Whole Cage temp is at 80 without basking light.

[Ocelot357]

Here's my problem......

My whole Cage temp is at about 80-85 with basking light off.I have a rudis so 75-80 is ideal for him.I cant use the basking light cause it will take the temp way too high! if its already at 80 without it.He still gets indirect light from the sun cause i put him right next to a big window. Its ok to not use the basking light as long as he gets the right temp and humidity in there right?

 

[reptimom]

I found that regular room temps so best for my rudis. I don't have to use any basking lights at all. In the house the temps usually run about 76 and drops to about 70 at night and they have done well. If your temps should drop into the 50's during the winter months you could use a basking light. you will still need to use an flourescent uvb light (reptisun 5.0) light without heat, to avoid mbd.

 

[AndrewH]

Can you turn on the AC?

 

[Ocelot357]

I found that regular room temps so best for my rudis. I don't have to use any basking lights at all. In the house the temps usually run about 76 and drops to about 70 at night and they have done well. If your temps should drop into the 50's during the winter months you could use a basking light. you will still need to use an flourescent uvb light (reptisun 5.0) light without heat, to avoid mbd.

THANKS! you just solved my problem.

 

[reptimom]

Glad to help! let me know if you should need anymore help with your rudis.

 

[Trace]

I'm going to disagree here. I do agree that the basking or hot spot for a rudis should be 80F (anything warmer and they look uncomfortable and could possibly be lethal), but where is the temperature choice for the animal? They want to warm up in the morning after a cold night. They need warmer temperatures to digest their food. They need to a preferred optimum temperature zone and keeping a rudis (well any species of chameleon really) at room temperature does not give them the choice(s). Chameleons need that proper temperature gradient within the cage.

Ocelot: I've also read your other threads concerning, humidity, feeders, stress etc. I get the feeling your husbandry could use a little tweaking. I don't think you are keeping your new rudis completely wrong, so please don't be offended by that, but I think things could be improved. A happy, healthy chameleon makes for a better experience, particularly if you are a new owner and proper husbandry is a huge help. I think you've got her in a 10gal cage? Buy or build something that is a little bigger, say 18x18x24 or so. The rudis aren't incredibly active, but they do like a little room to move but a huge cage is not needed. You can create that temperature gradient, with basking lights etc, much easier in a larger cage too. Put some real plants in there. Schefflera, Pothos and Hibiscus are all good non-toxic plants for rudis. I find the schefflera sturdy enough to support the weight of my rudis and closely related species. Humidity for your rudis should be at least 80% (I agree with Tim about that number from the other "rudis and humidity" thread you started) and real plants will help with that. Rudis are not fussy eaters and will accept most insects, make sure you've got a nice variety and that they are gutloaded and properly dusted with calcium and vitamins.

You've asked some excellent questions already about your pet and don't be shy about asking more. We are here to help. Maybe give us a quick run down on your cage type, temps, humidity, feeders, supplementation, plants and cage furniture.
Cheers,
t

 

[Ocelot357]

Thanks!!!.....But im actually gonna put him outside.I got a big cage for him and I also put in a big ficus plant.Im putting him right under a tree That gives alot of shade and some sun.I have asked a couple of reptile experts and they said he would be ok.