Changed heating light

[NoseyRosie]

This may sound like a ridiculous question, but I'm a new owner and am learning. I changed the heat bulb from a 40w day bulb to a 60 night bulb and yes the temps went up a bit not alot. I also have a UV day one. But this morning when I turned on the "day" my cham didn't move much and was slow to wake. And wasn't aggressive towards me, i put crickets in and she was quick to chase them. Usually she ventures all night amd moves alot and is very aggressive....is the change for the bettter?

 

[Decadancin]

If you are saying she is active at night, this is a bad thing. The 60 watt bulb will increase the basking temp, but are you using it at night? If so, it isn't recommended. Here is the link to the lighting resource...
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/lighting/

The basking bulb
A basking bulb is any light bulb that generates heat to create a warm spot at the top of the cage. Reptiles are ectotherms (cold-blooded), meaning they need to absorb heat from their environment to regulate their own body heat since they cannot produce it. Therefore a temperature gradient in their cage is essential to good health. They need a warm place to bask in order to digest food properly but they also need cooler places to cool down so they do not overheat since they can’t sweat or pant. A basking bulb provides warmer temperatures at the top of the cage but should not be so hot that it heats the entire cage. Your chameleon will utilize different temperature zones throughout the day depending on its metabolism and needs.


Remember:

• All light bulbs must be on the top and outside of the cage.
• Lights should be on for 10-12 hours each day and then total darkness at night.

 

[Decadancin]

And I would not say that it is a change for the better, rather something to be aware of. Not moving around much and slow to wake could be from cool temps or from inadequate sleep. Both will cause health issues if not corrected.

 

[Decadancin]

Did you ever get her to the Vet? I was wondering if she was carrying eggs.

 

[NoseyRosie]

Did you ever get her to the Vet? I was wondering if she was carrying eggs.

Not yet, I had a family emergency sat. I'm taking her in this sat.

 

[NoseyRosie]

this is what I have. I was told to leave the night one on 24/7, because it would still keep her warm and darken completely, like the nighttime and to turn on the UV one only during day hours only, to simulate the sun.

 

[JacksJill]

Do not leave that light on 24/7 it will interfere with sleep patterns. If your house is 60˚F or warmer at night you don't need overnight heat. If your house gets very cold you can use a ceramic heat emitter for the coldest part of the night. Ceramic heat emitters give of no light whatsoever.