how to keep cham warm during winter?

[spinachlove]

since fall is coming soon and that means cooler temps, i've been thinking about how i'll be able to keep my fischer chameleon warm. he currently lives in a zoo med medium aluminum cage and i live in LA. although you wouldn't think of LA as being a cool place, it can get to about 50 degrees farenheit or even colder at times.

i've seen that there are heaters you can place at the bottom of the cage, but i feel like it might damage it somehow? and also his cage is on a wooden table at the moment, so heat plus wood is prob not a good idea...

how does everyone else manage to keep their cham warm during cooler seasons?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Is he living outside?
The species you are keeping will enjoy cooler temps.
You shouldn't have to do anything if he is housed indoors.

-Brad

 

[spinachlove]

Is he living outside?
The species you are keeping will enjoy cooler temps.
You shouldn't have to do anything if he is housed indoors.

-Brad

wow everyone replies so quickly on here, thanks!

ah yea i forgot to specify that one important part. he stays indoors in my room, but even in our apt, during the winter it feels just as cold as it is outside and we don't have a heater.

unless i were to get one of those heater fans, but i'd be worried to leave em on while i'm gone cos then the place might burn if it's not supervised!

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Have you researched the natural conditions (temperatures, etc) for the species you're keeping?
I think you will find that no additional heat will be needed.

-Brad

 

[spinachlove]

yea i've researched before and it said that the temp varies from 85 to 65 degrees farenheit. since it gets a lot cooler than 65 during the winter in my apt, i don't know what to use to keep him warm..

 

[Quantum Mark]

I dont know about in the states, but here in the UK I'd go down to this store to get something like this to keep the room at the required temperature.

 

[dodolah]

I live in LA, as well.. I have more trouble keeping my chameleon stay cool even during winter.
I do not think LA too often have constant 50F winter day (or lower).
I am not sure if this even a problem really, especially since your chameleon is a montane species.

 

[spinachlove]

wow quantum mark, i've never seen a conductor like that before..how fancy! that might be an option...

hm okay i'll keep that in mind dodolah. i've read that fischers are cooler climate chameleons, but i just don't want him to get stressed out by the cold temps! i'll just make sure to see how he reacts on days that are cooler than others.

thanks all!

 

[Trace]

Excuse my Captain Obvious reply here but; you are using a heat bulb for a basking spot correct? Or is his cage the same temperature all the way through?

 

[Redeye]

Excuse my Captain Obvious reply here but; you are using a heat bulb for a basking spot correct? Or is his cage the same temperature all the way through?

LOL

montane and most other species will be just fine with drops to 50* or less

read somewhere that Jacksons have been kept outdoors and get snowed on, as long as they have a spot they can heat up so their body functions properly, they have dealt with it

 

[Trace]

I'm well aware of the needs of montanes.

However, they do need a basking area to warm up and to properly digest their food among other things. If Spinach is not using a basking/heat bulb her multituberculata may not be getting the correct husbandry needed for proper captive health. A good temperature gradient within the cage is needed for all chameleons both montane and lowland.

Trace

 

[Redeye]

Wasn't doubting you, just funny it took like 7 post for someone to ask the obvious, then responded to the OP


No need to whip out the internet brain pissing contest

 

[laurie]

I just can't relate to having to keep chams warm in LA in the winter. But I have a bit different perspective, I get to -28 a few days and night here in Montana, then is when you have to keep the chams warm. But for me it is not a problem, my kids are warm all winter. It is harder to keep the correct temps for me when it is 100 out side & yes I get that warm in summer. Seems I have the "best" of all weather.

 

[spinachlove]

Excuse my Captain Obvious reply here but; you are using a heat bulb for a basking spot correct? Or is his cage the same temperature all the way through?

since it's usually pretty hot year round here in LA, i don't find a need for a basking lamp at the moment. but if a basking lamp is enough for him to stay warm, then i'll go ahead and do that. i haven't had spinach for too long, so i appreciate the advice.