cannot get my temperature hot enough

[dmscats]

I have a 24X24X48 screened cage with a plexiglass front. I do not have my chameleon as of yet. I want to get a cage all set up first. How do you get the heat up at the bottom portion of the cage? Also, humidity question.... How do you get this up high enough as well? I was told to get the screened cage because they need the air flow, but I think the heat and humidity go right through the screen. I thought I would ask here before I just go out and start purchasing items. I have a dripper and I spray the cage and have the heat lamp and uvb lamp. I can add more heat bulbs but it is only heating the top portion of the cage. As for humidity, I am looking at getting the mister to raise the humidity. Also I think I'll get the automatic mister in addition to the dripper and spraying. lots of questions, i hope you can help. I asked pet stores but I need advice from someone who is using a 24X24X48 enclosure. Thank you

 

[carol5208]

That is all you need is the top of the cage to be heated. That way when they want to cool down they can go lower in the cage. You don't want the same temp everywhere. You want variation. When they are cold, they go under their basking light to warm up. They know what to do!! Live plants help for humidity. What is your humidity readings before and after misting? Run a dripper also, that will help

 

[Hoj]

Hello
You only want the top 1/4 of the cage or so to be warm, there should be a good thermal gradient for your cham.
Depending on the chameleon you are getting ( for veileds and panthers ) I try to have about a 90 basking site with most of the top in the 80s witht he temp falling into the 70s near the bottom. As for humidity, a misting system will help as well as some live plants to help hold the humidity.
If you are still having problems you can wrap 1 or more of the cage sides with plastic to help.
What type and age of cham are you thinking of getting and where do you live. If you are somewhere that has a real winter the cold creates havok with humidity.
Cheers

 

[dmscats]

I have never had one before so I am researching deeply before I get one. I have always wanted one and now that I have two of my kids off to college and only one teen at home I am ready for the commitment and time. I also do not work so I can give him all the attention he needs. We did have a large uro malli for 7 years and he passed away about a year ago. I was thinking of getting a veiled, I heard they are the easiest to take care of? And being new at this i thought it would be best. But the panther ones are very pretty. We live in Michigan so our house is cooler. I saw someone used a warm air humidifier next to the cage. Does that help with the humidity?

 

[laurie]

Hello, Hoj is correct that the temps you will want are dictated by the type of Cham you decide to join your family. I have found panthers are not any harder to care for than veileds. I would decide which I really wanted and go with that. You have a wonderful size cage for either a panther or veiled. But if you get a baby or a juvenile, you will need a smaller cage or just divide what you have in half.

We will be here to help you and your new Cham. I am only a pm away if you have questions.

 

[sandrachameleon]

using a more solid walled enclosure, instead of screen, may be a better option if you live somewhere that your ambient conditions are too dry/cold for the chameleon. Or, cover the back and one or two sides of the screen with plastic.
You want a heat gradient. Top/basking spot being the hottest, and the bottom of the cage being coolest.

Veiled/Chamaeleo:
day basking spot up to 96.5F/36C (Non breeding females and Juveniles hottest spot should be kept at a lower temp, closer to 80F)
day cooler spot / ambient range 70-80F/21 -26C
night to a low of 60F/15.5C (Juveniles only down to 68F)

Panther/Fucifer:
day basking spot up to 90F/32C (Non breeding females and Juvenile basking spot should be kept at a lower temp, closer to 80F)
day cooler spot / ambient range 70-80F /21 -26C
night to a low of 65F/18C (juveniles only down to 68F)

Jacks / Jax / Chamaeleo jacksonii
basking 82F (75F for juvies)
Ambient temps in the low 70s
night 60F

 

[crocky]

I was searching for night time temps and came across this. Good to know. My house stays at 68 so during the night when the lights are out I was worried but sound like with a panther I would be ok.