Concerns with outdoor cage and its occupant

[Chamero]

Hey, I just got my new 2-3 month veiled and am kinda concerned with his outdoor cage. Its located in a semi-traffic area but has no direct sun exposure and has one part under a skylight. The temps so far have ranged from mid to high 60’s at night and up to 98 in the day. Only the sunroof part gets the maximum, the hottest ive recorded the no sunroof side it was around 87. I have a temp gun and usually find him between 78s and 86, never at the maximums or minimums, except for today, I found him at 95 more near the skylight. Humidity stays within 40-55, peaking in the high 60’s after mistings.

The only problem Im having is that his colors don’t seem right. Hes been scared from the start, so at first I just thought he was displaying agitated colors. But lately his colors always seem to have dark spots. I know some keepers prefer to keep their veiled at lower temps with great success but is it possible to successfully raise them at the other end of the temp spectrum? Are there any particular harms due to constant high temps? Growth defects or something? Should I move him indoors?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

A veiled chameleon that age in it's natural environment would be living low in the grasses and shrubs where it is much cooler and very protected.
He is too hot , and too exposed.
Bring him inside.

-Brad

 

[Chamero]

Hey Brad, just the guy I wanted to hear from. I just got done checking the temps and he is around 89-90. This is hot, but there are other parts of the cage in the at 74. Why doesn't he move to these spots if he gets too hot. Would he even know if he is too hot? Also, I don't think inside is really an option as of now...is it possible to raise a veiled in these conditions at all. Maybe if I got an older one? What if I add denser foliage to the lower area for cooler temps and better hiding? Thanks again.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Young chameleons are very poor thermoregulators.
If he is going to stay outside, you need to help him by providing more opportunities for shade (denser planting) and protection, and fairly frequent "cool down" misting sessions (these don't have to last long, but should get some of his body wet)

-Brad

 

[Tygerr]

Its located in a semi-traffic area but has no direct sun exposure and has one part under a skylight.

Do you have any lighting set up on that cage? Because what concerns me about this is that your cham might not be receiving sufficient UV radiation. If the skylight is made from glass or a plastic (like perspex/plexiglass), then it would be filtering out any beneficial UVB radiation, and if he isn't getting any direct sunlight, the levels of UV reaching him might not be optimal.
In effect, you may have an 'outdoor' cage that doesn't come with the benefits that outdoor cages usually do (unfiltered exposure to sunlight).

Now Brad is right about the overheating though, so you can't move the cage into direct sunlight, because that would only make things worse, but perhaps you should consider supplemental UV lighting.
Ideally you should get a UV meter to check what sort of levels he is receiving out there (on your porch, I presume?), but those are very expensive, so it might just be cheaper and easier to set up a 5.0 bulb (or maybe only a 2.0, if he is receiving a fair amount of indirect, unfiltered sunlight) up on that cage.

 

[Chamero]

Hey, sorry for the late reply but yes I do have two UV lights. One 18" and one the next size up. They are both reptisun 5.0 tubes.
Oh, and your right about the not receiving unfiltered UV light. He is not in direct sunlight but the skylight is covered.
The only benefits Im/hes getting from the outdoor cage is the natural temperature gradient, as well as the automated mister.
He is eating fine and seems to be pretty healthy although too hot.
I cant move him indoors for a few reasons but also mainly wanted a self sufficient outdoor cage...basically a cham I dont have to tend to...lol.
About the heat, Ive actually been looking on the net today for a bushy/shrubby plant for the lower area of the cage. Any ideas for dense dense foliage??? Anyone?

 

[JoshCrane1]

Hey, sorry for the late reply but yes I do have two UV lights. One 18" and one the next size up. They are both reptisun 5.0 tubes.
Oh, and your right about the not receiving unfiltered UV light. He is not in direct sunlight but the skylight is covered.
The only benefits Im/hes getting from the outdoor cage is the natural temperature gradient, as well as the automated mister.
He is eating fine and seems to be pretty healthy although too hot.
I cant move him indoors for a few reasons but also mainly wanted a self sufficient outdoor cage...basically a cham I dont have to tend to...lol.
About the heat, Ive actually been looking on the net today for a bushy/shrubby plant for the lower area of the cage. Any ideas for dense dense foliage??? Anyone?

haha, thats a new one. like a cat.

 

[SoCaliSon]

basically a cham I dont have to tend to

A captive Cham that you do not have to tend to??? Non-existant.
If you want an animal that is self sufficient a cham is not the right choice... They are probably one of the most demanding animals to keep, and if you are not ready to provide everything they need without trying cut corners, then a Cham is not for you my friend.

Respectfully,
~Joe

 

[Chamero]

Hey guys, so I finally put D-Rad inside yesterday and it worked great. He pretty much instantly turned to the good light green color and is just relaxing in his trees. Spot on Brad with the bad thermo regulation thing.
Anyway, I now have him in a free ranged setup and am just letting him settle in.
Thanks again for all the input.