Soon to be new ambilobe owner

[Benton1576]

Hi and thanks for reading,

I am soon to be the new owner of a 3 month old blue bar ambilobe (the pic on my profile is the father/sire). ive been scouring through this site like a man possesed trying to find the best way to look after him. i was wondering if the experts in here would like to share their knowledge and help me to make him a happy chameleon!

heres what i have so far:
100x60x60cm VENTILATED Tank custom made for chameleons
100W reptisun bulb with UV and heat
live plants, not sure what they are but informed they are safe
exo terra vines
large branch for climbing
thermometer
hydrometer
mister
various powders for dusting his food (calcium and vitamins i think)

any other items i will require? also, im putting soil in the bottom so i can plant live plants, the breeders im getting my little fellow from use soil and moss with no problems. im going to use moss as i think it will help with humidity.

what is the optimum humidity and temperature? so many people say substrate and moss is a bad idea, why? ive been informed that panthers dont eat foliage so why is moss a bad idea? im trying to make his home as natural as i can.

any information is greatly appreciated, even things i havnt asked. please just throw them at me. i want to learn all i can in the 2 weeks ive got before he arrives.

also, i am living in Gremany at the moment and it gets really cold here, thats why i opted for a tank, my reckoning is it will hold heat better.

many thanks,
Mark

 

[gwjones777]

Im no expert but, i suggest you make sure that the provided plants are non toxic, search the forum for threads on the subject and post pics if you have a hard time identifying them.

The moss is not used because ideally you want to make sure that the cage drys out between mistings and will make keeping the cage clean easier with no substrate and a hole in the floor for drainage.

Misting the cage will help with the humidity and so will the live plants. (repotted with organic soil and all the leaves rinsed with a low concentration soap water)

You also need to research supplementation more and figure out a decent dusting schedule.

Welcome to the forum and post some pics of your set up

 

[Chameleonboy]

I know you have answered most of these questions but it is still helpful if you will this out.

Cage Info:

* Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
* Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
* Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
* Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
* Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
* Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
* Location - Where are you geographically located?


Chameleon Info:

* Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
* Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
* Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
* Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
* Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
* Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
* History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
* Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.


Pictures are helpful

-Clemonde

 

[Chameleonboy]

P.S. Add your location. You can do that in your profile.

-Clemonde

 

[Benton1576]

Cage Info:

* Cage Type - glass ventilated custom built tank. 24x24x48"
* Lighting - i will be using a reptisun UVB bulb. its one of the expensive ones like 65 euros so must be good!
* Temperature - not sure of temps yet but i know my house is always around mid 70s
* Humidity - not sure of humidity but i will be misting in the mornings and evenings and also will have a dripper set up.
* Plants - i am using live plants, dont know what they are off hand but i bought them from the dealer selling me my cham so i know they are safe as they also use them
* Placement - my cage is located in my living room away from any drafts. it is approx 4 feet from the ground and reaches just below ceiling level
* Location - i am located in Europe, Germany


Chameleon Info:

* Your Chameleon - blue bar ambilobe panther chameleon. born july this year. i dont have him yet
* Handling - i will be handling my chameleon very little. approximately 5 mins per day maximum
* Feeding - he will he eating small crickets, gut loaded with fresh vegetables and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements
* Supplements - i dont know what brand i am using as i dont have it yet.
* Watering - i will have a dripper set up, misting 2 times per day for approx 5-10 mins.
* Fecal Description - unknown at present
* History - none
* Current Problem - i just want any information as i am a new starter. i havnt got any equipment yet as my tank is being custom made for my cham. i will be getting it in around a week and will post pics etc.

I dont yet have my cham so unfortunatly i cant give any better information than what is written above until my tank arrives. then i will get the rest of the equipment and post in on here. Any tips on chameleons is appreciated. sorry for the vivid information above.

Mark