free range problem

[Nixehface]

Well recently (past month or so) I have been letting Marley free range in my room but it has now gotten to the point where he doesn't really want to explore his viv anymore and just sits right in front of the doors where I usually let him out.
He will also only show his dark colours until I let him out.
What should I do?

 

[jannb]

I would let the poor guy stay out of the cage. Can you set him up a free range with his lights and all over a tree? My chams hate the cage and stayed dark all the time until I fixed them a free range. It doesn't have to be anything fancy it just has to have everything that they need. My guys are so happy now and always bright and colorful. Here's a few pictures of their set up. https://www.chameleonforums.com/additions-free-range-33230/

 

[Carlton]

Well recently (past month or so) I have been letting Marley free range in my room but it has now gotten to the point where he doesn't really want to explore his viv anymore and just sits right in front of the doors where I usually let him out.
He will also only show his dark colours until I let him out.
What should I do?

I think he's "added" the rest of your room to his personal territory. Now he expects to patrol it or to use his favorite spots when he wants to. When you confine him he is probably frustrated. He doesn't understand why he can't reach all of his turf all the time. Even if you arrange some climbing areas right over or around his cage and leave the doors open it might help. Having the choice to go in or out might make all the difference.

 

[Nixehface]

I would let the poor guy stay out of the cage. Can you set him up a free range with his lights and all over a tree? My chams hate the cage and stayed dark all the time until I fixed them a free range. It doesn't have to be anything fancy it just has to have everything that they need. My guys are so happy now and always bright and colorful. Here's a few pictures of their set up. https://www.chameleonforums.com/additions-free-range-33230/

What about humidity levels?
I struggle to keep them in the viv so how would I go about that?
Also, I work all day so when I get home at 5, I can only let him out.
I don't think I could just let him stay out while I'm at work could I?

 

[Nixehface]

Even if you arrange some climbing areas right over or around his cage and leave the doors open it might help. Having the choice to go in or out might make all the difference.

I do have that arrangement at the moment but I've only got 1 tree and not enough money to extend it yet so I'm always finding him all over the curtains or running across the floor.
It's hard to keep track of him

 

[jannb]

Mine stay out 24/7 and have been for over two years now. As long as you don't have dogs or cats or anything that could harm him, or shut the door to his free range room he should be find. I live in FL and have no humidity problems here but those that do use a humidifier.