Roaming Roaches!

[lthrbecks]

Just wondering, is it better to let my red runner and dubia roaches roam free in the vivarium or keep them in a pot like the crickets?

I've noticed my juv cam opens his mouth around 85°F or 30°C. I'm aware its a cooling off sign. I feel sorry for him and turn off the heat. It then drops to 70°F or 22°C. Is this too cool?

Any thoughts on the above would be greatly appreciated folks.

Many thanks
Mark

 

[Grayson Payne]

I would just keep the roaches in a bin or feeder cup. I wouldn't really like the idea of my roaches going to the bottom and my chameleon having to search to find them. As for your lights, I am having a similar issue. I am thinking about buying a herpstat to help with this issue. What wattage bulb are you using and how far do you have it from the cage (if elevated)?

 

[jamest0o0]

A lot of roaches will immediately hide pretty well. I usually put them in a big feeder bin or I'll place one at a time on a branch for my cham to grab when I have some time.

 

[lthrbecks]

I've no problem with light. You must've read it somewhere else. Cheers

 

[AmandaS]

I've no problem with light. You must've read it somewhere else. Cheers

What do you use for heat?

 

[lthrbecks]

Ceramic bulb and low watt heat mat at the rear

 

[MissSkittles]

Ceramic bulb and low watt heat mat at the rear

I can’t see that a heat mat would be of any use to a chameleon and could possibly pose a couple of hazards.

 

[ajs]

The chameleon shooting gallery works pretty well for roaches. Although, dubia tend to stay put near the top of them IME so my cham doesn't really eat a ton of them.

I'm sure red runners would work very well with it

 

[lthrbecks]

What do you mean by hazards? You've got me worried. The vivarium was supplied by well versed pet shop owner.

 

[MissSkittles]

What do you mean by hazards? You've got me worried. The vivarium was supplied by well versed pet shop owner.

If you have a heat mat inside the enclosure, it’s going to get wet. Although pretty well sealed, I would still be concerned about a tiny nick in the cord or mat that could spark. Risk of burns too if your cham sits on it. If your pet shop owner suggested a heat mat for a chameleon, they can’t be that well versed in their care. They aren’t used or needed for chams. They get all the heat they need from their basking light.

 

[lthrbecks]

Sorry, but I didn't explain it properly. The heat mat is not in the enclosure, its behind my polystyrene background. I thinks its only around 10w. It cannot get wet.