Is a basking lamp mandatory?

[BocaJan]

My reptile room stays 75-85 all year around. In the winter it gets 85 because of the sun coming in the windows. I have adults and babies.

Is there any need for a basking lamp for these temps?

 

[Matt1851]

although it might be that temp in your room id keep it anyways just incase your cham(s) wanna regulate a higher temp than they are sitting in.

 

[xanthoman]

personally i would use one anyway, even if its only 25w. basking is a part of their instinctual behavior and to deny them that is depriving them of that habit. uva/is believed to stimulate appetite, curb deppression (which i think is especially important in a captive enviroment) and promote a feeling of general well being. just my 2c worth

 

[Lizardlover]

If the sun directly hits the cage and bask using the sunlight that comes in then perhaps you could go without one. But I would still use atleast a 25 watt to stimulate natural behavior.

 

[Courtney]

Ihave the same issues well i did in the winter. in the summer its about 7o in my cham room i keep a 40 watt basking bulb

 

[Julirs]

I would have to say that if you have streams of light that come in, creating warm spots, and you see that they tend to bask there you would not need a basking lamp. My guys that are outside most of the year are in dappled sunlight for part of the day, and do fine-but the temps reach mid 90's out there for alot of the summer.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I would suggest some curtains. You dont want the whole room to be 85F, or how will they cool down if they want to? In summer, when my cham room ambient temp is 23C+ (75F) I still use a small 15-25watt basking bulb. I also shut the blinds and turn on a fan, so that the room does not get too hot, so that lower down in the room it doesnt go above 25C. I try to maintain a 10 degree difference between tops of cages and bottoms of cages.

 

[BocaJan]

Some good suggestions, thanks. Yes, they do like to hang out where the sun comes into their cages.

 

[jannb]

I've never had a basking light for Camille. If you turn off some of the basking lights it might make the room a little cooler. I would only have a basking light on the adult males. I have Luie a basking spot of 88 to 89.

 

[Lizardlover]

Some good suggestions, thanks. Yes, they do like to hang out where the sun comes into their cages.

In that case, your chameleons would probably utilize the warmth that comes in from outside for basking. So I say, save your self some money, and cut the cost of basking bulbs from the electricity bill. Just make sure your chameleons are able to bask.