Free ranging basics?

[boosh96]

Alright, so now I'm considering purchasing a Veiled or Jackson's chameleon and using a free range enclosure. So what all do I need to know as I consider free ranging a full-sized chameleon? As I mentioned in my previous thread-I was considering free ranging a Pygmy-I have a chihuahua mix who's very wary of reptiles. Please feel free to ask any questions and stuff!

 

[Riktor Scale]

Will he be free range 24/7?

 

[pssh]

Well, unless you are incredibly vigilant about keeping the dog out of the room that the chameleon is in, it could go very, very wrong in a split second if the dog decides the chameleon is a toy/food/threat/whatever. Even if they are supervised, since you already know your dog is weary of reptiles, something bad could happen to the chameleon or possibly even both if the chameleon can manage to fight back a little.

If you are willing to keep them separate at all times, then here are a few things to think about.

If you free range the chameleon only sometimes/supervised:
You can go as simple or elaborate as you want. A tree/high up plant, and some branches/vines would be fine. You wont need to worry about drainage if you don't mist him in the free range. Make sure the chameleon cannot get to any wires, really hot things (like light bulbs,) open windows (without a screen,) or open water (like a fish tank.) Make sure it cannot climb on anything that might tip/fall over and squish/kill the chameleon. Also make sure that if the chameleon climbs down and goes exploring, it wont get lost in your house only to be found too late.

If you want to keep it there full time:
You need to figure out how you will provide water and the drainage for the water. You will need to do the same things above to make sure it can't hurt itself plus some more stuff. You will need to get UVB and heat lamps up that the animal cannot reach/touch/burn itself on. You will need to figure out how you will feed it so that the bugs are not running loose in your house. You might also want to use more plants/branches so that the animal can feel more secure since it will be living there full time.

I'm sure others will chime in with more stuff to consider/figure out.