First time Chameleon setup

[MaryZorger28]

So we’re getting our first panther chameleons soon! We are setting up one enclosure now, the other is in the process of being shipped…don’t worry they won’t be housed together! Any tips? The Pothos at the top is going to replaced with a much bigger/longer Pothos, I just have to repot it. Their will also be a plant in the top right, but have not figured out which of my plants I want to use. I know theirs a lot of open space, but I don’t know what to do until everything grows in.

 

[crosscutts]

You’re gonna wanna add a lot more plants .

 

[SteveH]

welcome to the forums
Home improvement stores with a garden center should have some nice bigger plants to use. You'll also want to add more horizontal branches at different heights throughout the enclosure. Here's one of mine to give you some ideas on yours. Do you have a fogger/humidifier to run at night to give you the higher humidity they need ? What type of uvb lighting will you be using ? Here's a link that you will find very helpful in keeping your panther ...
https://chameleonacademy.com/panther-chameleon-care/

 

[MaryZorger28]

welcome to the forums
Home improvement stores with a garden center should have some nice bigger plants to use. You'll also want to add more horizontal branches at different heights throughout the enclosure. Here's one of mine to give you some ideas on yours. Do you have a fogger/humidifier to run at night to give you the higher humidity they need ? What type of uvb lighting will you be using ? Here's a link that you will find very helpful in keeping your panther ...
https://chameleonacademy.com/panther-chameleon-care/

I have a mist king system for misting and a reptifogger for each enclosure, they just aren’t setup yet until I get the branches/plants in. I have 24” T5 HO fixtures and reptisun 5.0 UVBs. 50 watt heat bulbs, will go higher if need be once I see what my basking spot temps are. I have a lot more plants, just unsure how to attach them. I know dragon strand ledges are popular, but I’m not sure if they’d be here in time.

 

[MaryZorger28]

I’m not sure if the huge Pothos was the right switch. The vines drape over the basking branch. Not sure if the Cham would just climb over the plant or figure out he can walk on the branch going under the vines.

 

[Beman]

I’m not sure if the huge Pothos was the right switch. The vines drape over the basking branch. Not sure if the Cham would just climb over the plant or figure out he can walk on the branch going under the vines.

So the hug pothos is going to take up a ton of basking area on the top. This will be an issue if it is blocking heat or uvb. Also that is a ton of weight to be balanced with those small branches. I am betting the branches give out and that plant will eventually fall.

Pull out the front right plant on the bottom. Its tiny to be on the bottom and will fail to thrive. Then pull the two taller plants on the bottom to the front. So they create blockage.

 

[MaryZorger28]

It’s actually hanging from the frame of the reptibreeze. Where would you recommend I put it? I have the other much smaller Pothos, but thought maybe this huge one would provide more cover. My basking lamp is in the back right corner, and uvb will be across the front.

I can pull the rattlesnake plant out, it was just sitting there, to sit there. In the bottom is a parlor palm, rubber ficus, and theirs a monstera in the right back corner. I appreciate all the input!

I will be putting in more horizontal branches once my husband gets home with more zip ties.

 

[Beppo]

I also think a monstera or dracaena would look amazing in there and give your chameleon something to climb on this is my current set up for my male panther chameleon, places to hide everywhere and still room at the top to bask and eat your well on your way!

 

[MaryZorger28]

I also think a monstera or dracaena would look amazing in there and give your chameleon something to climb on this is my current set up for my male panther chameleon, places to hide everywhere and still room at the top to bask and eat your well on your way!

There is a monstera in the bottom right, it’s just hidden. Yours looks nice!

 

[Beppo]

Awesome! My little guy will often sleep holding the stems of his monstera

 

[MaryZorger28]

Awesome! My little guy will often sleep holding the stems of his monstera

Theirs a better pic of my monstera, definitely needs to grow.

 

[Beppo]

Beautiful! They grow super fast! At least mine did! The enclosure is barely containing it now

 

[MaryZorger28]

Beautiful! They grow super fast! At least mine did! The enclosure is barely containing it now

Yeah I had this one for two weeks or so and it sprouted a new leaf. I love the look of them and can’t wait for it to get bigger.

 

[MaryZorger28]

So the hug pothos is going to take up a ton of basking area on the top. This will be an issue if it is blocking heat or uvb. Also that is a ton of weight to be balanced with those small branches. I am betting the branches give out and that plant will eventually fall.

Pull out the front right plant on the bottom. Its tiny to be on the bottom and will fail to thrive. Then pull the two taller plants on the bottom to the front. So they create blockage.

Does this look better? The Pothos is attached to the metal frame, not the branches. This in my other pothos…should I use this little one instead?

 

[Beman]

Does this look better? The Pothos is attached to the metal frame, not the branches. This in my other pothos…should I use this little one instead?

I would move that big pothos down. It is blocking almost all the UVB lighting. You could even get a plant stand for the back and sit it on that to get it higher in the cage.

 

[MaryZorger28]

I would move that big pothos down. It is blocking almost all the UVB lighting. You could even get a plant stand for the back and sit it on that to get it higher in the cage.

Got it! Just put a smaller plant at the top then or just leave it bare?

 

[Beman]

Got it! Just put a smaller plant at the top then or just leave it bare?

Smaller plant would be fine unless your going to get a plant stand to get that pothos higher in the back left corner.

 

[Beppo]

welcome to the forums
Home improvement stores with a garden center should have some nice bigger plants to use. You'll also want to add more horizontal branches at different heights throughout the enclosure. Here's one of mine to give you some ideas on yours. Do you have a fogger/humidifier to run at night to give you the higher humidity they need ? What type of uvb lighting will you be using ? Here's a link that you will find very helpful in keeping your panther ...
https://chameleonacademy.com/panther-chameleon-care/

This is beautiful! Are the flowers hibiscus?

 

[SteveH]

This is beautiful! Are the flowers hibiscus?

Mandevilla