Transition from inside to outside enclosure

[GarynTampa]

Today, Rango, our sub-adult Ambanjo male, has entered the world of our back yard in his new cage.

If feeding and drinking is a sign of happiness, well...HE MUST HE HAPPY, as he jumped right in, enjoying crickets and drinking from the misting nozzle.

Any thoughts from the group on just how long to let him stay outside on a typical Florida hot and humid day? ( 2-3 hours, 3-4 hours, 4+ hours) ?????

He is at no risk of over exposure to the sun and I will be adding another automatic misting system to keep him cooled down (if this is really needed).

Since I work from home, I am NOT just going to leave him unattended, but can/will be keeping an eye on him frequently.

As usual, your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

Gary
Tampa, FL

 

[GarynTampa]

Just to clear any questions, he is normally kept inside our house in his custom cage with proper lighting, misting, live plants and HD TV...(just kidding about the TV).

Gary
Tampa, FL

 

[carol5208]

Hi Gary, I know members that keep them out year round successfully. As long as they have shade and are either misted manually or automatically on a regular basis they should be ok. You have to worry in the winter though if the temps get down into the low 50's I would consider bringing in. I keep my chameleons outside for a good portion of the day but I constantly check on them, mist them and bring them in their indoor cages usually in the mid day heat. That is just what I do. They can survive the heat down here but I just think they need to be monitored.

 

[Ashleigh]

Today, Rango, our sub-adult Ambanjo male, has entered the world of our back yard in his new cage.

If feeding and drinking is a sign of happiness, well...HE MUST HE HAPPY, as he jumped right in, enjoying crickets and drinking from the misting nozzle.

Any thoughts from the group on just how long to let him stay outside on a typical Florida hot and humid day? ( 2-3 hours, 3-4 hours, 4+ hours) ?????

He is at no risk of over exposure to the sun and I will be adding another automatic misting system to keep him cooled down (if this is really needed).

Since I work from home, I am NOT just going to leave him unattended, but can/will be keeping an eye on him frequently.

As usual, your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

Gary
Tampa, FL

I wish I could have an outside cage for my guy..pics pics!!!

 

[GarynTampa]

Carole:

Thanks for your information. I don't expect to keep him outside for long periods of time (especially in cooler weather), nor do I want to let him stay out there even too late in the evenings (even though the temps are ideal).

Although living in Tampa Suburbia, we still have stray cats, raccoons and an occasional possum that wanders around the TikiBar and pool at night.

His new outdoor cage is nothing fancy, just a 18X18X36 screened one with lots of vines and a live plant covering the bottom. This enclosure is more of a "natural sunlight", healthy "get-outside" thing for him...a little adventure so to speak.

I'm also taking advantage of this because it gives me the opportunity to handle him more and get him used to being handled often.

2 weeks ago, when I first bought him, he would swell up, and open his mouth when I got close to him...now, he practically climbs on my hand like he is anticiating a treat!

Gary
Tampa, FL