Taking Slinky outside, but......

[Psychobunny]

I need some advise!

I have some small reptibreeze cages I use to take my guys outside in.
They have plenty of branches and vines inside, but when I put Slinky in one, and try to slowly move it outside, he totally freaks out!!

Even when I get him outside, and leave, he looks scared to death!
My other guyz just relax and enjoy the sun, but not Slinky!!

The only other thing I can think of is to take him outside in his regular cage (18 x 18 x 36'') but that is such a pain.
Have to disconnect the mistking tube, remove the lights, etc.

Any suggestions?

 

[JosieJobo]

hold him?

Do you not handle your cham? I just take mine out he sits sunning I sit sunning too its brilliant Xx

 

[Olimpia]

What does he do when he's outside?

 

[Psychobunny]

Well, I haven't had him very long, he is still getting used to me, and does not like to be handled. So, I only get him on my hand to take him home from the free range.
He gapes a bit, and tries to get away, but will finally get on my hand.

He has only been outside twice, he freaks out when I move the cage with him inside, I have to be very slow.
Once outside, I place the cage on a small table and leave him alone.

He doesn't move around much, does not try to get out, he just sort of, hides in the foliage and looks tense.
Maybe he will get used to it and relax?!
He does not seem to enjoy being outside at all

 

[Ninkylou]

can you try putting the cage outside first and then walking him out in hand?

I would think moving while on the branches would make him feel unstable and could be the cause of the freak out.

 

[Psychobunny]

can you try putting the cage outside first and then walking him out in hand?

I would think moving while on the branches would make him feel unstable and could be the cause of the freak out.

I was thinking of that, but since he is not yet comfortable being on my arm, I am afraid he will jump off, or fall off!!
Outside, that would be the end, since I would probably never be able to catch him.

 

[pigglett79]

One of my panthers has always been afraid of the great outdoors. He used to just freeze like a statue and not move, but would continually scan all around with his eyes. I just kept putting him out and eventually he began to tolerate it. He still is a little tense at first when he goes out, but after an hour or so he calms down and starts moving around and acting calm. By mid-day he is all over the cage climbing around.

Some are just more afraid of it, but in my experience they get used to it. Especially if they go int he same cage outside each time, it becomes familiar.

 

[lisagr07]

Hey Stan, sounds like you and Slinky are a bit ahead of me and Ragnar. I have yet to try to get him outside.. he's just now getting a bit better about being handled inside. I wouldn't dare try to take him outside myself. Sometimes he gets in a scramble mood and it's all I can do to keep him safe from falling. I'll need extra eyes,hands and arms when we try going outside!
I'll be interested in how you go about it!! Good luck!!!

 

[Shaunny]

we don't get many good days here in the uk....the past few days have been well into the 70's so trevor has been out in the sun. i don't have anything to put him in so he is out there with me and he hates me putting him out there at first but within 20-30mins he won't keep still lol. i think you have to just keep at it, put the cage outside first though.

the more you handle the easier it gets. some won't like it at all but when they get to know that moving time means real sun they'll love you for it

 

[Psychobunny]

Well, since he still does not quite trust me, I handle him very little to reduce stress. So, last weekend, he didnt go outside.
I am letting him free range a lot, and he comes and goes at will.

One of my veileds was also afraid of going outside, but he did get used to it, I am hoping Slinky does the same.

He puffs up and gapes at me when I get him on my hand, except when I have his cricket cup, then he forgets all fear of me.
So I dont really think he is afraid of me, I can open his cage and clean poop, feed, etc. and he is right there, up front, and just calmly watches me.

The only time he acts defensive is when I have to get him on my hand.
I slowly ease my hand under his, at first, he is still, just puffing his chin a bit, I will gently stroke his leg with my finger and try to slide my hand under him, he turns away and trys to get away from me, but he doest run or panic, and he finally does get on my hand.

 

[Olimpia]

Perhaps when you put him outside put him somewhere where he will feel less exposed, so like, among some shrubs if you have them. The wide openness of it all might be freaking him out. What with birds overhead and whatnot. My Meller's get tense outside as well if I just put them on a ficus on my terrace, they're more comfortable in their outdoor cages, where I've put ferns on top for cover.

I don't know what your outdoor area looks like so it's just a guess, perhaps you're already putting them under some cover but it's worth mentioning.

 

[junglefries]

Some of my ambilobes just hate going outside. Even after a year, they just walk around constantly trying to escape. Tried, moving cage, offering full sun vs 1/4-full shade, just doesn't work. Sometimes, i wonder if it is the fight or flight in them. As if instinct, is telling them danger. As i noticed, some who had never done the leaf walk, immediately did it upon being outdoors. Some did get use to it and others took to right away. Anyway, 'we all know you' and know you know the importance of actual sun. So, we'll skip the lecture. Did he by chance see your bunny pic? That frightens even the biggest burmese.

 

[Psychobunny]

Yep, I tried putting him in my back yard, where all he sees are trees and bushes, no luck.
It's like, he thinks something is going to happen, and he is trapped in this cage!!??
I may just have to take him out in his regular cage, it will be a pain, but it is do'able.