Hi, Darthink!
The trick with the lights is to put the heat lamp all the way to one side. Don't center it. That will create airflow and offer different temperature options for the chameleon.
You definitely do want a UVB bulb. My suggestion would be to get an 18 inch because you'll be able to use that fixture with the adult cage. You can buy 18 inch fixtures at most places that sell fluorescent tubes (think Wal Mart, Home Depot). While you need a special bulb, you don't need a special fixture. Don't worry about the fact that the fixture is bigger than this cage. Just be aware that the areas on either side of her cage are getting UVB so you don't want to sit with a body part under it for extended periods of time (too much UVB for humans can cause skin cancer).
If you don't want to go with the 18 inch tube (which is, I believe, the smallest they make) this might be a situation in which a compact fluorescent is a good option as they are much smaller.
For either of these bulbs, go for the 5.0. The 10.0 is way too much UVB for such a small enclosure.
You'll be amazed at how much she can eat. At this age, you should be letting her eat as much as she can. Once she gets to be around 5 months old you will want to start backing off on the food. Here's a blog entry written by kinyongia (a stellar member of this board):
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/2007/12/keeping-female-veiled.html You'll want to read that. It's about keeping females in a way that minimizes the frequency and sizes of egg clutches produced.
Thank Elizadolots! You've continued to be so nice and help me as best you can! I have been keeping the lamp on one side to allow for diverse temperature options.
So I scrutinized the boxes closer and have discovered that my bulbs definitely aren't UVB, and are UVA. So when I go to get a UVB, you suggest a tubular one? Like a long one of maybe 18 inches? And do you think the fixture holding it is cheaper at walmart, I'd probably assume so, hah. I'll certainly get a 5.0.
Also, for the feeding, let me ask you about a scenario, since I'm having trouble visualizing an internal cage environment. So If I get an all screen cage, let's say it's like 2 feet wide both ways and 4 feet tall. And I place only a big live plant inside for her to live on and maybe crawl on the edges of the cage if she wants. Well, how do I feed her? If I place crickets in there, they'll all be hanging around the bottom. I assume I just throw a crap load of crickets in there, they all hop around the bottom and she'll crawl down and get them and start eating them all up till she's content. Does that sound about right?
I dont think anyone has said this yet, but it is very likely that she is diggin because it is too warm for her. You need a digital thermometer ASAP! As long as you can keep her temps correct, you can use that tank for a little while longer (maybe a couple of weeks, bit getting a nice screen cage or proper terrarium sooner would be better.) Since she doesnt have a UVB bulb yet, be sure to get a calcium with D3 and a plain calcium right away. Dust the crickets with the calcium with D3 as soon as you get it and get that UVB bulb soon!
Also, take out any substrate and replace it with paper towels or nothing. If she accidentally (or purposfully) eats any it can block her instestines causing impaction. This can be fatal.
Thanks for your reply, pssh :b I had thought about that. But there are still a lot of option for her, for example the other sided of the cage on the net it shouldn't be too warm, or I have a little wooden hovel, but I doubt she'd like that since it's on the ground.
I did get a thermometer with a built in measurement for humidity, it's not digital, but it should get the job done just the same. I will be getting a new cage or something very soon.
Also, I will be getting the calcium supplements asap. So for these, is Repti Safe an example of something I'd use? So I need two types, a calcium with D3 and a calcium without? I suppose I put a few drops into the water I mist her with and do it on some kind of schedule?
And if you suggest I take out the substrate, I will. And just leave it empty glass at the bottom.
Thanks again for your help and reply!
people can be mean on this forum and im sorry for that i have had my share of people telling me i am a horrible chameleon owner.. but i understand your trying your best, i kinda skimed through these posts so im not 100% up to date, but i did have a baby for a while who did that and my guess was because she was in a glass cage she was digging because she was trying to climb up, i went and bought her a screen cage and after that she was never on the bottom. another thing you could do is buy a medium size fiscus tree and have her free roaming i have a couple free roaming chameleons, as long as u dont have cats or dogs she should be fine just put her in the tree if you can find some meshing rig some meshing around it i had another veild who would never leave her tree so she was always out free roaming in her tree, and with the water if you get a live plant and mist her daily the water will stick to the leaves and she will drink it that way. live plants are cheeper then buying the fake ones... once again i dont know how much help i have been i just skimmed all the posts someone might have already said what i have said, but what i have learned is chameleons hate glass cages, you could even try a bird cage if you have any bird cages i find are better then the screen cages if shes not small enough to squeeze outt because u can attach branches to the sides. anywho dont worry about what everyone else is saying that you "doing a bad job" your doing the best you can and i understand
Hi peacenlove! I'm very glad you can relate to me and are so friendly.
Your post is actually a huge help and I absolutely love the idea of letting my chameleon roam around freely on her own little plant. Where did you buy your tree at, Lowes or something? And I guess you just washed it off heavily before putting it with your chameleon?
Also, does the water your tree gets mostly come from spraying the leaves? I'm sure every now and then you water its roots too perhaps? I just want to make sure I don't over water the plant causing mold to form on the surface. That'd probably be harmful to a chameleon.
Lastly, does your plant have regular potting soil? I usually mix miracle grow peat moss and perlite for the plant soil. Is this safe for a chameleon environment do you know?
Thanks again!
There are no perfect cham handbooks, but lots of basics to start with. Varied temp within the enclosure is a must, correct humidity range, UVB lighting, and foliage for shelter and security. I would not use live plants in a tank so small, and I do agree that her enclosure needs to be bigger. Best of luck to you, and of course your new addition, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions or concerns. Welcome to the forum!
