Temperature range for montane taxa

[Zach Valois]

Hello,

I recently have been drawn in to working with chameleons on a serious level, let alone some of the montane species (i.e. animals of the "fischeri complex" and jackson's subgroup). However, I fear that trying to keep these animals may be difficult in my snake rooms. My snake rooms sit around 80-84 F during the day and down to 75-78 F at night. I feel that the first group of Jackson's I have brought in could be doing better, mostly in regards to temperature ranges.

I only keep their spot lights on for about six hours a day, but it still seems like they should be getting much cooler, especially at night - this also seems to be a hurdle if I am to breed these in any significant numbers.

So, (excuse me if I have blatantly overlooked a thread in the search option), but just what kind of temps can I get away with for animals in the jacksons and fischeri subgroups?

Talked to Tyler Stuart a while back, and he thought mid 70's would be an ideal day temp, with several mistings a day. I just don't think I can swing temps that low in my snake rooms, and they are cooler even now due to the breeding season cool downs.

Your thoughts on temperature thresholds for the aforementioned taxa?

Thanks,

I look forward to some serious and rewarding discussions on this board.

 

[Fearaffect]

Mid 70's are pretty much a must. They "can" go higher(80-85..even 88) but not advisable and not for extended periods. I keep my multis. and sternfeldi outside year round and bring them in when it hits 88-90 outside if its gonna be like that for more then a day or 2....95deg. and they r inside no matter what. I use a patio misting system for those higher temps to lower ambient temps down to tolerated temps.....and I also use the garden hose several times during the day during the summer.

My sternfeldi are avid baskers......they are still out even when the others are seeking shade.....so its an individual thing maybe?? Not to sure...but I've noticed that they have much higher tolerances to the sun then "fischers" Carpets and melleri. The few werneri that I've had are also heavy baskers......and dont seem to mind it when it gets around 88. Ive been "told" that this is not good, but it has worked for me and ones husbandry might not work for anothers........

 

[Pure]

Like Brye said, you really need to get them cooler. Most people who are serious about montanes have a "montane" room that can be cooled separately from the rest of the house. A few members even make this their bed room, since it's so nice to sleep in 60 degree temps. I like it cold any how. lol

 

[toddmkeller]

Like Brye said, you really need to get them cooler. Most people who are serious about montanes have a "montane" room that can be cooled separately from the rest of the house. A few members even make this their bed room, since it's so nice to sleep in 60 degree temps. I like it cold any how. lol

Now who would be that crazy

I personally drop my montane room down to 60-65F at night with humidity ranging from 50-100 percent. I am not keeping any Jacksonii, however I am keeping three Trioceros species as well as two Kinyongia species. As noted above daytime temps need to stay in the mid to low 70s.

See ya,

Todd

 

[Zach Valois]

Like Brye said, you really need to get them cooler. Most people who are serious about montanes have a "montane" room that can be cooled separately from the rest of the house.

A "Montane room" quickly became an obvious factor if I wish to truely work with these types of animals.

The basking notes mentioned here are interesting, as I was curious as to just what some people where getting away with. Although some of these species may tolerate higher temps, I would prefer to best mimic natural conditions.

Now, I am going to start a few breeding groups once I decide on what to work with that will thrive in a warmer room. Hopefully I can at least keep a few jacksons by the cooler window.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Cainschams]

A "Montane room" quickly became an obvious factor if I wish to truely work with these types of animals.

The basking notes mentioned here are interesting, as I was curious as to just what some people where getting away with. Although some of these species may tolerate higher temps, I would prefer to best mimic natural conditions.

Now, I am going to start a few breeding groups once I decide on what to work with that will thrive in a warmer room. Hopefully I can at least keep a few jacksons by the cooler window.

Thanks for the input guys!

If you cannot swing those temps in your snake room I would suggest getting them out of there ASAP. Cooler temperatures are detrimental to their health. Your night time lows are acceptable for daytime temps and as Todd stated they need a good night time drop down to mid to low 60s or even cooler depending on what species.

You are not getting away with anything with the "basking notes" mentioned here. Especially if it is actually ambient temps. They might be able to handle higher temps here and there but I would not risk it.

I would not house any chameleons in your snake room. Even the lowland species need a decent night time drop. A low of 75 is not low enough even for a panther or veiled, IMO.

 

[Zach Valois]

I would not house any chameleons in your snake room. Even the lowland species need a decent night time drop. A low of 75 is not low enough even for a panther or veiled, IMO.

hmmm.....interesting, very good to know.

Sorry for what seems to be obvious questions.

I guess a chameleon room is gonna have to be done!

 

[Cainschams]

hmmm.....interesting, very good to know.

Sorry for what seems to be obvious questions.

I guess a chameleon room is gonna have to be done!

No reason to be sorry for asking questions. Some of the temps mentioned are not acceptable for montane species which needed to be clarified

A separate room would be the best way to go. Montane species are very rewarding especially the Kinyongias!!!!

I post how I keep my species in this thread.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/my-kinyongia-species-28243/

 

[Zach Valois]

Thanks for the input Cain, love your thread.

I am thinking I will setup a hardcore montane room in the next year or two.

But for now, I need something to tide me over. You really don't think I could reliably breed pardalis in a room sitting at 85 day temp and 75-78 night temp?

Just to restate, what temperature ranges are acceptable for jacksons?

 

[Zach Valois]

Ok, on the other side of the extreme, just what kind of low ambient temps can Trioceros and Kinyongia's handle?

Moved my jack groups into another room. They are sitting in the high 60's to low 70's ambient, of course with a much higher hot spot. I saw an almost imediate behavior and color change when I moved them into the other room. They seemed to have turned around!

From what everyone has said, I think my temps are good now that I moved them into our basement. I just want to make sure that ambient day temps of high 60's will not be too low for Trioceros, and other montane species.