Keeping a panther outdoors.

[graydon]

I'm going to build a serious terrarium for my next panther and I was wondering about keeping it outdoors. I live in Tampa Florida and I would think the humidity levels would be perfect. My only concern was about the lighting for the terrarium. Does the panther still need a heat bulb and uvb even if he is outdoors? My guess was yes but I just wanted to make sure.

 

[Minihuey]

The panther would definitely NOT need a UV lamp if the cage is outside. As far as a heat lamp, probably not, for it is relatively hot if the humidity levels are pretty high outside.

What is the humidity level and temperature at your location?

 

[ocular_factitus]

When you say terrarium i always picture glass, whatever you're up to i'd like to see pics after you're done. LLL Reptile and supply company have great prices on their screen cages, the cheapest i've seen, yet the same linear design as everyone sells. If you're gonna have your fella outside, i'd place him where it'll get full sun for at least 8 hours. I don't believe you'll need to use lights outdoors.

 

[AJA]

If you do a search on "outdoor enclosures" you will find some really nice ones that other people have made.

 

[graydon]

I'm going to build a serious terrarium for my next panther and I was wondering about keeping it outdoors. I live in Tampa Florida and I would think the humidity levels would be perfect. My only concern was about the lighting for the terrarium. Does the panther still need a heat bulb and uvb even if he is outdoors? My guess was yes but I just wanted to make sure.

I just called it a terrarium because I wasnt sure on the correct name but I'm fully aware that you can't house chams (except pygmys) in a glass enclosure. As far as the enclosure goes my roomate was an A student in woodshop so I have a ton of equipment to work with ex: table saw, band saw, drill press, lathe, planner etc.. So I plan on making it out of wood and screen and lining the top with pvc for the mist system and having a custom bottom for the draining.

 

[ocular_factitus]

*drooling* Can i use your band saw!? Hehe, way to go, sounds like you've got your plans set, lets see pics afterwards!

 

[graydon]

def. should have the cage done in around a month

 

[dodolah]

Even though you might not need to put a uvb and a heat lamp when they are kept outside, you still need to buy them in case the environment gets too hot or too cold for them to be outside.