Please HELP as temps drop

[OliverQueen]

I'm hoping I can get some guidance w/o a lecture . We bought a baby veiled cham a few weeks ago at Petco. The girl there *seemed* very informative, however after much reading I found some of her info didn't apply to chams.

I am learning a lot, and have made some changes, but I am concerned about heat and humidity since the last few days have been FREEZING here in the Northeast (after having like 90 degree days last week).

I started off with this enclosure http://www.wag.com/reptile/p/zilla-desert-starter-kit-121427?cookies_set=1
Which I soon discovered wasn't appropriate due to poor ventilation. I have since purchased a full screen enclosure. I have two natural plants and one hanging artificial (bought day of cham purchase). They are kind of small, thinking I need more...

I am still using the bulbs that came with the kit and am reading SO much on lighting and humidity that my head is spinning. Of course with the internet you find so much info anymore that it's hard to know what to go with.

His humidity was dropping to 30% so I dug out my humidifier, but it's only going to 40%--- is that enough??? His color has been okay. It was dark until I plugged the space heater to up the room temp. Also, he started shedding like mad suddenly today (first time- scared me! lol)

His temp was getting pretty low, to about 60, but now that I moved him (from down stairs to loft now to bathroom) he is holding in the 70s. From what I've read that is good.

I don't think I have the RIGHT KIND of bulb. I read they need a UVB and a basking bulb- so I need two for daytime? I do use his black light, but read they don't need that? They can do okay down to the 40s at night?? Also, what type of basking bulb? (watt?)

Any insight is helpful. He is more work than I thought (though I knew they were more maintenance than other lizards). He's my son's pet, but I care for him greatly and want him to be comfortable and healthy!

TIA for your help!

 

[kinyonga]

Here's some information I hope will help...
Appropriate basking temperature allows for proper digestion and thus indirectly plays a part in nutrient absorption. Baby veileds basking temperature should be in the mid to low 80'sF. You can use a regular household incandescent light bulb for the basking light. The wattage is determined by which wattage gives the appropriate temperatures in the basking area.

The most recommended UVB light is the long linear Reptisun 5.0. Watch to seeing the UVB bothers its eyes when you start using it.

The crickets, roaches, locusts, superworms can be fed a wide range of greens such as collards, escarole, endive, dandelion greens, kale, etc and veggies such as carrots, sweet red pepper, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, etc. The insects should be of an appropriate size to fit into its mouth. Usually people say the width of his eyes in length.

The chameleon should be fed an assortment of insects such as crickets, hornworms raised on an appropriate diet, silkworms, roaches, locusts, superworms, once in a while wax worms, etc. But obviously at a young age some of these will be too big.

Since many of the feeder insects have a poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous we recommend dusting the insects just before feeding them to the chameleon with a phosphorous - free calcium powder at. Ost feedings to help make up for it.

They should also be dusted twice a month with a phosphorous - free calcium / D3 powder to ensure that it gets some D3 without overdosing it and leaving the chameleon to produce the rest of the D3 from its exposure to the UVB light. D3 from supplements can build up in the system and lead to health issues while D3 from exposure to UVB won't likely as long as the chameleon can move in and out of the UVB when it wants to.

It's also recommended that you dust twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene ( prOformed ) source of vitamin A. PrOformed sources of vitamin A cannot build up in the system and lead to overdoses like prEformed sources can and will leave it up to you to decide whether the chameleon needs prEformed or not.

As for humidity, with a veiled chameleon as long as it's well hydrated its less important.

I don't recommend using a blacklight.

With a baby chameleon I wouldn't let the temperature go any lower than sixty F.

Hope this helps.

 

[SocialNumb]

Also, obligatory link https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/