Basking

[ariez189]

Hello!

Leon is doing well just had a quick question. I currently have a 75 watt basking bulb in a ceramic lamp with a dimmer on high. It is elevated about 3 inches above the enclosure and his basking spot is about 9 inches below the screen. I am currently only getting readings between 80-85 for the basking spot. Is this ok? Poopies are not showing cricket parts so he seems to be digesting ok, but just wanted to make sure all was good or if I maybe need to try a 100 watt.

 

[Beman]

Hello!

Leon is doing well just had a quick question. I currently have a 75 watt basking bulb in a ceramic lamp with a dimmer on high. It is elevated about 3 inches above the enclosure and his basking spot is about 9 inches below the screen. I am currently only getting readings between 80-85 for the basking spot. Is this ok? Poopies are not showing cricket parts so he seems to be digesting ok, but just wanted to make sure all was good or if I maybe need to try a 100 watt.

You really want it sitting between 80-85max. Hotter is not better. They can digest at 80 without any issue.

 

[ariez189]

You really want it sitting between 80-85max. Hotter is not better. They can digest at 80 without any issue.

Great, thank you! As I said, no issues or anything just wanted to make sure it was all good for him

 

[ariez189]

You really want it sitting between 80-85max. Hotter is not better. They can digest at 80 without any issue.

Now he is a brown color during the day (belly is bright green) does that mean he is trying to absorb more heat or is still nervous? He’s his pretty green at night when he’s asleep.

 

[Beman]

Now he is a brown color during the day (belly is bright green) does that mean he is trying to absorb more heat or is still nervous? He’s his pretty green at night when he’s asleep.

It’s normal... bright colors typically indicate three things with a Veiled... either they are sleeping, they are angry, or they are stressed.

 

[ariez189]

It’s normal... bright colors typically indicate three things with a Veiled... either they are sleeping, they are angry, or they are stressed.

Alright, thank you! Just wanted to make sure my little guy is good

 

[Beman]

Alright, thank you! Just wanted to make sure my little guy is good

Your fine. Asking questions is good. Your still learning his behaviors. I totally understand

 

[Echoplex666]

Your fine. Asking questions is good. Your still learning his behaviors. I totally understand

Just had check up with vet; said things look good. They recommended basking hot spot to be 95-105, cool spot 80-85. Does this sound ok to you guys?

 

[Beman]

Just had check up with vet; said things look good. They recommended basking hot spot to be 95-105, cool spot 80-85. Does this sound ok to you guys?

Noooooooo not good.... No hotter then 80-85 max at basking for a Veiled depending on their age. Ambient temps below that should be in the lower 70's.
The vet is misinformed about the basking temperature for a Veiled chameleon. If you do 95-105 he will die.

 

[Echoplex666]

Noooooooo not good.... No hotter then 80-85 max at basking for a Veiled depending on their age. Ambient temps below that should be in the lower 70's.
The vet is misinformed about the basking temperature for a Veiled chameleon. If you do 95-105 he will die.

Yeah, that seemed pretty high compared to what you guys are saying. Thanks again! You guys help navigate this learning curve.

 

[Beman]

Yeah, that seemed pretty high compared to what you guys are saying. Thanks again! You guys help navigate this learning curve.

Your welcome Vets are great. I love vets but unless they specifically have chameleon husbandry knowledge then they do not know the specifics the way we do.

 

[bbyoda]

High temps also present risk for thermal burns, which are common for male Vieleds given their casques.

Here's more information on thermal burns so you can keep an eye out: https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-medical-burns/