First Chameleon question about screen climbing

[Tamilynn]

I've just purchased my first Chameleon and have a question about screen climbing. He's a male Panther about 8 months old and I've put him in a 24x24x48 screened Dragon Strand cage. His top basking branch is 12" from the top, he's got a 100 watt bulb w/5.0 reptisun UVB light. I'm scared and wondering why he sometimes will climb the screen and hang from the top. He's fallen into the plants twice. I wasn't using substrate, but just put in coco coir organic mix to break his fall in case. Also afraid he'll burn his toes, although he seems to stay away from the basking light when climbing. I just got him yesterday and haven't handled him of course. He ate 6 large crickets this am. Haven't seen his drink, but I've misted the plants 3-5 times today. Am worried and would love some advise.
Thanks!

 

[carol5208]

Not to worry too much! For whatever reason, they seem to want to hang upside down when they are put into a new enclosure. I have had mine fall asleep that way when I first got them. They will not get burned under the uvb light, as the really do not give off much heat. I have found that when they hang under the basking light, they do realize how hot it is and seem to move rather quickly to get out from under it. There is a chance of getting burned that way if they hung out too long of course, but like I said they seem to have enough sense to move. It is kind of unusual for them to be falling like that. Could you post some pictures of him so we can check him out and make sure everything is ok???

 

[lovelychams]

My chameleon used to always climb around on the screen on top when I first got him too. He has turned out okay, so far!
If your house is around 70, you should be fine with just a 60-75 Watt basking bulb.

 

[Tamilynn]

Thank you for your quick responses. I'll sleep better tonight. I will take pics tomorrow because lights are out right now. I'm new to Chameleon owning and this forum and you guys are great!

 

[Tamilynn]

This is a picture of him before I brought him home. I don't want to take any yet because I'm trying to leave him alone.