We are relatively new Chinese Water Dragon owners. He seems to be thriving--eating crickets, mealworms and wax worms.

I recently bought a used hand-made cage from someone (was for an iguana), and am now not sure about using it the way I thought. Several things I read say that natural sunlight is great, but that it is not feasible for most people to provide this. I thought we would take him out on the covered patio area and put him in this cage for some natural sunlight and fresh air.

Now, I'm wondering if that is such a good idea--what about the temperature change going from inside to outside? We have a heat/fluorescent light on his cage, but I'm still thinking that it will be a big change--will that bother him? We're in AL so the further along summer gets the hotter it will be outside. On the plus side, it is usually pretty humid here.

Thanks for any input!

As long as you provide water and adequate shade, it will be fine for him to spend a bit of time outside. What is the other cage made of?

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Natural sunlight is great for them, with a few precautions. The humidity level outside will not bother him. However you should be concerned about the temperatures. They should still hold within the acceptable range. If not, do not leave him outside.
And as Ms Marsha said make sure there is adequate shade and water available.
Just make sure that the doors are secure and the openings in the cage are small enough that he can't get out.
You would be amazed what small of space they can get thru!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thanks for the tips. The cage is a wood frame with wire mesh attached. I plan to sanitize it thoroughly with some light bleach water (I would hate for my Chinese Water Dragon to contract something from the previous tenant!), and I will double check to make sure everything is secure.

He really seems pretty content where he is. Damaged his snout a little when we first put him in his aquarium, but no problems since then.

Thanks again!