Plans for a Dream First Enclosure

[KingLove]

I have been looking around at breeders while I wait for my enclosure and such and I found a beautiful baby from a stunning sire- the problem is I would have to scramble and get a temp setup until my enclosure was done in a month or so. Ofc would include heat, uvb, etc in a 36” tall screen cage (theres a used one for sale near me). Is this a bad idea? Dont want to stress him out too much or anything, I have just really fallen in love w this little one and the next babies from this sire are 6ish months away

 

[Beman]

I have been looking around at breeders while I wait for my enclosure and such and I found a beautiful baby from a stunning sire- the problem is I would have to scramble and get a temp setup until my enclosure was done in a month or so. Ofc would include heat, uvb, etc in a 36” tall screen cage (theres a used one for sale near me). Is this a bad idea? Dont want to stress him out too much or anything, I have just really fallen in love w this little one and the next babies from this sire are 6ish months away

How old is the baby?

 

[KingLove]

Just turned 5 months

 

[Beman]

Just turned 5 months

When will your adult cage be set up? What are you looking at for time spent in the small cage?

 

[KingLove]

Kind of depends on dragonstrand timeline- they said mid novemberish, and then I need a few days to construct and plant etc so looking at a few weeks at least. I was planning on asking if they can hold the baby for a week/2 anyway to keep it to a minimum

 

[Beman]

Kind of depends on dragonstrand timeline- they said mid novemberish, and then I need a few days to construct and plant etc so looking at a few weeks at least. I was planning on asking if they can hold the baby for a week/2 anyway to keep it to a minimum

So a "baby" cage is not out of the question. You will need to regulate your temps and humidity in the adult cage as well. As long as the baby cage is not smaller than 18x18x36 due to the age of the one you found. You should be fine. Make sure there are lots of plants in it for the youngen to feel secure. Ask them how they are feeding them. If using a feeder run then try to get the same type or similar. If free feeding you want to do a feeder run to ensure the feeders can not chew on baby while it sleeps and to track how many it is eating each day.

What you will need to watch for is screen climbing the top. So lifting fixtures up off the top of the cage is important when they are young and can easily get to the top panel. Let me know what T5HO bulb strength and fixture your going with and I can give you distances for UVB with screen climbing risk. Basking you still want a temp of 80 but you have to raise the fixture to ensure that on screen you can still hold your hand there without feeling hot. I lift my basking 4 inches off the top.

 

[Beman]

additionally especially since this is your first cham. Make sure you go with a reputable breeder. Look into anyone your interested in. I say this because not all breeders are the same quality. You do not want to end up with a chameleon that has parasites or other issues. This can turn your experience upside down.

 

[KingLove]

Thank you for all the info and help- I will think on it today to make sure I am comfortable doing this and come back here once I make a choice. I have read enough here to know some of the horror stories so I am definitely doing a “background check” on any potential breeders

 

[Beman]

Thank you for all the info and help- I will think on it today to make sure I am comfortable doing this and come back here once I make a choice. I have read enough here to know some of the horror stories so I am definitely doing a “background check” on any potential breeders

I highly advice it. I had an awful experience that I would not wish on my worst enemy. It is hard enough to deal with a sick chameleon but when your new it is so much worse.

If it helps there are a few breeders I would 100% go with if I got a Panther. ipardalis, framschams, and kammerflage are three that I have been very impressed with. A little more pricey but worth it due to the quality of chams they breed and the reputation they have in the hobby.

 

[KingLove]

Totally worth the cost to get a better cared for animal in my experience too

 

[KingLove]

So… I HAVE A BABY ON THE WAY!!! I asked them to hold him for two weeks so I can throw things together- have been ordering things all day and have a few left but here are some pics!!! Got him from cloud 9 chameleons; he is first 2 pics, then sire, then the others are labeled in the last photo. He really almost glows/sparkles so I can't wait to watch him develop (already love his purples)

 

[Beman]

So… I HAVE A BABY ON THE WAY!!! I asked them to hold him for two weeks so I can throw things together- have been ordering things all day and have a few left but here are some pics!!! Got him from cloud 9 chameleons; he is first 2 pics, then sire, then the others are labeled in the last photo. He really almost glows/sparkles so I can't wait to watch him develop (already love his purples)


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I have heard good things about cloud 9. He is a little stunner. Congrats on your first chameleon!

If you have any questions let me know. I know you are ordering stuff so if your unsure on something we are here to help.

 

[KingLove]

Thanks so much! I have everything except heating elements- what fixtures do you all use? Having trouble finding deep domes which I like

 

[Beman]

Thanks so much! I have everything except heating elements- what fixtures do you all use? Having trouble finding deep domes which I like

I use a standard dome but I have mine lifted off the cage 4 inches. I use a lamp bracket that I modified to screw into the frame with 1/4 inch screws. https://www.chewy.com/exo-terra-lam...MIwKWHy4WV-wIVdB-tBh1zbARWEAQYBCABEgKsL_D_BwE

Then I use a standard 75 watt incandescent bulb.

 

[KingLove]

Well the temporary enclosure is a bit smaller than planned (16x16x30) but only has to last a few weeks

 

[Beman]

Well the temporary enclosure is a bit smaller than planned (16x16x30) but only has to last a few weeks

I think that will be fine until you get your dragonstrand in a few weeks.

 

[KingLove]

Basically everything except my dragonstrand is here! Still need to find a good size ficus for the permanent enclosure but I have some time, may have to buy some temporary plants too while the ones I really like grow out (they are very small!). The little one should be here on Thursday and I can't wait!!! Need to order some feeders too so that I am all set for his arrival. I will post some pics of the temp enclosure before he gets here.

 

[KingLove]

The temporary enclosure- basking is at 80.2 and uvb is maybe 8-10” from the branch directly below it, but higher branches to the side of it are getting some indirect. Lmk if theres anything I can do to improve it! Second pic is all my wood goodies

 

[Beman]

The temporary enclosure- basking is at 80.2 and uvb is maybe 8-10” from the branch directly below it, but higher branches to the side of it are getting some indirect. Lmk if theres anything I can do to improve it! Second pic is all my wood goodies

Can you post a pic for me from the side view so I can get a better idea on your branches and the UVB/heat fixture placement?

 

[KingLove]

Are these better?