Doors are blown off (Literally)

[Jamire]

Hey guys,

Over the last month I have slowly been introducing more free range time for my baby panther, and I noticed his appetite increased so I kept with it. He slept out of his cage one night and after that I couldn't put him back in the cage.

SO here we are, total kaizen of the setup. Im making a living wall if you will.

Im just really curious as to what safety precautions need to be taken when making the switch. First thing that comes to mind, which aren't addressed in the pictures is electrical mounting. (I have wrapped up and tucked away loose wiring and wrapped plastic bags over the connections and ballast)

Other than that, do many of you worry about the exposed bulb? I have a 75W in there, turned about 3/4 on a dimmer switch. Its still hot and although he stays a good distance away from it, I would be worried about a little fly getting his attention near the bulb and getting a toungue burn. (theres not a lot of those little flies, but a few. Ive seen him grab one out of the air once.) Should I make a guard out of some mesh ?

What other things could I be missing?
Other than the basics water/humidity. ( I have room humidifier and mist king and hand mist, his urates are always white. Not that I can find all of his droppings now though...)

Let me know your thoughts, im counting on expert advice to chime in here, as im no expert. But would like to become one.

 

[pigglett79]

You will for sure want to use some chicken wire or something to protect him from the bulb. There are people who have had a chameleon burn and lose parts of their tongue due to shootting for a bug on the bulb. The other issue that comes up is ensuring they have access to water. But you can check out the free range forum for ideas as well.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/free-range/

Good Luck

 

[Jamire]

Yeah I figured as much, but I don't necessarily see everyone with free ranges having something covering their heat bulbs.

Im glad I made the switch, I believe he is happy too. colours like never before.

 

[pigglett79]

Just because not everyone takes the precaution, doesnt mean you shouldnt.

After reading these, perhaps you may think its importnnt.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/need-help-immediately-99410/

https://www.chameleonforums.com/picasso-update-99527/

There are more threads on him, but it is a learning experience that should be considered. He was free ranging and it wasnt even a basking bulb, it was a bulb on a table lamp. Which is why it is also important to ensure he does not end up roaming all over the house where he can get in to serious trouble, and to make his area as chameleon safe as possible.

 

[Rodcham]

Yep have to agree, its just not worth the risk. It will happen in the blink of an eye and the suffering could last a long time.

 

[Jamire]

Oh yeah im not doubting the issue, i already have a temporary guard up and and going to make one out of the mesh i use. Thanks for the re-assurance.

Other than the bulb. Any other issues you can foresee?

 

[Jamire]

Im thinking UVB coverage..

this 6% 24" arcadia im using is around 6-8 months old now, ill replace it soon with something bigger. Should I also go up to a 12% for this setup? I would I be better off getting another ballast and bulb for better coverage?

I will go up to a 48" bulb this time, as I have 48" grow lamp.

Speaking of which anyone know about the UVB output of Sylviana Gro-Lux (Wide Spectrum) bulbs? I know they give off UVB light, but how much and of it, how deep it penetrates and what wavelength I can not find online.

Anyone familiar with the sylviana gro-lux bulbs? Im not expecting them to give much UVB for my guy, but maybe they do? If its adequate enough I wont bother having another UVB source right beside it.