Verde's New Home!

[Skyebound]

I spent the day setting up Verde's new "big boy" cage. He was so happy to move into it. He was in a smaller terrarium, not much climbing space. Now I just need to get the temps and humidity right again.

I have attacted a couple photos, please let me know what you think/advice. Please do not remark on the fact that it looks like the cage is in a classroom. I have already remarked on that in another post. Please be assured I have done my research and Verde is very well taken care of. (see: https://www.chameleonforums.com/formula-determining-age-73831/ )







Thanks to all how gave good ideas in their posts and pics!

 

[carol5208]

you need to get a branch or that vine under the basking light about 8 inches down. He should not have to climb the screen to get warm which looks like that is what he is doing. What kind of lighting is that. Is that a combo uvb/uva? You need both types of lighting. What are your temps? That light seems awfully far away from the screen. edit, I see the other light on the side. Both lights should be on the top of the screen.

 

[Skyebound]

I wondered about that. On his other home I had both lights on top. Right now the UVB is on the top and the basking is on the side. I need to get a new temp gauge. My temps are usually around 80-85. Today it was closer to 75-80, but not totally sure. Again I need a new gauge.

The picture of him climbing the screen was right after he was in the cage for the first time, I think he was exploring. I have gotten another vine to add to it tomorrow. After he explored he settled on the branches and plants.

 

[Solid Snake]

Its nice and full at the bottom. But I agree, he needs branches up top. Put enough branches in, to where he can be anywhere in the cage. This will give him more options on regulating his heat and uvb, and he will be more happy

 

[Skyebound]

Thanks...any suggestions on how to add branches to the top? I found a good way for vines, but not branches.

I also have a pothos so that when it goes vines I can lead it up that way too.

 

[carol5208]

does that uvb give off heat? I know the tubes dont and I lay mine right across the top of the screen. He looks pretty big in the cage so he is adult veild right? I would get his basking temp up toward 90 or high 80's.

 

[carol5208]

Thanks...any suggestions on how to add branches to the top? I found a good way for vines, but not branches.

I also have a pothos so that when it goes vines I can lead it up that way too.

When I put my branches in horizontally i wedge them on both sides of the screen and then I insert push pins on the outside to make sure they stay up. You can find branches outside, cut them down to size, wash them, and then put them in the cage. Some people bake them, but I think that is overkill. If you know where the branches came from and you are sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides then washing with soapy water is enough. just check for bugs infestations. i did not check your location, so if it is winter I guess you do not have to worry about bugs right now!

 

[Skyebound]

Thanks for the push pin idea. I will try that.

The uvb does not give off heat. As for age the times I have posted pics of him on my hand the general consensus is that he is around 8 months old now. I am planning to rearrange his lights tomorrow to get a better temp. Usually with the room temp and basking light (right now I have a 75 watt house bulb, my 100 watt blew on Friday). the temps were closer to 90 in old home. The all screen home is throwing me off...but I will get it there.

Thanks for all the help!!!

I am in NW Arkansas, but I have more of the bamboo like branches I can use at the top.

 

[carol5208]

I would just lay the dome on top of the cage then if it is not hot. There is not reason to suspend it up that high although it looks like your bulb sticks out way farther than the dome. i guess that would make sense then.

 

[Solid Snake]

Thanks...any suggestions on how to add branches to the top? I found a good way for vines, but not branches.

I also have a pothos so that when it goes vines I can lead it up that way too.

I just grab huge branches from outside, and wedge them in there. My "branches" are more like small trees. Just be creative, and do it however. As long as its stable, and safe to climb for the chameleon.

 

[Skyebound]

You don't think the dome and bulb would be too heavy for the screen? I have purchased a DIY cage.

 

[carol5208]

what is that square thing on top of the cage that looks like some type of relfector or something?

 

[Skyebound]

You might be seeing the ceiling lights through the cage. The only thing I have near the top is his dripper.

 

[PantherEnvy]

Get larger, taller branches that will reach almost to the top. You can also hang vines from the top with twistie ties attached to the screen top.

Excellent work on the enclosure. Heat and humidity will be a challenge to dial in though.

 

[Skyebound]

updated pics w/additions

This first pic shows the addition of an new vine and some additional branches. It also shows how I rearranged the lights.

The second pic is Verde showing off his nice bright greens...that is if you can see him. He was a lot happier today in his new home. The last week he has been pretty dark while waiting for a bigger place.

 

[carol5208]

Much better! So nice when people ask for advice and take it!!!!

 

[Skyebound]

I only what is best for Verde! Thanks for all the help!

 

[carol5208]

one other suggestion to bring the foilage closer to the top..You can invert another pot upside down(empty) and set the plants on top of that to give it some more heighth. It could use just a little more foilage near the top of the cage still. Just one of them would do, so you can have some plants low and some high.

 

[Skyebound]

Good to know, I wondered how to get plants higher without waiting for them to grow that tall.

 

[Skyebound]

I will post another pic tomorrow when I lift one of the plants. I also bought a higher wattage bulb for basking again, temp levels were not to my liking today.