Some Questions from a New Owner

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

Hey, all you peeps! Happy New Year!

To get to the point, I just got my first veiled, Nikolai. He's around 3 months old, not sure exactly. He is eating around 10 small superworms a day. I have a small bowl on the bottom of the cage for food, but he spends a LOT of his time basking in the top section of the cage. The basking spot can vary... it can get to 80 f tops, but most times is around 75. Should I increase this? The bulb is around 60 watts, and it is a heat bulb.
Secondly, he doesn't seem to understand that the food is at the bottom. I have to feed him by hand (not that I'm complaining, he's adorable) but it takes a while. I'm still in school and don't have a lot of time for hand-feeding.
Is there any way that I can get him to recognize the food? Should I stick it more near the top of the cage? He explores a bit, but not as much as I thought he would..... Any and all help & advice would be GREATLY appreciated! This is a picture of Nikolai..... I will attach a photo of the entire cage as soon as I can... Thanks guys!

 

[David426sc]

Hey, all you peeps! Happy New Year!

To get to the point, I just got my first veiled, Nikolai. He's around 3 months old, not sure exactly. He is eating around 10 small superworms a day. I have a small bowl on the bottom of the cage for food, but he spends a LOT of his time basking in the top section of the cage. The basking spot can vary... it can get to 80 f tops, but most times is around 75. Should I increase this? The bulb is around 60 watts, and it is a heat bulb.
Secondly, he doesn't seem to understand that the food is at the bottom. I have to feed him by hand (not that I'm complaining, he's adorable) but it takes a while. I'm still in school and don't have a lot of time for hand-feeding.
Is there any way that I can get him to recognize the food? Should I stick it more near the top of the cage? He explores a bit, but not as much as I thought he would..... Any and all help & advice would be GREATLY appreciated! This is a picture of Nikolai..... I will attach a photo of the entire cage as soon as I can... Thanks guys!

There is a care form here that has all the answers like that I would suggest lots more leaves and branches. But what would I know I still asking about my cage lol and to me it's full and I have told more more lol. Also I feed mine in the morning I set the crickets free and he finds them. Gives him something to do while your away

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

oh...... ok..... never really thought of that..... my mom is really paranoid that the insects will escape........but it's worth a shot, right?

 

[David426sc]

oh...... ok..... never really thought of that..... my mom is really paranoid that the insects will escape........but it's worth a shot, right?

If the cage is closed and there are no holes for them to get out. How can they

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

good question. *sigh* my mom is just like that....

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

So should I get a warmer bulb? Should I get a cup to attach to the side of the cage or something?

 

[Dumzy]

So should I get a warmer bulb? Should I get a cup to attach to the side of the cage or something?

Do you have a superworm cup? Cut a hole in the lid, put a paper clip through the side and paperclip it to the side of your cage. DIY.

 

[Dumzy]

And yes, get a stronger bulb, it should be 85 - 90F at the basking spot.

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

it's at a 60 watt right now, should I get a 75?

 

[Dumzy]

it's at a 60 watt right now, should I get a 75?

The next wattage up should be fine. Wich is 75, what brand of light are you using?

 

[David426sc]

Do you have a superworm cup? Cut a hole in the lid, put a paper clip through the side and paperclip it to the side of your cage. DIY.

Need to start a diy for tips like that

 

[Dumzy]

Need to start a diy for tips like that

Aha, i try to save as much money on my cham as possible.

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

well I was using Zoo Med, but he's not getting warm enough, obviously.....

 

[Dumzy]

well I was using Zoo Med, but he's not getting warm enough, obviously.....

Are you using the daylight blue bulbs? If so those ones suck. Use the Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 75W, they are great.

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

yeah, I was..... and ur right, they do suck. I'll look that up..... thank you!!

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

How long do those ones last?

 

[Dumzy]

How long do those ones last?

Mine come on at 10 am and turn off at 8 pm, and last about 4 months.

 

[medgecko]

Why not use a household incandescent bulb?

 

[Peachypink]

I have a DIY feeder as well that I attach towards the top of the cage. My chams go right for it.

 

[Chameleon Crazy Chick]

Do you have a set of instructions to make it? it sounds super effective?