Chams in Colorado -

[WANTING]

I have been doing a lot of research and am fascinated at how extensive is the field of cham husbandry. I have questions for you experienced cham owners.

1) humidity in Colorado is low - it would be hard to keep in a screen cage - I'm thinking solid cage with screens or some combination there of - anyone in the state currently keeping chams - panthers or otherwise. Talk to me about your set up please.

2) and two I would love to have this beautiful creature in my main living room where we are - I see most have banished to the basement - what's up ?

 

[LeoM]

1) You could try cages that have a combination of glass and screen sides which can help the humidity. I have an all scren cage because i think it is the best as it keeps the air flowing and i have a schefflera live plant along other fake plants and vines to help keep the humidity up, along with constant hand misting and a dripper which i made. Its a bottle with a hole on the cap.

2) Chameleons need privacy, a high traffic room could stress them a lot. I reccomend having him in a low traffic area to avoid unnesary stress and give him his privacy so he could be healthy

 

[altitude]

Humidity is tough here in CO for sure...I use a typical screen enclosure but have covered two of the four sides with plexi. My enclosure is located in the corner of the room (yes, the living room), and the plexi is on the two sides that are closest to the room walls. I had used this setup for sometime prior to adding the plexi and the plexi made a HUGE difference.

Also, in addition to heavy misting 2-3 times daily, I've got an auto mister, a repti-fogger, and a big humidifier going. Seems extreme, but when you live in an extreme environment (8,500 ft) you have to go to extremes to keep a cham. Works well for me.

I've got a carpet cham, and he's shy for sure. But he does ok with his location in the living room. Too proud of him to hide him away in the recesses of our home. The worms, crickets, and roaches however, well, they get the dark side of our home...

 

[coldbloodedAL]

I have been doing a lot of research and am fascinated at how extensive is the field of cham husbandry. I have questions for you experienced cham owners.

1) humidity in Colorado is low - it would be hard to keep in a screen cage - I'm thinking solid cage with screens or some combination there of - anyone in the state currently keeping chams - panthers or otherwise. Talk to me about your set up please.

2) and two I would love to have this beautiful creature in my main living room where we are - I see most have banished to the basement - what's up ?

Welcome to ChamForums!
You've come to the right place! Im AL Now lets see..
1) If you can afford a large enough one, a glass terrarium is a good choice.. Ones large enough for adult panthers can cost $300+..
But there are more economical ways to hold humidity.. You can purchase a screen cage and cover the back and both sides with sheet plastic or seal them some other way(trash bags,pvc board, acrylic, etc.)
Or build your own with solid sides and clear front.(There is more to this but we can get more into detail if you choose to go this way)
2) If your living area is not very high traffic, it may work to keep him there. Its one of those things you will have to watch for after you get him(ex. stress)

 

[Shawntea]

I believe DIY cages( a site sponsor) has some large acrylic tanks with drilled holes for ventilation for sale. I have my Jax in the cornier of the living room up on a display shelf six feet off the ground. He seems happy up at that height, and his cage is 2 feet tall right now(he's just a babe) and will be taller when he gets bigger.

 

[WANTING]

Thanking you all

I just found the DIY cage site; that's a good possibility. And thank you for the wisdom imparted and encouragement. It is just the DH and I so the living room traffic is minimal. I will keep researching and asking questions.. I enjoy the enthusiasm here.