Outdoor woes 3-1-2012

[SSimsswiSS]

Hello,

I do not yet own a chameleon. I am only interested in housing a chameleon outside. I live in Coastal San Diego (Encinitas). We have great humidity here. I am trying to decide between a Jackson's and a Veiled . I know there is a wild colony of Jackson's that live in Morrow Bay (which gets very cold!) so, I guess, I would be safe getting a Jackson's. However, the Veiled seems more docile and colorful. And, I also keep reading how they are the hardiest of chameleons.

It looks like you have a Veiled (although I am not sure). My main concern with a Veiled is the night-time temps here in Encinitas.

Do you have any advice for a novice?

Thanks for your time!

I would go with a veil. I would'nt call them more docile, but do offer a bit more in the color dept.. You should'nt have any trouble keeping any veil over 5-6 month of age outdoor in your area. You would need to provide a basking spot. I would place on timer so that heat comes on for a minimum 4 to 5 hours in the morning before Sun heat things up. In the 90-95 temp range. This is if housed in large outdoor cage. Your will still have to run a drip system or mister for hydration. Smaller cages don't allow a chameleon to find a comfort zone and thermoregulate. Also, many smaller cages are made from metal frames and screen, that can heat up way too much in sunlight. Which bring up shade. You need to make sure chameleon has cover or shaded areas to cool down and feel secure in the outside environment. Then there is the ant issues you may or may not have.
The list go's on, but I think you get the basic idea, that there more to it, then just sticking a animal outside in a cage. Margin of error is greater outdoors. You can cook a chameleon in minutes outside, or have ants ravish feeder insects in seconds.

 

[Action Jackson]

How do you deal with ants Steve? Do the quail help at all?