Need Some Direction.

[jones5233]

I am wanting to know how i am doing. I just started my job caring for a chameleon for about 3 days(i work full time so sry it took so long ). The store i bought him from told me a little, but i felt unsatisfied, and come home with him/her to the internet. I googled and it led me here. (I Always wanted a chameleon since i knew what one was, so i got one.) To find out they didn't tell me alot! I read through the forums and got some great info. I have a senegal. Which is the smaller of the type getting around 7-10 inches(according to the web). I keep him in a GLASS aquarium with screen top.
(16''L X 8"W X 12"H).(the one they recommended) I got a basking light right now(waiting for my uvb bulb from lllreptiles.com). I got a piece of maple tree branch in for him to climb on(waiting for vine bridge from them to lol). No one around here has anything for them if you can't tell. I Keep 3 crickets with him at all times and a dripper. i mist him at least once a day when i am home. the temp stays around 72 Degrees normal and 76-82 with the light, and humidity level around 20-25%. (I live in TN.)

I will appreciate any suggestions. Thanks for all you helps

Also if some will tell me how to tell diff btween male and female.

 

[Syn]

I am NOT a Senegal expert, but for the most part.. this goes for most chams.

Did you stick the maple tree branch in the oven to make sure it was clean?
How cold is it where you live?
Glass aquariums aren't the best, you could take off a side or two (and replace w/screen) to make it better ventilated.
Basking light may be too hot for him (I don't know much about senegals but this stuff is a general for chameleons, for the most part)
Make sure you take those 3 crickets out when he's sleeping.
Humidity needs to be up, I think.

 

[Julirs]

Unfortunately you got a typical petstore setup (robbery) and most likely a WC chameleon. Glass cages are just not for chameleons-and the one you got is just way too small. Temps in glass cages are hard to regulate and poor airflow causes respiratory infections. it is good that you are getting the UVB-hopefully you got a linear tube and not a compact bulb. WC chams unfortunately also have parasites-so a fecal and a Vet visit is highly suggested. Live plants are also the way to go. Research gutloading and supplementation.

 

[jones5233]

I did get the compact one . Is that gonna be a big problem. also it stays around depending on season winter 30-50 summer 60-98.(base temps).

 

[Syn]

I did get the compact one . Is that gonna be a big problem. also it stays around depending on season winter 30-50 summer 60-98.(base temps).

Most compact bulbs are known to hurt the eyes of chameleons.

 

[jones5233]

It is the Compact florecent 13 watt from Exo Tera 5.0.

 

[kinyonga]

How old or big is the chameleon?
Senegals need to be well-watered. They can be kept the same way you keep a panther chameleon for the most part.

Supplements and gutloading/feeding the insects can be done the same way as for a veiled chameleon.

Here are some sites that have good information...
http://adcham.com/
http://chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=164
http://web.archive.org/web/20060502...als.com/vet/index.php?show=8.Gout.Basics.html

 

[jones5233]

Thanks for the sites he is a good 6 inches long not counting tail.

 

[jones5233]

Question is it better to build a screen cage or are they a good site to buy from. I need one that isn't Huge that will fit in a average room.

 

[Julirs]

LLL has great prices on screen cages-you can return the UVB bulb and get a linear tube.

 

[kuskye25]

i have built a few cham cages from lowes wood and screen, for the space you get the pricing is insanely cheap....

i turned my closet in my house into a cham cage for my female veiled cham, water drip system, live ficus and 9 fake vines, use non-compact florecents, i got a 24" dual bulb florecent fixture from walmart for $10, and replaced the bulbs with 1 24" plant bulb and 1 repti sun 5.0, then i bought a clamp light fixture for $5 at walmart and use a 60w normal incadecent bulb for basking...

made a 7ft tall x 5ft wide x 3.75ft deep enclosure for maybe $150 with all the inerts and all, obviously build for the size you desire...