Free Ranging question.

[mcbdz]

Not really sure where to put question but, since it covers more then one subject thought here is good. Monitors please move if needed.
I am working on a free range for Zeke but at the moment we don't have any UVB lighting for it. I would still like to give him some exercise time on it. What would be safe for him to spend on it if temp is good but no UVB or real basking.
Normally he is always under his UVB or outside in real sun during day light hours. How much time do we KNOW would be safe with NO UVB. I let him on it for 1 hour last night before lights out and he seemed to really enjoy it. Had great color and did lots of exploring. Any advice and reasoning would be great.

 

[mcbdz]

Still working on it and later will move it but in Bathroom at the moment.

 

[pigglett79]

Hello,

If you look in the forums list, in small writing under enclosures and supplies you will see a free range section. If he is only in it for a couple hours a day it is fine without the UV light. One important note is to be sure he is in a safe area. They will wonder faster than you think and can get in to trouble or seriously injured. It is best to have it in a chameleon proof area and to keep an eye on them.

 

[RandJreptiles]

What a cute chameleon you have there!

When he gets older/bigger is there any way you can connect this free range to his cage? My Veiled basically lives inside a closet (no doors) and has pothos growing around the room. He comes and goes (within the room) as he pleases. He knows heat, UVB, food and the dripper are inside the cage and goes back when he wants these things. He has been living like this for years.

At your chameleons young age I would only leave him on there for a few hours each day. He should not go too long without UVB and water.

With that said be careful about your dogs and the surrounding area. It is likely that in time he will get curious and leave the free range. Maybe place the plant/free range base inside a large tub or container that is escape proof. That way if he decides to wander to the bottom of the tree he wont actually be able to go anywhere. OR just supervise him while he is hanging out...that works too!

 

[mcbdz]

Hello,

If you look in the forums list, in small writing under enclosures and supplies you will see a free range section. If he is only in it for a couple hours a day it is fine without the UV light. One important note is to be sure he is in a safe area. They will wonder faster than you think and can get in to trouble or seriously injured. It is best to have it in a chameleon proof area and to keep an eye on them.

I know this was an impulse in the pics which gave me the idea. He was on my shoulder and when I went to the br and was next tyo the plant(over wintering) he reached out so, I let him on and found the vines and added them. I was watching him the whole time and have read about injuries so, would never leave him alone until it was safe. I just didn't know how long was safe for him to be away from his uvb source.

What a cute chameleon you have there!

When he gets older/bigger is there any way you can connect this free range to his cage? My Veiled basically lives inside a closet (no doors) and has pothos growing around the room. He comes and goes (within the room) as he pleases. He knows heat, UVB, food and the dripper are inside the cage and goes back when he wants these things. He has been living like this for years.

Thanks and not really at this moment.

At your chameleons young age I would only leave him on there for a few hours each day. He should not go too long without UVB and water.

With that said be careful about your dogs and the surrounding area. It is likely that in time he will get curious and leave the free range. Maybe place the plant/free range base inside a large tub or container that is escape proof. That way if he decides to wander to the bottom of the tree he wont actually be able to go anywhere. OR just supervise him while he is hanging out...that works too!

This was one of my large plumaria I was wintering in my bathroom cause of close by french doors. His enclosure is in my sons room. If we add a free range in there it will need to be artificial due to his enclosure in the only window in there. Still may do this. The plan is for him to spend most of his time outside in Spring through Fall and inside in bad weather and at night.
Thanks for yalls responses.

 

[Ashleigh]

I have a "free range" with no UVB light next to my chameleon's cage in my office and he gets to come out and explore almost everyday for a few hours at a time. Just make sure he doesn't get too cold or he will fall asleep and you'll have to wake him up and put him back in his cage to get warm. When Loki was a baby he seemed to get cold much faster so a few hours may be too long, just depending on abient temp in the room. I have a place to hang a basking light in the corner of the room above a part of the free range since it's been pretty cold here lately. With that you also have to be careful they can't reach it because they WILL try to climb on it and possibly burn themselves. Oh, and I don't know how your little guy is, but what Loki was little he was not a very good climber and made me nervous more than one time or another! lol I would be careful on how tall the free range is or give him some safety nets of somekind? It definitely has encouraged Loki to come out of his cage more and be more friendly knowing he's got an area to "be free" for a while lol