Chameleon Behavior

[flaminglazer72]

Here's the issue. They may not be able to perceive infrared, so there is no visual aid that suggests heat source. They can however see UVB. Is it a visible spectrum of light. In the wild, they get their heat and UVB from the same source...the sun. The best way to keep your chameleon healthy is to provide it with the elements that he would find naturally in the wild. When a chameleon basks each day he isn't searching for a dark area that he finds warm, he is search for visible sunlight to enter. Sunlight equals heat. So, when I setup an enclosure, I have a definitive space that the chameleon can see and understand is a "basking area". This way he can enter and exit as he will. This is imperative for thermoregulation. He will not search the cage for two fixtures that will provide two different things. So, your UVB is what he is seeing and going towards for heat. This is why the red bulb is not a good choice. I don't want to sound ugly, but most pet stores are completely unaware of what's needed for chameleons. They think of reptiles as a broad class of animals that require all the same elements. This is not true.

This makes complete sense. I didn't think about them thinking the UVB is the heat source. I'll make the change ASAP Thank you so much!!!!

 

[jpowell86]

My pleasure! I am glad you are the type to care enough to ask!

 

[flaminglazer72]

My pleasure! I am glad you are the type to care enough to ask!

One more question. Would you reccomend keeping the Infared heat lamp off at night? My house temp is 69-70 degrees farenheight. The infared is only a 10 watt bulb.

 

[jpowell86]

Yes, chameleons need a drop in temperature at night. Even if your house fell down to 60 degrees it would be okay.

 

[flaminglazer72]

Yes, chameleons need a drop in temperature at night. Even if your house fell down to 60 degrees it would be okay.

Alright thank you! One more thing (sorry I have a lot of questions) Is 15 watts too much for the UVB? If so should I lower to a 5 watt?

 

[jpowell86]

No apologies needed for questions. Is it a linear fluorescent bulb(T8)?

 

[flaminglazer72]

No apologies needed for questions. Is it a linear fluorescent bulb(T8)?

I believe so but i'm not sure. Its about 2 feet long

 

[jpowell86]

Then no, its not too much. I actually like the fact that you are using this because it allows your cham to get the necessary UVB he needs in broader areas of his enclosure.

 

[flaminglazer72]

Then no, its not too much. I actually like the fact that you are using this because it allows your cham to get the necessary UVB he needs in broader areas of his enclosure.

Cool then I get to spend less money XD. So I just need some live plants and a basking bulb and I'm set?