Direct sunlight a replacement for a cage light?

[DylanDP]

This is my first time posting so here goes: I recently bought a chameleon(Shaggy) and vivarium from a friend whom left the country, but it seems I've received misleading information from this friend as I've already had a trip to the vet which was a case of dehydration, the vet told me to take a good look at my setup which may be the leading cause to the dehydration. I was told by my friend that if I place the vivarium halfway in direct sunlight and halfway in the shade there is no need for a cage light, is this true or could it be the reason Shaggy is dehydrated?

Any additional information will be greatly appreciated as I have no previous experience with chameleons.

-Dylan

 

[camimom]

Light has no influence on hydration.
He was dehydrated most likley because he wasnt misted enough.

ANd unles you are placing your cham in sun that is coming through an OPEN window or outside, it wont do anything but provide some warmth.

UVB rays (Which chams require) DO NOT pass through glass and plastic.

WHich is why we use a uvb bulb 12 hours a day, and a regular house hold bulb for basking.

 

[camimom]

IM assuming you bought a veiled, in which case here is a care sheet for them.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

If its not a veiled, you can visit the care sheet section, which you will find on the home page right side, and choose your species.

 

[bradley]

I take it you mean I front of a window? Uv doesn't travel through glass and temps can quickly rise when the whole cage is in direct sunlight. You need a linear uv tube of 5.0 or 10.0 strength and a 60watt heat bulb for the chameleon to bask under. Using a dropper can avoid dehydration.

 

[Decadancin]

Here's a great starting point for keeping chameleons...https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/

You've already gotten a couple of great answers so I will just agree with them!
There are some debates over the "right" answers to some husbandry questions, but if you search for answers through the forums you may find exactly what you need. Click on the individual forum, general, Health, etc, and look in the "search this forum" box after typing a key word or two. When all else fails, ask away! We love to help, but do require pictures in return!

Welcome to the forums and best of luck with your new baby!

 

[DylanDP]

Thank you all for quick responses, yes the cage is currently in my widow sill but now I know the sunlight through the window just doesn't cut it so a trip to the pet store is in order. thank you camimom for the care sheet, I mist once every second day which is most likely the problem but that will change and hopefully il turn over a new leaf with Shaggy.

 

[Decadancin]

Do a little research on what types of lighting you will need! Pet stores will often carry lighting that is ineffective and unnecessary. Here's my lighting blog just to give you some ideas. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/decadancin/754-winter-lighting-schedule.html Check out some of the site sponsors as well! Some great products and well worth the investment.

 

[sandrachameleon]

...I mist once every second day which is most likely the problem....

Yes. Mist for at least 5 minutes at least once a day. I suggest adding a dripper as well.

Sun coming through the window will be no use in terms of necessary UVB, but it will provide heat (and an over heated cham will dehydrate faster) so make sure you monitor temps

 

[DylanDP]

Wow Decadancin your lighting setup sounds great, thanks for the pointers on lighting and Il most definitely post some pictures of Shaggy, but first il get her hydrated and looking a bit more cheerful.