First Time

[aguilar325]

Hey everybody, I plan on getting a baby West Usambara Two Horned Chameleon from one of the members here and was wondering if you think my setup is enough to house him properly? This is my first time with a chameleon but not with reptiles.I kept numerous snakes and a couple of monitors as well. I have all the essentials needed for a cham such as uvb, vitamins, dripper, basking bulb, and some foliage but I don't know if the amount of foliage is enough since this species is very shy. I know they are display animals and that's what he's mainly going to serve as. He will fit my type of lifestyle very well. So if their is any criticism to the setup up or if anyone thinks I should try a different species please respond. Thanks!

 

[aguilar325]

Sorry, the pics are sideways -.-

 

[Solid Snake]

Looks good. More foliage wouldnt hurt. Stick a pothos on bottom, and run the vines all over is my suggestion. You will eventually want to do somthing about drainage. Such as holes in the bottom of the cage, running the water to a bucket/tub. Assuming thats a 5.0 uvb, and basking light on top, id say your pretty much ready to go as far as housing

 

[Beachbabies]

looks great!

 

[aguilar325]

Great! Ill look into getting a pothos and I'm going to start searching the yard for some more perches. I have the water running straight into the pot so that it can serve a double purpose but I think I'm going to poke a couple of holes on the bott and create a recirculating misting system

 

[Solid Snake]

You dont want to mist with water that has already been put through the cage. Its going to get VERY dirty, and clog the system. Even worse, its going to spread bacteria and such like your asking for the plague. You could setup an extremely elaborate filter system in theory. But it wouldnt be worth it IF thats what you were talking about. Also, I try NOT to get to much water into my plants, I have a overwatering problem But pothos can take ALOT of water before it becomes an issue. Just somthing to think about. Have fun...

 

[aguilar325]

Forgot about the potential bacteria, thanks for the info though. Looks like its going to be a drain to waste system.

I also stumbled upon ultrasonics humidifiers and might look into that instead. If I add this though, will it replace the conventional misting by hand?

 

[Fearaffect]

Forgot about the potential bacteria, thanks for the info though. Looks like its going to be a drain to waste system.

I also stumbled upon ultrasonics humidifiers and might look into that instead. If I add this though, will it replace the conventional misting by hand?

Id stay away from the ultrasonics....you need standing water to use them and when it dries up and you dont catch it, most(I believe) will break.
Just get a humidifier off Amazon. Humidifiers dont replace the conventional mistings.....cham still needs to drink afterall....
As long as you mist 3-5 times a day, you really dont need a humidifier for K. multi.....

 

[aguilar325]

Hmmm looks like I'm going to have to make a system then. I have a dropper that can lost all day.

 

[Fearaffect]

Hmmm looks like I'm going to have to make a system then. I have a dropper that can lost all day.

The dripper will do just fine.....simple is good.....and doesnt cost alot...
Also, with several live plants, the humidity will be just fine......

 

[raphael14]

I would get 1 more plant

 

[coldbloodedAL]

More foilage, and a humidifier would help but doesNOT replace conventional misting

 

[aguilar325]

Thanks for all the advice everybody! I am going to add another plant and pick up a humidifier tomorrow. Main reason I wanted to replace conventional misting is because on Mondays and Wednesdays I leave at 830am and come back at 630pm. Would these two days of low misting hurt my chameleon?

 

[Fearaffect]

Thanks for all the advice everybody! I am going to add another plant and pick up a humidifier tomorrow. Main reason I wanted to replace conventional misting is because on Mondays and Wednesdays I leave at 830am and come back at 630pm. Would these two days of low misting hurt my chameleon?

Na, just make sure the dripper is full and give them a good misting when you get back......

 

[aguilar325]

Great! I was initially worried that those long hours would be troublesome. I decided to go with a veiled Cham instead from fl chams. He should be in on Tuesday. I'll post pics when he arrives.