South Florida Outdoor Housing

[Totaylor]

I bought my first veiled chameleon a few days ago. I wanted to keep his screen enclosure outside on the north side of my outdoor lanai where it gets the East morning sun. This time of year it ranges from low 80s to mid 90s at the peak of the day. We have humidity in the 60s or higher. My exotics vet told me it was too hot outside this time of year. Can anyone confirm? I read their heat range is 82 - 95 during the day and that FL has established wild colonies of them from former pets. I also have a regular mister that goes at hourly intervals.

He is 6 - 8 months old. Seems to be doing fine so far.

Thoughts?

 

[Graves923]

Adults wont have too much of an issue being outside as long as there is plenty of shade for them to escape from the sun. Younger chameleons can dehydrate faster in that heat if the enclosure is not properly set up for outdoor use.

 

[blue_cham]

I don't have experience with 24hr outdoor chameleon keeping. I really enjoyed this resource though: http://www.chameleonbreeder.com/podcast/ep-16-outdoor-chameleon-keeping/

Whatever you end up deciding, I would highly suggest having a place to move him indoors or have a way to roll the enclosure indoors, you never know when it may become too much for him or if you get a heat wave, that way you have a plan. According to the caresheet for Veilds, "Baby/juvenile (<9 months): ambient 72-80F (22-26C), basking 85F (29C)". Also, remember that drastic change has a lot to do with it. Wild chams grew becoming accustomed to certain temps, and they have been outside since spring, so they have been outdoors during the gradual temp increase into summer. A captive cham going outside into summer heat after being indoors may not adjust well, especially while hes still so young.

 

[jannb]

He looks young for those temps. Chameleons also need a place to cool down.

 

[Totaylor]

Thanks everyone!

 

[jamest0o0]

I'm jealous of your patio

 

[Totaylor]

I'm jealous of your patio

Thanks everyone! Going on week 3 and so far so good. He shed last week and has gained 4 grams since his vet visit 2 weeks ago. Here is a better pic I took this morning.