Hi guys. Over the years I've raised a pair of iguanas, burmese python, ball python and a western hognose. My son just got into the scene by adopting his first ball python. Recently (after helping my son get started with his new ball) I decided I'de like to get started with a chameleon (either a Veiled, Panther or Jacksons) and that there were some questions I needed to figure out before I got started.
1) As far as his cage, I was going to start out buy getting a 24"x24"x48" right from the beginning but I was going to install a platform 1/2 way up (making his area 24x24x24). On the platform, I'm installing a pvc drain with a screen guard and a bucket below that to collect runoff from the mister, waste etc. I'm just wondering if the 24x24x24 is still going to be TO large for him. All together, the chams I'm looking at are ~ 4" nose to vent.
2) For gut-loading crickets, I've noticed both wet and dry versions have "calcium supplements" and "calcium supplements w/ vitamins" versions. Is there any benifit to one over the other ? Also, If I'm allready gut loading the crickets with a Calcium supplement+Vitamin feed, do I still need to dust them with another supplement ? For drinking & sprinkler I'm going to use a Exo Terra MonsoonRS400
3) Temps in my hose rang from ~74f at night to 85f during the day. I'm going to set up a basking light /area for him with its own temp moniter for that spot and a second elseware in the cage. I was just curious as to how close current ambient air temps in my hose would be with regards to general cham comfort.
4) The humidity is one issue I'm having some difficulty in understanding how to moniter. In a treefrog terrarium, it's simple enough as its enclosed, but Im not sure where exactly I would place my meter to get an accurate reading in a screen enclosure. I've heard/read Veils are more tolerent of humidity issues but its an situation I'de still like to work out regardless of the cham I get.
Well, thats about it atm, just trying to get as much info before I get started. I've no doubt tomorrow I'll have more questions. Actually have more now, but it's getting late LoL. Thanks all, any advice, ideas and or suggestions appreciated.
1) As far as his cage, I was going to start out buy getting a 24"x24"x48" right from the beginning but I was going to install a platform 1/2 way up (making his area 24x24x24). On the platform, I'm installing a pvc drain with a screen guard and a bucket below that to collect runoff from the mister, waste etc. I'm just wondering if the 24x24x24 is still going to be TO large for him. All together, the chams I'm looking at are ~ 4" nose to vent.
2) For gut-loading crickets, I've noticed both wet and dry versions have "calcium supplements" and "calcium supplements w/ vitamins" versions. Is there any benifit to one over the other ? Also, If I'm allready gut loading the crickets with a Calcium supplement+Vitamin feed, do I still need to dust them with another supplement ? For drinking & sprinkler I'm going to use a Exo Terra MonsoonRS400
3) Temps in my hose rang from ~74f at night to 85f during the day. I'm going to set up a basking light /area for him with its own temp moniter for that spot and a second elseware in the cage. I was just curious as to how close current ambient air temps in my hose would be with regards to general cham comfort.
4) The humidity is one issue I'm having some difficulty in understanding how to moniter. In a treefrog terrarium, it's simple enough as its enclosed, but Im not sure where exactly I would place my meter to get an accurate reading in a screen enclosure. I've heard/read Veils are more tolerent of humidity issues but its an situation I'de still like to work out regardless of the cham I get.
Well, thats about it atm, just trying to get as much info before I get started. I've no doubt tomorrow I'll have more questions. Actually have more now, but it's getting late LoL. Thanks all, any advice, ideas and or suggestions appreciated.