Arizona Chams

[Jonasburns]

Hi guys very nice forums you have here.
I am currently looking into becoming a new cham owner, and as i obsess over small details (hopefully a good thing in this case) i began to wonder will living in such a dry hot area of the country pose any unique problems to chameleon keeping. I assume that it would be just a bit more difficult to maintain humidity. I noticed Syn was in Az so that would be great to hear from her, but if anyone in a similar climate would like to chime in, i LOVE info


I have other questions but its best to read it for yourself rather than just ask.
Pre-Thanks to any responses

 

[eriksorg]

Also get a hold of "tadeusz" He's rite in your area

 

[tadeusz]

Yeah, I live in phoenix and I've been wanting to get into chameleons for a while now and had those same concerns. I'm actually going to be getting a Oustalet's here in a few months. I was concerned about the dry environment and humidity and then I read up on the Oustalet's and the Verrucosus and how they live in the Spiny Desert in Madagascar, which isn't far off from Arizona climate (summers get a little hotter here, and winters a little colder at night). But, the Oustalet's is known to live in a variety of climates and not as humidity dependent as say a Veiled. They do get big, but are known as "gentle giants." I know "ericsorg" has a clutch that just hatched. I'm sure others on here can tell you about their experiences with Oustalet's. Not too much info available online about them. Verrucosus was my second choice but heard they can be a little shy/timid... But, again I'm sure others with experience with the species can chime in.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Oustalets are not exactly gentle giants they can become tame as a puppy dog to their keeper especially around feeding time however they have got no problem eating smaller reptiles including juvenile chameleons and wild ones will try to bit you (to a much higher degree than a captive bred though).

 

[eriksorg]

I will have to agree with that. A hungry Oustalet is kinda like the South American horned frog...If it can fit in its mouth It'll eat it. I have found out the hard way a few years ago when I thought there is "no way" my adult female would even try to eat another Oustalet a little less than 1/2 it"s size...Live and learn...After searching there outside walk in enclosure for the better part of an hour, I found it. When I made the female gape I saw "feet".... Not good!!!..

 

[tadeusz]

So good rule of thumb... Don't put anything in its cage you don't want to get eaten! lol

 

[Syn]

Humidifiers and swamp coolers are your friends.

I'm not sure where I'd start with my experiences of keeping chameleons in AZ, so if you have any specific questions feel free to ask!

Welcome welcome.

 

[withlime]

Humidifiers and swamp coolers are your friends.

I'm not sure where I'd start with my experiences of keeping chameleons in AZ, so if you have any specific questions feel free to ask!

Welcome welcome.

Yes, definitely humidifiers -but be sure to use RO or distilled water. I ruined 2 humidifiers in one year by using tap water. Installing RO has been way cheaper than buying new humidifiers every six months

 

[tadeusz]

live plants in the enclosure can help with the humidity as well.

 

[Jonasburns]

Thanks for all the responses. I plan on using live plants with at the very least a drip system. I am familiar with building hydroponics systems so i will likely go with a mister when i can. I already have a humidifier that i will find a way to customize to my needs once i build a cage.

Would it be better to close off a side or two in the cage instead of having all 4 sides open for air, if so will it need mechanical ventilation at that point?

--Syn-- I was really looking to get a heads up on problems specific to Arizona say if i didn't choose a hardy desert breed. However if you cant think of any off the top of your head it likely means im overly paranoid, but i get that way about my kids.

Are there any concerns with materials from home depot / lowes such as treated vs non treated wood, specific paints i could use if any?

P.S i really love the atmosphere at these forums, i have lurked and used other pet forums in the past. To say the least everyone here that would answer a question seems very knowledgeable and concerned for the well being of the pets. Very refreshing and very inviting for a newbie to consider these fine animals.
Thanks again

 

[Syn]

NO VOC latex acrylic paint seems to work well. Not sure about treated wood, check out the various DIY threads on cages to see what they've done..

Like I said my main issues when I first got a chameleon was keeping temperature down and humidity.
A swamp cooler during the summer and a humidifier during the winter helps significantly.

 

[Carlton]

I am familiar with building hydroponics systems so i will likely go with a mister when i can. I already have a humidifier that i will find a way to customize to my needs once i build a cage.

Would it be better to close off a side or two in the cage instead of having all 4 sides open for air, if so will it need mechanical ventilation at that point?

A mister and an ultrasonic humidifier (a room type, not the little terrarium foggers) will be great to have and depending on your house climate in different seasons probably needed. I've lived in bone dry CO and often hung clear plastic sheeting (vinyl shower curtains) on sides of my cages. You'll be able to roll them up or down as conditions change. I didn't need any type of extra ventilation. One of many things I like about ultrasonic room humidifiers is that a fan pushes the fog around and creates good air exchange while it is running. Create more and less humid periods by cycling it on a multiple setting appliance timer. This way you can easily avoid the stagnant constantly high humidity problem. Lots of larger bushy plants for sure, so larger cages that accomodate them are better than small cages. As the summer temps soar, you can put your basking lights on timers so they switch off at mid day.

 

[amisela]

treated wood is bad

Stay away from treated wood and woods that give of oils like pine. Seal whatever wood you use well or the humidity can cause it to split. PVC works well as a frame, although not as nice as a good wooden cage.

 

[Syn]

Stay away from treated wood and woods that give of oils like pine. Seal whatever wood you use well or the humidity can cause it to split. PVC works well as a frame, although not as nice as a good wooden cage.

I was getting sealed confused with treated so I didn't say anything either way.. confusing.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

It is very hott here in Houston. And although we do have humidity in abundance here we also have to run our a/c constantly so I have to find a balance with that also. You will see that you wont have that hard a time keeping the cage humidity relatively high as long as you mist throughly and use live plants. If you get a misting sytem and program it to go off several times a day for short 1-2 min sessions you can keep the humidity high enough to keep almost any species you'd want. Although i think i'd stay away from montanes.

 

[Jonasburns]

Outstanding, i knew i posted here for a reason. Thanks for all the advice. I had built an iguana cage before and knew to stay away from VOC's, i would have likely done that no matter what anyone said. The sealant was what i was really wondering.


Also great idea using a shower curtain i think ill look into that as well.


Thanks again peeps
happy happy joy joy