First chameleon - habitat help?

[LindyCham]

Hi! I just got my first chameleon a few days ago. He was "free to a good home" and came with everything his previous owners had for him. I'm aware that chameleons are more advanced lizards to take care of so I want to make sure I get everything set up correctly. I have limited previous reptile experience (I have a crested gecko and an emerald swift). I currently have him set up with the things he was sent with, except that I replaced the UVB with a new bulb since I didn't know how old the previous one was.

The cage is 2x2x4, and it came with a stand but the stand was for a 20 gallon tank and I didn't feel like the cage was stable at all on it, so I have it set on the floor until I can come up with something else. The cage is a little beat up, and needs a really good cleaning, but otherwise seems ok.

Not pictured: double lamp fixture with 60w blue daytime reptile bulb, 18" T8 Retpisun 5.0, and a dripper thing.

I've never used a dripper before so I'm not totally sure what I'm supposed to do with it. I've been filling it up once a day and just letting it empty out. I've seen him drinking from it when the water splashed the plant below it, so I assume its at least fulfilling its purpose. I've also been misting the cage twice a day - but how do you guys keep water from getting everywhere when you mist the screen cages? Is it possible to apply a background to the cages, or do you have some sort of tip? I use one of those sprayers where you pump it a couple of times and then just hold down a lever and it sprays automatically. Also, until I get it set up on a stand, is there something I can use to catch water from the dripper? I tried using a baking dish but most of the water is just splashing out of it onto the cage floor anyway, and there is a drainage hole in the floor (read: carpet is getting soaked). Or any recommendations for a quick fix for a stand?

What do I need to add/remove/change? And also, how do you attach things (like the plants and vines) to the sides of the mesh cage? I have it tied on with thread right now, but I'm not sure if its strong enough to support the weight of plants + chameleon long term. He mostly hangs out on the vine in the middle of the cage.

 

[Carlton]

The cage is 2x2x4, and it came with a stand but the stand was for a 20 gallon tank and I didn't feel like the cage was stable at all on it, so I have it set on the floor until I can come up with something else. The cage is a little beat up, and needs a really good cleaning, but otherwise seems ok.

Welcome! Its great that you are starting off with a screen cage instead of the usual glass fish tank! His previous owners had some clue about chams luckily. If you haven't found it already, check the husbandry articles located under the forum Resources tab. Lots of great ideas and products to look for. Your cham won't like being on the floor much, especially in a new location. Could you put a board or wood slats under the cage to stabilize it on the stand? Chams feel a lot more secure up high.

Not pictured: double lamp fixture with 60w blue daytime reptile bulb, 18" T8 Retpisun 5.0, and a dripper thing.

The blue basking bulbs are OK for now, but many of us use standard white or clear household incandescent or halogen bulbs. They tend to last longer and cost less.

I've never used a dripper before so I'm not totally sure what I'm supposed to do with it. I've been filling it up once a day and just letting it empty out. I've seen him drinking from it when the water splashed the plant below it, so I assume its at least fulfilling its purpose.

Its good that he's used to the dripper. Let it splash on a plant and make sure he can reach the drips. But, keep an eye on him...sometimes chams decide not to keep using the dripper for obscure reasons.

I've also been misting the cage twice a day - but how do you guys keep water from getting everywhere when you mist the screen cages? Is it possible to apply a background to the cages, or do you have some sort of tip?

Ah, welcome to cham cages and water! Yes, you can hang a piece of sheet plastic on sides or back to block water spray. You may find that you need to leave more plastic on the screen sides to keep the cage more humid anyway.

Also, until I get it set up on a stand, is there something I can use to catch water from the dripper? I tried using a baking dish but most of the water is just splashing out of it onto the cage floor anyway

Try a dish with taller sides to contain the splash. Or, cluster more foliage around the dish for the splash to collect on. You could use silk leaved fakes and wrap it around the rim of the dish.

and there is a drainage hole in the floor (read: carpet is getting soaked). Or any recommendations for a quick fix for a stand?

You could put a piece of plastic sheeting or small tarp under the cage temporarily, or set the cage frame on 2x4s and put a dish under the drain hole.

What do I need to add/remove/change? And also, how do you attach things (like the plants and vines) to the sides of the mesh cage? I have it tied on with thread right now, but I'm not sure if its strong enough to support the weight of plants + chameleon long term. He mostly hangs out on the vine in the middle of the cage.

You can attach plants and perches to the mesh using cable ties, bag twist ties, or light gauge wire . The plants all look fake. Depending on your room humidity levels you will probably need to add live potted plants. The husbandry articles will describe commonly available plant species most of us use. Do you have a couple of good thermometers to track cage temps? You'll want to monitor the temp right at the perch he tends to bask on, and one somewhere lower where its cooler. Also, a good electronic humidity gauge is a must. Don't rely on the circular analog disk type gauges from pet shops...they can be very unreliable.

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[Graves923]

You may have to drill a couple drain holes if the floor pan does not already have a way to drain excess water.

If you are still looking for a stand, I used two small steel wire bakers racks like this: https://www.target.com/p/adjustable...ch|related_prods_vv|adaptpdpexsrch|17136152|3

I put the racks back to back so the foot print of the cage fits right on it and zip tied them together so the racks dont move. because the racks are wire you can arrange the shelfing so you can put a container under the cage and let the water drain through some holes in the floor pan and drip through the shelf and into the container.

 

[KeopiCat]

Though they might not have executed it in the best way, the previous owner had the right idea about putting the chameleon on a stand. Chameleons feel most confortable when they are looking down at people, so it's a great idea to have them off the ground.

If you need ideas I also have a 2x2x4 cage and I use this ikea table: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39011781/
It fits the cage nicely.
I'm sure you can find something that would work even better for you. Just make sure to get him elevated!

Warm Welcome to the Forums

-Keopi and Mondo

 

[hkitchen]

I had a friend build a cube out of 2x4s for my stand. Definitely add some live plants and more horizontal perches or vines.