Free Ranged Mellers

[ShaunaLynnA]

Well my mellers has been unhappy being caged so obviously he was wild caught. He comes to the door to be let out and when I do is happiest loose. He has been checked out by the vet and all that could stuff incase anyone asks. Anyhow he is happiest free ranged in my bedroom where he is kept and so I have given him that the passed few days. My question is what set up should I design in a small area for him to be happy loose? Right now he climbs/sleeps on the other cages and sits in my window basking or sleeps there at night. I have his vine out for him and things to sit on but he does what he wants. I was thinking of getting a fake ficus for my corner "I have wood floors" and then some vines strung up in the room corner. Should I keep his cage for feeding him though or sell it off? Any help with this is appreciated. I want him to be happy so with that not he is a free ranger now!

 

[kinyonga]

How is he getting the UVB he needs to produce the D3 he needs? (UVB does not do the chameleon any good when it passes through glass or plastic.)

 

[gabzzy]

i free range both my Chamys, but i have 2 veiled males; both luv it, i have branches set up in every window and take them both outside during the day, cause they need sunshine to stay healthy; othdrwise, i would get a real ficus, they luv them, both mine have their own, and juust make sure they get UVB rays daily, i would set the cage outside so he can bask in the sun; he gonna need it; I am in Texas so weather and humidity are good here, anyhow, great choice, ur chamy wil be so happy and u will notice a difference in the way of a bond because i handel mine a day long, let them run in the back yard grass, they are so happy and constantly waving me down to climb on and go to another spot in the house, i am a firm beleaver in free range, enjoy ur evening

 

[summoner12]

Why not construct a large cage for him? If he wasn't happy in the cage there might be a reason for it, besides 'not liking the cage' What kind of lighting? what size cage? what kind of tree did he have? I have three melleri in cages and they are very happy with it. I have others that are free ranged as well. Making a successful cage or free range is totally dependent on what is provided. If the cham is unhappy, something isn't right.

BTW, melleri burn easily, if he is climbing on other cages and lights he might get hurt.

 

[WinstonChrchll]

I'm thinking the Same thing as Summoner here. (Although I'm MUCH less experienced in mellers) I had mine (also a wild caught) in a smaller temporary cage (2x2x4) for a bit and he would pace around all day. I moved him to a bigger cage (4x3x6) and he is content, eating lots and not showing any stress colors. Its fairly simple to construct a large cage from materials like pvc and plastic mesh and it not to expensive.It allows for more control of the environment and his uvb and other variables (in my opinion) Its a really a preference though. If hes provided with all his essentials, it will tend to stay put as it knows all of its needs are being satisfied there.

 

[jamncristian]

you can lay out some plastic along the floor next to the window and place alot of trees along the wall because I find it that chams love looking out the window

 

[summoner12]

I am concerned about the basking by the window comment. I am concerned about the lighting being provided for the melleri. As winston pointed out, and it is very true, chams stay put when their needs are met. The three melleri in my freen range almost never leave. I have only found Sam to leave the free range a couple of times, and im not really sure why he's done it. I think mostly out of curiosity and it was early on so he might have been scouting his domain.

 

[WinstonChrchll]

Personally, I wouldnt let my mellers out of a controlled environment. They are incredibly sensitive to there surroundings :Lighting, Heat, humidity, foliage, etc. In other words, alot more variables than should be left up to chance. Letting it roam around in a semi free-range without control would bring problems. If the free range is properly set-up then it could be great for your cham.

Oh and to answer your original question, no you would just feed him in his free range through tubs or such. That way he gets accomodated to it and associates the area with food and you dont stress him out by moving him constantly to feed.

 

[summoner12]

what I mean about the window..... sorry didn't finish my thought. UVB doesn't transmit through glass. the only way the cham would benefit from a window is if it is open and direct sunlight is hitting the cham.