A couple months ago, I was visiting/participating in the 'grand opening' of a pair of stores not too far from where I live. One of the stores is a Reptile shop. The owner sells Lizards, fish, frogs, snakes and the like.
I've always liked Chameleons (Though I never owned one) and was admiring the juveniles that were in stock. I was informed about the basic needs, and that they were Panther Chameleons. I was even offered the chance to hold one, which I took.
The Chameleon I could tell was not overtly thrilled at resting on my hand, and eyes everyone around him, as if we were going to eat him. Though he never gaped, or bit. When he was picked up to be placed back in his cage, he became very agitated and tried to grab back at my hand, so he was returned to his perch. He gaped at the owner, darkened up clearly displeased. He then promptly ran up my arm, and up my neck to perch on the top of my head.
At that point, my wife and I decided we needed one. We did not purchase that day, though we did pick up a cage (18x18x36) so we could have everything set up.
My wife and I did a lot of research (which led me here) to see what the needs are. Currently, the setup has a Reptiglo 5.0 bulb, and a 75 watt heat lamp both on top of the cage. The Basking spot is currently set to 90 degrees, with the rest of the cage being in the mid to low 70's. A pair of live plants (Chameleon safe!) have been added as well.
I also purchased a Mist King system to help provide a constant humidity level. Complete with the timer and zip-drip system. The lamps have a timer, they currently come on at 8am, and turn off at 8pm. I may adjust this to turn on at 7am, so he's awake when I feed him the morning (Gut loading the crickets before I go to bed the previous evening)
The Mist King is set on a timer, while I watch the humidity levels. I've been adjusting the timing as needed. Right now, the Misting fires up at 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm for a duration of 22 seconds each time. (Both my wife and I work during the day, so we want to ensure that he's well hydrated and comfortable). I am leaning towards increasing the duration again for a couple of the settings for a much longer burst, and adding a couple shorter bursts to keep humidity high.
The setup was done early to monitor everything, as the last thing we want is to try and 'fix' something when it is too late. We will also likely add a simple drop system to help with hydration and humidity. Also in the plans is a 24x24x48 cage when the chameleon is a little older.
We're pretty sure we've done everything right. He'll have heat, water, humidity, food. A couple nice plants (Which are growing quite well), and some vines to perch and climb on. The Pothos will be nice for him to hide, or cool down.
Any other suggestions?
I've always liked Chameleons (Though I never owned one) and was admiring the juveniles that were in stock. I was informed about the basic needs, and that they were Panther Chameleons. I was even offered the chance to hold one, which I took.
The Chameleon I could tell was not overtly thrilled at resting on my hand, and eyes everyone around him, as if we were going to eat him. Though he never gaped, or bit. When he was picked up to be placed back in his cage, he became very agitated and tried to grab back at my hand, so he was returned to his perch. He gaped at the owner, darkened up clearly displeased. He then promptly ran up my arm, and up my neck to perch on the top of my head.
At that point, my wife and I decided we needed one. We did not purchase that day, though we did pick up a cage (18x18x36) so we could have everything set up.
My wife and I did a lot of research (which led me here) to see what the needs are. Currently, the setup has a Reptiglo 5.0 bulb, and a 75 watt heat lamp both on top of the cage. The Basking spot is currently set to 90 degrees, with the rest of the cage being in the mid to low 70's. A pair of live plants (Chameleon safe!) have been added as well.
I also purchased a Mist King system to help provide a constant humidity level. Complete with the timer and zip-drip system. The lamps have a timer, they currently come on at 8am, and turn off at 8pm. I may adjust this to turn on at 7am, so he's awake when I feed him the morning (Gut loading the crickets before I go to bed the previous evening)
The Mist King is set on a timer, while I watch the humidity levels. I've been adjusting the timing as needed. Right now, the Misting fires up at 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm for a duration of 22 seconds each time. (Both my wife and I work during the day, so we want to ensure that he's well hydrated and comfortable). I am leaning towards increasing the duration again for a couple of the settings for a much longer burst, and adding a couple shorter bursts to keep humidity high.
The setup was done early to monitor everything, as the last thing we want is to try and 'fix' something when it is too late. We will also likely add a simple drop system to help with hydration and humidity. Also in the plans is a 24x24x48 cage when the chameleon is a little older.
We're pretty sure we've done everything right. He'll have heat, water, humidity, food. A couple nice plants (Which are growing quite well), and some vines to perch and climb on. The Pothos will be nice for him to hide, or cool down.
Any other suggestions?
