New owner, few questions.

[bethanykaylon]

So I am fairly new to owning a chameleon, I have a nosey be and he is about 7 months old. I had a few questions about first lighting I wanted to know if anyone has tried the combo (UVB/heat) bulbs and how they worked? I also wanted opinions on a custom built habitat.. I am going to tile two walls (it's kind of a corner where a closet was knocked out) but I wanted to do live plants and a soil bottom but I have heard mixed reviews on soil and wondered if there is something I could put on top to cover the soil that would still work well. I also wanted to know if I should have a drain at the bottom of this "planted bottom" or if it would be best to do something like hydro balls without a drain. Also has anyone tried having an open habitat, like it is never caged in? I am considering this as well. I also was concerned about if it can get too hot for them? This will be set up in the garage but I would like to move him before close in the garage and we live in Georgia so it gets up to probably 90's in there.. He would have a mister and I could put a fan up too. And last but not least, we just cut down a large tree and I wanted to use some of the branches in the new habitat but wanted to know if that would be safe? Any help is greatly appreciated! As I stated I am still fairly new to this but have tons of ideas I just want to make sure it is what is best for my little guy before doing it.

 

[brownie64]

So I am fairly new to owning a chameleon, I have a nosey be and he is about 7 months old. I had a few questions about first lighting I wanted to know if anyone has tried the combo (UVB/heat) bulbs and how they worked? I also wanted opinions on a custom built habitat.. I am going to tile two walls (it's kind of a corner where a closet was knocked out) but I wanted to do live plants and a soil bottom but I have heard mixed reviews on soil and wondered if there is something I could put on top to cover the soil that would still work well. I also wanted to know if I should have a drain at the bottom of this "planted bottom" or if it would be best to do something like hydro balls without a drain. Also has anyone tried having an open habitat, like it is never caged in? I am considering this as well. I also was concerned about if it can get too hot for them? This will be set up in the garage but I would like to move him before close in the garage and we live in Georgia so it gets up to probably 90's in there.. He would have a mister and I could put a fan up too. And last but not least, we just cut down a large tree and I wanted to use some of the branches in the new habitat but wanted to know if that would be safe? Any help is greatly appreciated! As I stated I am still fairly new to this but have tons of ideas I just want to make sure it is what is best for my little guy before doing it.

I've never owned a panther so hopefully someone who does will chime in, but I can try to help you on some of the thing I know. I've never owned one of these bulbs because I don't think it leaves you with as many options. As far as the dirt bottom goes I have used one for over 16 years without any trouble, but to be safe you could plant Baby tears over it, or do what most do and use large enough river rock that your cham can't swallow it. As far as the hydro balls verses drainage I personally would use both the balls will help with the drainage, then again I don't think panthers need as much in the way of humidity as do my chameleons. so I guess it would depend on your misting schedule. If you don't need to water too much the balls would suffice. I've never had an open set-up but a lot of members on here do. I do let them out every now and then to free range, but never unsupervised. Maybe one of them will chime in to tell you more. As far as the temp thing goes I think panthers have a basking that ranges pretty close to 90-95 but I would think if the whole place they were being housed in was 90 they wouldn't be able to regulate their temps. Panthers are said to be like veiled cham's, and are able to tolerate temps better than other chams, but how would they cool down? It's always been my experience if it is hot all a fan will do is move the hot air around. Sense cham's don't sweat evaporation will not be of any help. As far as the branches If you use them I would sterilize them somehow maybe in an oven or a freezer or something God only knows what bugs are on something from the wild. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Good luck

 

[bethanykaylon]

Thank you for all your help brownie64!

 

[brownie64]

Thank you for all your help brownie64!

You're very welcome, again sorry I couldn't be of more help.