First Chameleon Setup Help!

[GReyMAtter]

Alright so in 13 days I'm going to be getting my first panther chameleon and I'm beyond excited. I've been doing a lot of homework and before buying him I want to make sure that he's not only going to be healthy but happy as well. Now I just kind of want some feedback on my setup so far and if it'll be alright for him. He's around 4-6months old so I bought a fairly large cage (future proof) around 4' - 4' 6" tall I'd say. The vines are going to be reworked and I'm going stick hunting tomorrow to make a variety of temperature zones. Plants were just both bought a croton and an umbrella plant (both re-potted in organic unfertilized soil). Also going to put more fake plants in till the umbrella starts to really grow. I'm running a 75 watt Halogen Basking light from Exo-terra, and a Zoo med UVB 5.0 bar light. I also have a 60 watt ceramic heat bulb from All things living since I live in New York and winters can be pretty brutal. I'm just wondering should I really change anything around, and should I bump the wattage up because the basking spot is around 12inches from the light and it hits around 80°F. Any comments would be awesome! Also here's a pic of the bad boy from Kammerflage.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

You can bump up the basking heat. For that age panther I would aim for between 85-87. Most likely you will not need the ceramic heater. Panthers can handle temps into the 50s. They like a 10 degree drop from the ambient daytime temp. Unless your house is freezing at night, which I doubt, he will be fine. Check the temps in Madagascar, they can dip pretty low. Good luck! It looks like you have done a good amount of research.

 

[jamjam]

Your on the right track a few things I'd like to add as mention you would want the temps higher for basking so up the wattage. you might want to do a lil bit more research on the croton. some say they use em for years no problems others dont suggest them the sap in the stems is very toxic but usually quite thick they wont break. also heard may no support adult chams. was very interesting in them than chose im not going to be using them when i get mine next month. Also yes more sticks would be good but more foilage and cover will be idea both your plants are really close to the bottom where your chameleon wont spend much of its time get them elevated but an inverted pot until they grow bugger. Get more vines and such up near the top a pothos is a great idea, can hand one though the mesh with fishline or something if you use some sort of support over the enclosure such as piece of wood. Other than that hope you enjoy your new pet and wish you both the best of luck

 

[carol5208]

Welcome to the forums and the Kammer family! I currently have a Kammer Cham and also had another beautiful Sambava from them which passed on about a year ago. He looks awesome already! When you get your care sheet from Kammers you will see that they bask their chameleons much higher than what is recommended on the forum. My basking areas in my house for my two guys are at around 90 plus. They can take the heat. I live in Florida and I know they bask in temps that are higher than 90. Just watch out for your chameleon if he is gaping(mouth open) while basking and you will know if he is getting too hot. Be sure and post some pics when your little guy arrives. I know you will not be disappointed with him!!! Also, where did you get a cage that large? 4 X 4 X 6???

 

[ChamLady]

Congrats on the new cham. I just wanted to add that heights of the plants can be varied by using plant stands. My chams spend very little time in the lower 1/4 of their cages, so plant stands raise the plant heights to more useful levels. Enjoy!

 

[GReyMAtter]

You can bump up the basking heat. For that age panther I would aim for between 85-87. Most likely you will not need the ceramic heater. Panthers can handle temps into the 50s. They like a 10 degree drop from the ambient daytime temp. Unless your house is freezing at night, which I doubt, he will be fine. Check the temps in Madagascar, they can dip pretty low. Good luck! It looks like you have done a good amount of research.

Thanks I never really knew the temps actually got that low there. I know they like a dip in temperature but I didn't know by that much. Thanks for the info I appreciate it!

 

[GReyMAtter]

Your on the right track a few things I'd like to add as mention you would want the temps higher for basking so up the wattage. you might want to do a lil bit more research on the croton. some say they use em for years no problems others dont suggest them the sap in the stems is very toxic but usually quite thick they wont break. also heard may no support adult chams. was very interesting in them than chose im not going to be using them when i get mine next month. Also yes more sticks would be good but more foilage and cover will be idea both your plants are really close to the bottom where your chameleon wont spend much of its time get them elevated but an inverted pot until they grow bugger. Get more vines and such up near the top a pothos is a great idea, can hand one though the mesh with fishline or something if you use some sort of support over the enclosure such as piece of wood. Other than that hope you enjoy your new pet and wish you both the best of luck

I never thought of hanging a plant like that might give it a shot. And with the croton I just took it out, started growing some mold so I think I'll give it a go in the living room first so it gets really started. Don't want him eating any fallen leaves.

 

[jamjam]

You can bump up the basking heat. For that age panther I would aim for between 85-87. Most likely you will not need the ceramic heater. Panthers can handle temps into the 50s. They like a 10 degree drop from the ambient daytime temp. Unless your house is freezing at night, which I doubt, he will be fine. Check the temps in Madagascar, they can dip pretty low. Good luck! It looks like you have done a good amount of research.

You could probably even bump it even higher, as long as there is a gradient in temperature and some shaded spots to thermoregulate because temps in madagascar the whole week are high 90 low 100's. tomorrow is going to be 104. wouldnt really suggest getting too close to 100 but if you go higher just look out for gapping.

 

[GReyMAtter]

Welcome to the forums and the Kammer family! I currently have a Kammer Cham and also had another beautiful Sambava from them which passed on about a year ago. He looks awesome already! When you get your care sheet from Kammers you will see that they bask their chameleons much higher than what is recommended on the forum. My basking areas in my house for my two guys are at around 90 plus. They can take the heat. I live in Florida and I know they bask in temps that are higher than 90. Just watch out for your chameleon if he is gaping(mouth open) while basking and you will know if he is getting too hot. Be sure and post some pics when your little guy arrives. I know you will not be disappointed with him!!! Also, where did you get a cage that large? 4 X 4 X 6???

I'm so excited to get my kammer haha it's been a long road. But yeah I'm actually returning the light to petsmart now and grabbing a 100w basking probably. Any suggestions on brands and models? Also I should have been more informative on the cage, its 4' by 2' by 2'.