buying my first panther chameleon and need to know what to buy cage and all

[izzythechameleon]

So I'm buying a panther chameleon soon and want to make sure I'm buying all the right stuff. I'd like to know everything anyone has to share with me. but mostly I'd like to know what to buy for a juvenile to adult and in between.

 

[Solid Snake]

Hello! Welcome to CF!
You came to the right place for info
So, you need to know EVERYTHING?
Lol
Chams need a screen cage, or a terrarium with lots of airflow. Screen would be best for your area.
The recommended adult cage size is 2x2x4.
I recomend starting with this size, that way you dont wind up buying multiple cages.
You will need the proper lighting.
A basking dome can be bought at walmart or a hardware store.(like the kind with a clamp for working on cars.)
You will need to use a regular household bulb for basking.
75watts is a good starting point, but you may need to play around with different watts to get temps right.
You will also need a 5.0 UVB light.
A linear flourescent bulb is best.
You can use a "hood" style fixture, like the kind used on fishtanks.
It is cheaper to buy a shop light from a hardware store though.
Most of them will hold two bulbs, you can use one for UVB, and one for a plant light.
Plants to put in your cage are highly recommended. They give off oxygen, and REALLY help keep humidity up.
I personally would rather buy a $5-10 live plant, than a $10+ fake one.
That being said, fake can be used as well.
A dripper, and a sprayer to provide water.
A dripper can be made easily, or bought at a pet store.
I recomend getting a pesticide type hand pumped sprayer for misting.
An outomatic misting system will make your life alot easier, chams need spraying at least 3 times a day, so even if your not at work or school, you are going to get tired of spraying them eventually
Chams like to be up high, so an appropriate place to put them is important. The amount of water being put through the cage will be significant. So you will need to place it above a tub/bucket for it to drain into.
You will need feeder insects, and need to gutload them well with fruits and vegetables.
You will also need supplements to balance the chameleons vitamins and minerals.
Plain Calcium.
Calcium with D3
Multivitamin
or
Repashy makes an all-in-one supplement called Repashy calcium plus.
You will need a low traffic area to put the cham in as well.

Thats all I can think of atm as far as bare essintials.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask

 

[izzythechameleon]

oh that's a big cage!! is that ok to start off with a juvenile? i also live in a place where humidity is hard to keep. i cant even keep my self from drying out lol. what are some suggestions to keep the humidity right for him or her? oh and what is the best humidity for them? also heat is a big thing in the winter. so again with screen cage whats a good way to keep the heat close to it?

 

[EvilLost]

if heat is an issue you can use a CERAMIC heater at night (puts out no light) but you only need that if temps drop below 50F at night


as for humidity, live plants help alot and does a misting system. if that still isn't enough some ppl DO use glass cages, but they are not generally recommended, some chams have issues with reflections,a nd you need to make sure it is well ventilated/air circulated

 

[Solid Snake]

What evillost said.
A 2x2x4 is considered minimum for an adult panther.
Yes a terraium will work, and help with humidity, but they are more expensive for that size by far. They are also harder to create drainage for, as they have glass bottoms.
You can get a small baby cage for when he is younger. Just depends on your cash situation, as he will quickly grow out of it.
Chameleons have whole forests in the wild, so no cage is "too big". The main issue some have with using a large cage off the bat, is making sure they are eating enough.
This can be ensured with cup, or hand feeding though.
EDIT:
Also, a 2x2x4 DIYcages cage is $100 shipped. Its much cheaper than an 2x2x4 terrarium(if you can find one). If there is a humidity issue, you can always put plastic wrap or somthing similar on the sides and back to bring the humidity up.

 

[izzythechameleon]

thank you for the tips i may try the plastic wrap idea. ok next question can i use any type of live plants? and whats a good base for the cage? dirt, paper towels, newspaper? i also was told AstroTurf was ok, is this true or whats your ideas?

 

[Solid Snake]

I use nothing on the bottom of the cage.
I just drill holes in the base it comes with, set it on a wire rack type self, and let the water drain straight through to a tub that I empty.
Its much easier to keep clean.

There are lots of safe plants to use, but there are many toxic plants out there.
Pothos is a must in my book. Easy for you, and the cham will love it.
Shefflera, hibiscus, ficus, and the pothos are all safe, and are the most commonly used.

 

[jannb]

So I'm buying a panther chameleon soon and want to make sure I'm buying all the right stuff. I'd like to know everything anyone has to share with me. but mostly I'd like to know what to buy for a juvenile to adult and in between.

Welcome to the chameleon forums. I have a blog for new keepers that you might find helpful.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[imcurt]

Stan is prety much spot on. Some breeders sell there babies before 3 month old. Those under 3 month can be small, some just tiny!! There is the risk of falling, not being able to catch its food, and getting dehydrated for. As long as Its over 3 month old and has a feeding station a 2x2x4 will be fine.The best part about starting with a sm cage is,once they out grow it. Its really hard to look at a empty cage.You'll have an excuse or another!There's a decent basic care sheet on my website. my siginature is a link.