Do Babies Definitely Need A Smaller Enclosure?

[cital]

Hello,

For the last week I have begun the research stage of prepping for my first chameleon. I have done saltwater reef tanks for the last 15 years, and if there is one thing I have learned it is that you should always do all your research first and do things right the first time. That being said, when the times come to actually purchase one of these amazing animals I would like to go with a baby. I understand that they are more difficult to keep, but the idea of raising one from a baby to an adult is very appealing to me. So, basically I know for either a Panther or Veiled male adult I will need a enclosure of at least 24"x24"x48", my question is, do I definitely need a smaller set up for a baby? If so, what would be the most ideal size? Any and all feedback is really appreciated!

Chris

 

[ridgebax1]

The primary reason for a smaller enclosure for a baby is so they can have an easier time hunting food. When I got my veiled he was several months old and I put him right into a big cage but for feeding I would take him out and feed him from a cup. It was actually a small critter keeper. He would walk around the rim catching the bugs until he was full. My second baby was smaller so he went into the smallest screen cage. I think it was 18x18x24.

 

[Wowbango]

Hello,

For the last week I have begun the research stage of prepping for my first chameleon. I have done saltwater reef tanks for the last 15 years, and if there is one thing I have learned it is that you should always do all your research first and do things right the first time. That being said, when the times come to actually purchase one of these amazing animals I would like to go with a baby. I understand that they are more difficult to keep, but the idea of raising one from a baby to an adult is very appealing to me. So, basically I know for either a Panther or Veiled male adult I will need a enclosure of at least 24"x24"x48", my question is, do I definitely need a smaller set up for a baby? If so, what would be the most ideal size? Any and all feedback is really appreciated!

Chris

I can tell you that I recently got two baby Girls, and I put them into a 18x18x36...and it was WAY too big for them. I couldn't even find them most of the time, and did not once witness them eating as the crickets and flies would go up to the very top where they couldn't even see them. After two days, I moved them into the small 16x16x20 and they're doing much better. Some people will tell you that in the wild they obviously have a much bigger "Cage." But I strongly believe they should start in small ones when very young and then you can transition them into bigger cages.

 

[nightanole]

Hello,

For the last week I have begun the research stage of prepping for my first chameleon. I have done saltwater reef tanks for the last 15 years, and if there is one thing I have learned it is that you should always do all your research first and do things right the first time. That being said, when the times come to actually purchase one of these amazing animals I would like to go with a baby. I understand that they are more difficult to keep, but the idea of raising one from a baby to an adult is very appealing to me. So, basically I know for either a Panther or Veiled male adult I will need a enclosure of at least 24"x24"x48", my question is, do I definitely need a smaller set up for a baby? If so, what would be the most ideal size? Any and all feedback is really appreciated!

Chris

The classice 24x24x48 cages have a plastic bottom. Its real easy to section it off at turn it into a 24x24xanythingyouwant.

As others have stated, the cage has to be small enough for them to find food and water. If they are cup trained then they can go in the big boy cage right away.

I will state i have never free fed my chams. At best in the 24x24 cages i pop a potted plant (large gravel over the dirt) in a corner and put a large/deep plastic tub for the crickets/food to wander in, and just place a few sticks over it if the cham is so small that they cant get to the food in the bowl.

I always know how much my kids eat

 

[cital]

So if I go with something like 15x15x20 or 15x15x30, how long could a baby panther live in that size before needing to be upgraded?

 

[junglefries]

16"x16"x20" til 3-4months. 16"x16"x30" til 6 months. Big as you want afterwards. As long as they can easily find the food. You can also start off with minimal foliage, but make a spot to hide from UVB also.

 

[cital]

16"x16"x20" til 3-4months. 16"x16"x30" til 6 months. Big as you want afterwards. As long as they can easily find the food. You can also start off with minimal foliage, but make a spot to hide from UVB also.

Would 16x16x30 be too large for a baby, I guess I am having a hard time with buying 3 cages in just over a 6 month period...

 

[junglefries]

Would 16x16x30 be too large for a baby, I guess I am having a hard time with buying 3 cages in just over a 6 month period...

I would raise your cage bottom as you go. Use a milk crate or wood blocks. Just don't permenantly affix your foliage. Mine start off in bins, to the 20", to the 30", to the 36", and finally to the 48" cage heights. It just makes for healthier adult chams, when they aren't missing needed nutrients as they grow. That said, it is entirely possible to grow a healthy adult adjusting the cage with the bottom.

 

[cital]

I would raise your cage bottom as you go. Use a milk crate or wood blocks. Just don't permenantly affix your foliage. Mine start off in bins, to the 20", to the 30", to the 36", and finally to the 48" cage heights. It just makes for healthier adult chams, when they aren't missing needed nutrients as they grow. That said, it is entirely possible to grow a healthy adult adjusting the cage with the bottom.

Got it, that's a great idea! Thanks