Tips for taking chams outside

[MardiMay07]

I've read a lot about owners who have lost their chams due to birds. I was excited to be able to take my future cham outside as I do with my turtle but this makes me so nervous.

I did read that some owners were pretty far away, and I would definitely keep it less than a foot away at all times. We have birds outside here, but not an excessive amount. I feel if I stay really close, the birds here would be too freaked to try anything.

Would the cham still get the proper amount of sun if it were in a cage? What are some common setups you guys have for basking cages?
If I take it 'uncovered' outside and am near it at all times, do you think it would be okay or a big risk?

Thanks!

 

[nightanole]

If its on you, or on a potted plant next to your chair. I have a ferret cage i just wheel out. Ive also just thrown a repibreeze over a bush.

 

[MardiMay07]

If its on you, or on a potted plant next to your chair. I have a ferret cage i just wheel out. Ive also just thrown a repibreeze over a bush.

Thanks! That's what I thought, that they would be scared if he was right next to me.

 

[Carlton]

Thanks! That's what I thought, that they would be scared if he was right next to me.

I do not take any of my herps outdoors without a sturdy cage. All it takes is a few seconds for something to happen...for me to turn my back, for a cat, dog, or crow to grab it, for one to sneak off, fall, injure itself, swallow a wasp or a pesticide-soaked bug, etc. Get a decent birdcage, build a hardware cloth cage or Reptarium setup, secure it with weight and a sturdy fastened door, and use it. They will still benefit from real sunlight through the cage mesh. Unless someone physically steals the cage your cham will be a lot safer. If you keep chams for any length of time you'll be using the outdoor cage again and again so you might as well build something decent. If you take shortcuts or get complacent, that's when the bad stuff happens.

 

[Psychobunny]

I use the small size reptibreeze cages, with branches and vines to make my chams feel comfortible, and provide shady spots.
I put the chams inside the cages indoors, then carry them outside, where I have a long table to put them on.

 

[carol5208]

I had a hawk swoop down and try to snatch up my chameleon with me sitting right there with my back turned while sitting in a chair. I was kinda crouched down in the chair, but still it was shocking! I literally swatted the bird out of the air! True Story!!!

 

[MardiMay07]

I had a hawk swoop down and try to snatch up my chameleon with me sitting right there with my back turned while sitting in a chair. I was kinda crouched down in the chair, but still it was shocking! I literally swatted the bird out of the air! True Story!!!

WOW! Not that I'm surprised, but it does a little that in these experiences you guys have had that the birds were so bold. Even though it does involve food, that's nuts. I do have an enclosure I could use for it outside, I just wasn't sure if it was good to put them in since it's something they couldn't actually 'fit to live' in.

So you guys still keep the branches/vines in there as opposed to letting them just wander?

 

[carol5208]

Yes, the two cages I have, have plants, and vines and branches, just like the indoor cages. They need some shade also, so don't forget that.

 

[kplatvoet]

Last year when my panther was small I used a zip up laundry hamper with vines and fake leaves in it - this year I have also been using a zip up pvc & screen cage.
They are both light and easy to move in and out - I have it so they can be weighted down - the laundry basket is a little small for the panther but good for the other two - and hangs from hooks I have set up

 

[MardiMay07]

Last year when my panther was small I used a zip up laundry hamper with vines and fake leaves in it - this year I have also been using a zip up pvc & screen cage.
They are both light and easy to move in and out - I have it so they can be weighted down - the laundry basket is a little small for the panther but good for the other two - and hangs from hooks I have set up

That's creative! I have a small size reptibreeze cage from my last cham but I listed it for sale with no real luck so far...so, if no one claims it then I'll keep it for outdoors. I can't seem to be able to list it for sale on here (because I don't have enough posts I think) and I have all these extra light fixtures and stuff, but I also have another enclosure it could be outside in so it's like gah.