peace of mind

[lewboo2]

hey everyone, ive had my panther for just over a week now, no exact age apart from hes about 5 inches from head to bum. 2 days ago i swapped him from a crappy exo terra that im sure your all familiar with to a homemade solid enclosure with a screen door and roof, the dimensions are 4ft tall by 2.5ft squared. as for the setup goes im running, - reptiglo 5.0 strip - 100 watt halogen basking bulb - 60 watt ceramic heater (live in north uk so temps have been dropping below 50 degrees) - zoomed dripper as for husbandry hes getting misted 3 times daily, fed daily with 10-12 gutloaded crix and the occasional waxworm, crix supplemented ofc. Live plants are hibiscus, ficus, an umbrella plant and lots of biovines. hes eating fine, drinking etc but im just a little worried maybe just paranoid but hes quite dark in his viv but when hes out he looks bright and happy as can be. Ive also noted him rubbing one eye one brances, its never closed, always alert but he bulges it during misting. should he be dark alot? thanks, Lew

 

[beeze]

What is your basking temperature with that basking blub? As for the eye......it sounds like he's cleaning it. Make sure to mist him well for 5 minutes or so with warm water so that he gets very wet.

 

[lewboo2]

im getting around 87 degrees in his basking spot, im guessing the dark colouration he gets when back in his viv is to aid thermoregulation right?

 

[opihiman]

Your Cham may still be adjusting to his new home. He may also be staying dark to absorb the heat. I am unsure of the temps for this species. but those may be reasons for his dark appearance.

The eye thing may just be him cleaning his eye but keep a close (he he ) eye on it. If his eye starts to close you got a problem on your hands. Increasing the misting time like "beeze" suggested would be a good start to avert this.

Hope that helps

OPI