First chameleon tips?

X

xf8x

New Member
Hi, I have been thinking about getting my first chameleon. I have been looking into veiled chameleons and Ruwenzori Side Striped Chemeleons. One thing I was wondering is how to build my own cage so that I don't have to spend lots of money on one. Also, I was wondering if it is possible to put a timer on the chameleons light bulbs somehow so that they turn on and shut off when needed.

Thx for the help.
Brad.
 
I'd suggest the veiled for a first cham. The side striped would most likely be an import and they can be tricky to acclimate...unless you know of someone with older cbb juveniles. Also would not suggest getting a tiny baby cham. They are harder to feed, more sensitive to temps, humidity and husbandry mistakes, and a percentage of them don't survive regardless of your care.

Yes, timers are an essential cham husbandry tool. You can use them to cycle basking lights, UV lights, foggers, misters, etc. Set up well, about all you might need to do each day is provide feeders and clean up.

Do the reading and ask any questions. You will need a good UV bulb, any sort of regular house light bulb for basking (the fancy basking bulbs aren't necessary), and timers or timer power strips to control them.
 
Like Jann suggested read those links. Knowledge will be your most useful tool and friend.

For your specific questions, research the enclosures and supplies forums. Lots of members build and post their cages, myself included. Average cost of building and outfitting a cage is around 100 bucks give or take. Add another 200 dollars to that figure if you put in a misting system.

The timer is the easy part. Timers just plug into a normal electrical outlet and you then plug your lights into the timer. They can be purchased at your local grocery store for less than 5 bucks.
 
xf8x said:
Hi, I have been thinking about getting my first chameleon. I have been looking into veiled chameleons and Ruwenzori Side Striped Chemeleons. One thing I was wondering is how to build my own cage so that I don't have to spend lots of money on one. Also, I was wondering if it is possible to put a timer on the chameleons light bulbs somehow so that they turn on and shut off when needed.

Thx for the help.
Brad.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the Chameleon Forums! I built one of my cages and it was fun. You can take a look at it and the tools I used to build it at this link. https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/beeze-albums-making-aluminum-cage.html
 
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