New to chameleons...

[A1ycia]

I got my little Jackson chameleon last night


And bought a "reptibreeze" chameleon kit and a reptifogger

I set up his tank and had a few problems since everything that comes in the kit has a suction cup and the tank is mesh.
Today I'm going to go to lowes and try to get some thin wire in order to try to hang the vines and a live plant for him.


I'm confused with the lighting; it had both a heat bulb "daylight blue" and a "reptisun 5.0" bulb. How do I manage the lighting? A few hours with one on and a few hours with the other or what?

I had a few questions; how else can I improve his environment? I will attach a picture.

I am also a bit confused with the fogger; I read a few threads and was under the impression most of you dont use one and hand spray them. Is this the case?

Sorry for all the questions; I tried to research before hand but getting a new pet is a little overwhelming lol

 

[Masked Gecko]

Yea you'll have to attach the vines with something to the sides. I use zip ties and fishing line, others use different stuff.

You will need to have both lights on at the same time for 12 hours a day, use the thermometer you have there to check your basking temps.

I don't use foggers. They help raise humidity, but I only use a mister. After that you can add some live plants if you'd like since that will also help with humidity. What kind of supplements did the kit come with?

 

[A1ycia]

It came with repticalcium
Reptisafe (water conditioner?)
And zoo med reptivite


I will need to try fishing line; I didn't think of that and it sounds perfect.
I need to get a humidity gage today since he does not have one.

The temp reads 22.9 C at the bottom of the cage.

Will a fogger not be beneficial?
I currently cannot afford to get another misting device after spending so much on everything yesterday...

 

[Masked Gecko]

Use the reptical with most if not all feedings, reptivite twice a month, and you'll need calcium with d3 and that's also twice a month.

The temps you'll need to check first is for your chameleons basking spot. I'm guessing the day bulb they gave you is a 60watt? A Jackson basking temp should be in the mid 80's(29C).

The fogger will help but I don't believe it will be enough for it to drink as he needs, you can get a spray bottle at Wal Mart for like $2-3. Use that 3 times a day for water

 

[A1ycia]

Calcium with D3- is that an abbreviation or if I walk into a store is it called that?
I've been catching the crickets, putting them in a bag and shaking them with the calcium... Do you have a better method? I'm sure there must be one because it seems pretty silly.

I tried to test the temp where he is hanging out its reading 24.7C (not sure how accurate it is due to how the thermometer is... I attached a picture.

I will pick up the spray bottle today! Thanks! With that should I spray him with bottled water, or does it really not matter?

 

[A1ycia]

Also yes, the blue light is 60w
The reptisun says its 13w

It doesn't feel like the "warming bulb" puts off much heat at all.



Have any advice for how to get the tank warmer? Would wrapping 2 of the sides with a plastic be beneficial with that? (Or does that mainly work with humidity).

 

[Masked Gecko]

Yes if they know their stuff they should know what it is, it should just say calcium with vitamin D3. Although it may not feel warm it should get it to the temps you need, how far is he hanging out from the heat dome? Try placing a branch about 7 inches from the heat bulb, and leave the thermometer there for a while. Check your temps and adjust as needed
I use a 32oz cup to dust my feeders, but a bag works. You can add plastic to the back so when you spray his enclosure you don't get your wall wet, you can also cover one or two sides for humidity.