tracysimpson
New Member
do you think they like free range better im thinking about making one?????
whats yalls thoughts
- Thread starter tracysimpson
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Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
Some chameleons definitely do much better free ranging than others (I won't say all, but probably most). But permanent free ranging comes with its own considerations so you will have to keep these in mind:
1. Water. It's much harder to control misting and dripping and drainage in a free range. Definitely consider these factors first when designing a permanent free range.
2. Lighting. You still have to provide heat and UVB but without the chameleon being able to touch the hot lamps.
3. Food. You will not be able to free feed them, so you'll have to start handfeeding or get them used to eating bugs out of cups/containers.
4. Safety. Chameleons will not usually leave their free range if it provides everything they need but if they do you have to make sure that they cannot get themselves in trouble. So make sure they can't get eaten by other pets (Cats, dogs), they can't get into dangerous places (toilets, other open water, electric cables, lamps, fireplaces, etc.), and can't wander outside.
But when all these things are considered free ranging can be a really rewarding way to keep a chameleon, since you see a lot of behavior that you wouldn't in a cage. You just have to be smart about it and have the experience to recognize issues and how to correct those issues.
1. Water. It's much harder to control misting and dripping and drainage in a free range. Definitely consider these factors first when designing a permanent free range.
2. Lighting. You still have to provide heat and UVB but without the chameleon being able to touch the hot lamps.
3. Food. You will not be able to free feed them, so you'll have to start handfeeding or get them used to eating bugs out of cups/containers.
4. Safety. Chameleons will not usually leave their free range if it provides everything they need but if they do you have to make sure that they cannot get themselves in trouble. So make sure they can't get eaten by other pets (Cats, dogs), they can't get into dangerous places (toilets, other open water, electric cables, lamps, fireplaces, etc.), and can't wander outside.
But when all these things are considered free ranging can be a really rewarding way to keep a chameleon, since you see a lot of behavior that you wouldn't in a cage. You just have to be smart about it and have the experience to recognize issues and how to correct those issues.
tracysimpson
New Member
im just wanting to put them up there during the day maybe not even everyday. my main worry is falling are they pretty goo9d on free range?
tracysimpson
New Member
kinda like taking the kids to the park lol
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
Yea, if it's just a few hours here and there then that's fine. You still have to make sure that the area/room is safe but you may not have to set up anything for water or even lighting. That will depend on how many hours are a few.
But yea, chameleons LOVE getting a chance to walk around for a while. You may see them be a little still and nervous the first time or two but eventually they'll get comfortable and wander the entire free range. Mine get to wander around on some very large branches I have standing in the living room or on a ficus near my desk. Free ranges can be as large and elaborate as you want to make them, too.
But yea, chameleons LOVE getting a chance to walk around for a while. You may see them be a little still and nervous the first time or two but eventually they'll get comfortable and wander the entire free range. Mine get to wander around on some very large branches I have standing in the living room or on a ficus near my desk. Free ranges can be as large and elaborate as you want to make them, too.
tracysimpson
New Member
my biggest thing is saftey what are the chances of them falling? nothing is going to be under it but hardwood so if they fall its not going to be good
MTldrmr518
New Member
Im wanna free range my veileds but Im kinda worried about them wandering off in the room and me not being able to find them. Is it common for them to leave the free range?
