Long time lurker, new member!

[Crashbandit05]

Hello everyone, I've been reading these forums for quite some time now and I am at the point in my life where I think a chameleon will be fun, interesting, and a learning experience. I've always had an interest in reptiles and had several as pets as a kid. Chameleons have always excited me so I'm super happy to piece together lighting and supplies. So far here is my checklist:
Starting with a 18x18x36 cage (will be here this week), for lighting I have decided to go with reptisun LED uvb terrarium hood. I will be using live plants so the 5600 should be beneficial for plant growth. Standard dome light for heating. (I'll have to dial in heat temps and humidity before I get the right wattage). I'll make my own dripping/drainage system using plastic cup/jug and drilled holes with container underneath. Once I get the cage and lighting/temps correct then I'll focus on supplements and food.
I am welcome to all suggestions and opinions as this will be a several month process of buying and building everything before I purchase the actual lizard.

 

[Craigwyatt]

It's really nice to see someone taking the time to get everything right BEFORE getting the new chameleon. So many newbies just jump into it unprepared. Some even buy the chameleon before they even get the cage. Then all your doing is just scrambling to get everything.
What kind of chameleon are you thinking of getting?

 

[Scout]

Welcome! Great group of guys and gals here. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

 

[Crashbandit05]

It's really nice to see someone taking the time to get everything right BEFORE getting the new chameleon. So many newbies just jump into it unprepared. Some even buy the chameleon before they even get the cage. Then all your doing is just scrambling to get everything.
What kind of chameleon are you thinking of getting?

I am looking at a male juvenile panther. Somewhere around 4-6 months preferably. There's a guy that breeds them a few hours from where I live, don't know how I feel about shipping a live animal.

 

[Scout]

Just be careful with using the 18x18x36 cage. It is a bit too small for a male Panther chameleon. You will need 24x24x48. Maybe you still have time to return the smaller one?

 

[jannb]

Welcome! I'm glad you decided to join us.

The 36 high will be fine for awhile but in a few months you will need at least 48" high. I'm attaching my blog for new keepers below incase you haven't seen it.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[Crashbandit05]

Welcome! I'm glad you decided to join us.

The 36 high will be fine for awhile but in a few months you will need at least 48" high. I'm attaching my blog for new keepers below incase you haven't seen it.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

I have read your blog a few times and will refer to it in the future. This cage won't be permanent, just something to use short term but still be fully functional and humane for the chameleon. I will more than likely build something custom or extend on the 36". Thanks for the heads up!

 

[JaxyGirl]

Welcome to the forums it sounds like you're on the right track

 

[Crashbandit05]

Welcome to the forums it sounds like you're on the right track

Thanks! I want make sure everything is correct before I jump into this long term responsibility.

 

[Crashbandit05]

So I plan on ordering the Reptisun LED UVB hood tomorrow for my cage. Most of the info I could find on this product was pretty positive and I want something that'll promote plant growth as well. Does anyone have any positive/negative experiences with this type of lighting? I emailed LYR with some questions about their products but haven't gotten a response yet. I would like to stay in the $100 range if possible. When I move up to a bigger cage then I'll explore other lighting options.

 

[Crashbandit05]

Update!
Instead of starting a new thread, here's a current pic of cage and few supplies. Obviously I'm missing heat lamp, live main tree (probably will get a schleffera), dripper, drainage bucket, shelf for everything to go on, etc. I'm waiting til spring to purchase my cham since it's currently 30*.

Now for some questions: I want to get the appropriate cham for my environment. I live at about 3300ft in western North Carolina. Summers reach high 80s and winters can get down into teens and single digits, especially with wind chill. Humidity during summer stays around 60% in the house. We have no need for air conditioning. Current humidity is 30% according to the analog guage I have. (I know they aren't always accurate..) I know that panthers require more humidity than veileds but I think I can solve that with live plants and possibly covering sides with shower curtain. Do certain locales of panthers require more humidity than others?

If I can't provide the proper husbandry for say, a panther, and let's say a Jackson's is more appropriate than I have no problem getting that species. I just really want a true chameleon lol.

 

[brownie64]

Actually a Jackson's humidity requirements are much greater than a Panthers, or a Veiled. Good luck

 

[Chase]

I've never heard panthers require more humidity. To be honest I'm not sure if you will need to cover the sides of the enclosure.

The live plant will really help. All you'll need to do is run a dripper and give a decent misting session in the mornings. I've been successful giving a 3-5 minute misting session in the mornings for my personal veileds. When I've worked in a commercial setting where the ambient temperature was much warmer and the humidity much lower it does require more spraying (across the board; veileds, jackons, Calumma species, etc.).

Chase

 

[Crashbandit05]

I've never heard panthers require more humidity. To be honest I'm not sure if you will need to cover the sides of the enclosure.

The live plant will really help. All you'll need to do is run a dripper and give a decent misting session in the mornings. I've been successful giving a 3-5 minute misting session in the mornings for my personal veileds. When I've worked in a commercial setting where the ambient temperature was much warmer and the humidity much lower it does require more spraying (across the board; veileds, jackons, Calumma species, etc.).

Chase

Thanks for the clarification Chase. I work pretty long hours 8-5 during nov-april and 8-6 the rest of the summer months. Hopefully I can get away with hand misting first thing in AM and when I get home.. But I will buy a mistking if needed (probably will just to make things easier). So it sounds like I'll be getting a panther due to the climate and conditions where I live.

 

[Chase]

Veileds and jacksons will do fine. Realistically jacksons will only require a second misting, and a little cooler temperatures.

Chase

 

[Crashbandit05]

So I "borrowed" a plant from my work. We have a nice indoor garden to help with air quality and make the dog kennels more appealing to the public.

This appears to be very similar to a schleffera (IMO) but I am not 100% sure. Can anyone please verify. It's only about 10 inches tall but appears to be growing well.

 

[Chase]

Yep that's a Schefflera arboricola.

It is safe

Chase

 

[Crashbandit05]

Yep that's a Schefflera arboricola.

It is safe

Chase

Thanks again for the quick response! I'll probably let this little guy grow and buy a bigger schleffera for the 3 foot enclosure and rotate them out when necessary.

 

[Crashbandit05]

I am about to order supplements and a multivitamin, just want to make sure these are the correct products.

Herptivite Multivitamin for reptiles/amphibians (blue 3.3 oz jar)
Repashy SuperCal NoD (6 oz jar)
Repashy Calcium Plus (6 oz jar)

 

[Crashbandit05]

My enclosure is 98% complete! Just need to dial down the temps for my heat lamp and figure out how to get the dripper tube through the screen. Don't really want to make a hole but not sure if I have a choice.