Mellers in Minnesota...

[nicholas]

I recently acquired a group of Mellers Chameleons for my third breeding project. And I really want this group to be able to have direct contact w/ fresh air, natural sun/shade etc. My question is what does everyone think about keeping mellers outside most of the summer in minnesota? I will be able to counteract some of the heat with lots of misting from a patio misting system throughout the day if required and they will have complete access to shade all throughout the day. Any comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Will post a pic of the Enclosure i built for them in a moment!

Just uploaded pics....

Edit: I understand what the temps are where mellers are from, however I have seen posts from other members on here that have successfully kept them outside in warmer temps. Im just basically looking for personal experience or knowledge from any member that would be kind enough to provide it!

 

[draetish]

How big is that enclosure and how many melleri do you have?

 

[nicholas]

I have 5 Melleri, But that cage is meant for two. The dimensions are 7 x 2.5 x 5. That cage will end up being used so that I can keep a huge free range inside but also be able to give the direct sunlight and such when its available.

 

[draetish]

I would just keep an eye on them and monitor the chams with a heat gun. Melleris over heat easily. Let us know when they breed!

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I would contact others on Melleri Discovery and get some tips. Donna, was right on I'd def purchase a temp gun. Ive read they reallydont like temps over 85 degrees and will show signs of stress. I think you could do it for part of the year but I dont think I'd put em out til late Sept when it starts to cool down a few degrees.

 

[nicholas]

Thanks for all the info! I hope to have some eggs within the next couple years at the latest! I'll let everyone know! So 85 Max.... Hmmm I would think they would be fine outside most of the summer then... Just because The will have a heavely planted enclosure outside and will be mostly in the shade with a pro patio mister system over the cage that will turn on at about 82-83 degrees and its such a fine mist that it cools ther air a ton and increases the humidity exponentionally... I just want them to enjoy the outdoors at much as my pair of ousties do!

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I was reading a post from an importer and he said that he kept all his recent imports in an outside greenhouse. I wish i had kept the link for you. He swore that his imports acclimated and did much better once he started keeping them outside in a greenhouse/basically free range. With the benefit of sunlight he said his losses per shipment dropped significantly.

 

[nick barta]

At mid 80's my 2 year old Mellers went white with yellow spots, once inside to 73 degrees, went to neutral light greens in less than 1 minute. They will react with color if they are too hot.

Nick