When can I move my panther into his large viv?

[ColorChangingAlien]

so my panther chameleon is a little baby and we have him in a tiny exo terra right now and i was wondering if it mattered if i move him into his large enclosure now or in another month? The large enclosure is handmade and it is very big and full of plants so i fell like he'd have some more entertainment in there. Our cham is probably about 4 months, just now starting to fade out of the grey color and develop his own.
I heard the main reason to not put a small chameleon into a large enclosure is that they have trouble finding their food but i hand feed my chameleon everyday and do not see this being an issue. Let me know what you guys think

 

[jamest0o0]

I'm a new cham owner, but i think it'd be fine. if your cham is how mine was at 4 months(body length size of my palm and i have big hands) then i can't see why not. I'd wait for some more experienced keepers to know for sure though. I think smaller cages just help them find feeders as mentioned, and help you closely monitor Them.

 

[ColorChangingAlien]

I'm a new cham owner, but i think it'd be fine. if your cham is how mine was at 4 months(body length size of my palm and i have big hands) then i can't see why not. I'd wait for some more experienced keepers to know for sure though. I think smaller cages just help them find feeders as mentioned, and help you closely monitor Them.

Exactly what I figured but I'd love some experienced advice as well haha, never worked with a baby before.

 

[broderp]

My new panther went straight into his terrarium (18D x 24W x 36T) from day one. He was/ is very tiny but found his food very easy. Since day 3-4 though he has been cup fed. This really helps. Also helps keep track of how much he eats.

 

[ColorChangingAlien]

Yes like mentioned he only really eats crickets out of my hand, but my large enclosure is quite large so that's why i'm not sure. The enclosure is 2 feet deep, 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall, half wood/Plexiglas, half screen. He isn't going to get lost trying to find a basking spot is he?

 

[ColorChangingAlien]

My new panther went straight into his terrarium (18D x 24W x 36T) from day one. He was/ is very tiny but found his food very easy. Since day 3-4 though he has been cup fed. This really helps. Also helps keep track of how much he eats.

Meant to reply to you^^

 

[absolutbill]

In the wild they use entire trees to wander around, so no, your baby won't get lost Since you hand-feed you'll know how much he's eating, and he'll be able to find his basking spot without a problem. I'd move him in there if I were you. Also, just a thought, it's great that you hand-feed him, because you're creating bonds with your little guy, but what about when you go on vacation, or have to travel for some other reason and you have a helper taking care of your cham? You might want to teach him to cup feed just for those eventualities.

 

[broderp]

Yes like mentioned he only really eats crickets out of my hand, but my large enclosure is quite large so that's why i'm not sure. The enclosure is 2 feet deep, 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall, half wood/Plexiglas, half screen. He isn't going to get lost trying to find a basking spot is he?

I'm SO JEALOUS. My Cham will eat in front of me now, but no hand feeding yet. How do you hand feed during the day? Do you not work or something? Or does he eat before you leave for work or are you one of the "lucky ones" who work second or third shift? Did I say I was so jealous..

He will be fine in that enclosure. You both are lucky!