Deremensis Basic Needs

[FabrizioHC]

Okay, so I might be getting a Deremensis. I saw one and fell in love with the little guy, and also, the owner can't take care of it anymore, so he's giving me a really good deal.

I just want to know what do I need to keep this guy healthy and happy?

I live in SoCal, and it's that time of the year when one day it's 75ºF outside, the other it's 45ºF, and I live very close to the beach so it's windy. What are the basic temps for this little guys?

How hard are this guys to maintain?

PS. Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

 

[JoeG]

They are kept as any Montane species. They like the cooler temps as long as you provide a basking spot of 80 - 85 degrees. They like higher humidity & lots of hydration. I don't have any yet but I know some one who keeps them same as my jacksonni. Post some pics when you get him.

 

[DeremensisBlue]

Deremensis can be keep outdoors in SoCal most of the year if you have a suitable outdoor cage (large, heavily planted, earth bottom offering a wide range of gradients). Though as a baby you'll want to be more careful of the temp extremes it is exposed to.
What kind of caging are you planning? That makes a huge difference as to what you can take advantage of in SoCal. If you want to explore the joy of outdoor chameleon living then drop by a South Bay Chameleon Keepers meeting (one this weekend in Orange) and you'll have keepers both by the water and inland that you can siphon experience from.
Are you in San Diego or LA?
How old is the deremensis?
Have you kept other chameleons that I could reference care conditions? Of the popular species they are closest to Jackson's. Bask less, seem to enjoy higher humidity, cannot take as low temps. Very fuzzy details I admit, but we can hone in on a better answer for you personally when we establish the type of caging you plan.

 

[LLLReptile]

The wider range of temperatures and basking zones you can provide, the better it will do. We're also located in Southern California, and find that in a 3' tall cage or larger, a mercury vapor bulb works well for providing them with adequate heat and UV. A tall cage is a necessity though, so that they can get away from the heat as needed. In the stores, we see them seek out the hotter temperatures close to the light periodically (after waking up, eating, drinking, or when they've spent a lot of time in the cooler parts of the cage), so while they do require a nice cool end of the cage, a hotter basking area (90 or so) will be appreciated.

Pick up a reptarium or keep a cage outdoors, and during good weather try keeping it outside. Our Oceanside location does that for their chameleons whenever the weather is good (which is often!), and everything thrives with the natural sunlight.

Be sure to share pics when you get it! Deremensis are neat chameleons.

-Jen

 

[FabrizioHC]

I had a veiled a couple of years ago, and that's pretty much my only experience with chams. I had 2 little veileds and I was able to keep them alive for a couple years but they got old and died

The guy told me that the little guy is about 11 months. And he is kept in a 18"x13"x13", I think that's a bit small for him, but I guess I can work with that for a week or two, then going for at least a 3 footer or building a custom cage.

Here are a couple pics of the little guy.





It looks like he has a couple scratches on his side, but I asked the guy and he said it was just shed.

Does he look healthy to you guys?

 

[Vegas Chad]

a mercury vapor bulb works well for providing them with adequate heat and UV.

Emmmm roasted deremensis chameleon...


He looks good!

 

[Lizardlover]

90* is WAY too hot for a Deremensis. Your guy looks good. Congrats!

 

[FabrizioHC]

Thanks guys!