularly with healthy young. Every spring I can expect young from all my species with to be honest very little work! I started with this website www.freewebs.com/outdoorvivaria/ . if anyone would like to edit or give me some new info please do and I will upload it as soon as you send it to me. Perhaps we could promote the website in all our reptile shops etc. after all the more people on here the more info will be imparted!
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john
New Member
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Post by john on Feb 11, 2007 14:27:37 GMT
With regards to Mark`s mention of indoor/outdoor vivariums what about enclosures off a shed supplying both habitats for the animals. Let them choose!
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Post by mark68 on Feb 11, 2007 15:52:09 GMT
I believe that is done with tortoises. I know of one keeper with spur thighs who does it, and I have read of it being used for Geochelone sulcata (african spurred tortoise). Its easy to provide a heated shed with insulation and a large pen outside that they can use when the weather is good !!
I have made some mesh rolling cages that are used for basilisks and baby water dragons mainly. I will take some pics and put them up when my wife returns from hols with the camera. The amount of uv the animals get outside is mucher higher than indoors with the most expensive bulbs. You can also grow plants well in them as well. I made these because I wasn't happy with the mesh cages like the Exoterra ones. I have had lizards make hols in them and escape. They also cut out a lot of light (UV reduced by 40 % !!)
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Post by mark68 on Feb 14, 2007 19:42:44 GMT
I feel rather stupid because I forgot that the website existed !! I looked at it yesterday, and of course that is the proper place for the promotion of keeping reptiles/ amphibians outdoors (keep up the good work Killian !!).
Its a good idea to try to promote the site in reptile shops.
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