Too big?

[JBHerps]

Well...here's whats happening:

On either august 21 or 22 I am getting a Nosy Be panther chameleon.

I have a 175 gallon reptarium set up for him. My question is that if I get a baby instead of say a juvie or an adult, will the 175 be too big? Usually bigger is better but IDK for chameleons.

Thanks!

 

[Justin Carl]

For a baby that is going to be to big.
I would stick in the 16x16x30 range for any baby between 3-6 months depending on growth and sex.
Otherwise the 175 should be ok for a 6 month old male.
Are you getting the Nosy Be at the Daytona Reptile show?

 

[JBHerps]

Yeah Daytona.


So why is it too big? Does it stress them out or can they like not find there food?

(Not trying to start a fight)
In the wild they have like a 2 mile area don't they?

Thanks!

 

[joefarah]

It probably depends on how you have it setup... if it's very densly planted it should be fine. I'd give it a shot and if it seems too big then you can just shelve it till he gets bigger.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

How conditions are in nature don't have a lot to do with the size of enclosure needed to successfully rear a baby chameleon in captivity.
It's very important to regulate and monitor everything when they are young and it is extremely difficult to do this well in an overly large enclosure.
You need to know that they are getting water, you need to know the temps at the high, mid and lower parts of the enclosure, you need to know how much they are eating and what % of those food items are supplemented, etc.
In nature there is an endless supply of everything they need all the time ... not to mention the real sun. In a captive environment, where resources are finite, it is very easy for us to drop the ball if we are not extremely diligent ... especially with very young animals.
In short (too late) it is much easier to know exactly what is happening and to make sure your animal is getting everything it needs, in a smaller enclosure.

-Brad

 

[joefarah]

very well said, Brad. I agree with that philosophy when it comes to all reptiles in captivity...

 

[JBHerps]

Thanks guys!

 

[xoiceox]

I love the way Brad words everything. Brilliant