glass vs screen for specific room situation

[Kimmers]

I am considering having a chameleon in my office and need advice on what type of enclosure I should have if I do this.

First I want to assure all that I will definitely be taking certain precautions.
Location: It will be mostly hidden from view, in a very, very low traffic area, in the opposite corner of the room from the door. It will be on the corner of counter, that is next my desk, against a wall and a bookcase. Safety: Cage will be locked. Food: Stored in my filing cabinet Electricity: 4 outlets beside my desk

My issue is that since it is an office, temperatures are turned down at night and on weekends, and there is no control of humidity. And I live WI where dry winter air is the norm. So would a glass enclosure such as an Exo Terra be best or would a screen cage also work? Frankly given a choice I'm partial to glass for viewing purposes.

Thanks, Kim

 

[sandrachameleon]

have you been measuring the typical temp and humidity in the office?

If truly dry, a more solid walled enclosure may indeed be best. There are combination screen/glass cages

 

[PantherEnvy]

Even if you have a timer, leaving your cham unattended from friday night until monday morning is not recommended.

 

[AlecWade]

If you decide to do this you will definitely need an automated misting system unless you can be there to mist 3-4 times a day on the weekend. Drainage for the enclosure is also something you're going to want to consider in an office environment.

It's a great idea, who wouldn't want a chameleon to keep them company at work! Still, chameleons require daily attention so unless it's possible to stop by the office to check up on your cham regularly you may want to consider a stay at home chameleon or perhaps a different pet. Office ball python maybe??

 

[Kimmers]

To SandraChameleon - Great idea. I will set that up.

To PantherEnvy - What specific reason(s) would it be a problems? Food and misting?

To AlecWade - I have planned to have a mist system and am researching that. I can stop by as it is just a few blocks away and I have building keys.

 

[TreeTopChameleons]

I think Panther Envy's point about it not being a good idea was based on several points. Firstly, leaving any animal completely unattended for such a long period of time is unwise. Even with the best set up, the building could lose power, you could have an electrical malfunction, any number of things could theoretically go wrong. All it takes is something very small, something generally that most keepers would see within a few hours, you would not notice until Monday when you returned to work, and this might be too late. Maybe a reptile that doesn't require any additional heating or lighting would be best. Crested Geckos do fine at normal room temperature, don't require a ton of misting, eat a crested gecko premixed food which could be left in the cage for a few days. This might be a good alternative choice for you. Good luck with your search! Let us know what you've decided on

 

[sandrachameleon]

If you commit to briefly checking in on an adult animal once or twice on the weekends (to check for health issues) I see no reason not to have an office chameleon. Depending somewhat on type of chameleon.

Although daily attention is certain preferable, having primarily Mon-Fri attention is okay. Especially if the owner drops in for a few minutes on the weekend as well.

An adult chameleon with lights on a timer can even go a day without water once a week, if needs be (obviously daily watering is much preferred). And certainly an adult chameleon doesnt have to be fed every single day - 5 or 6 days a week is fine, indeed some would say preferable. You may want to have two different basking bulbs - a slightly higher wattage on its own timer for weekends when building heat is lower, and another lower watt for m-f. Setting up the cage prior to getting the chameleon and testing for a few weeks will help. Or having and additional ceramic bulb (or a space heater in your office) controlled by thermostat could be considered.

If the building power goes out and it is very cold or super hot, you'd have to go in to deal with that (just as you'd have to deal with it at home).

A young chameleon however does need food 2-3 times daily, every day. And must have water frquently as well.

 

[Kimmers]

I hadn't considered the frequency of feeding a baby. I will defintely have to rethink the age. Thanks for making that point!

 

[Kate]

Kammers if you become as addicted as most of us, I can't see you spending much time at home.lol

 

[Carlton]

I am considering having a chameleon in my office and need advice on what type of enclosure I should have if I do this.

First I want to assure all that I will definitely be taking certain precautions.
Location: It will be mostly hidden from view, in a very, very low traffic area, in the opposite corner of the room from the door. It will be on the corner of counter, that is next my desk, against a wall and a bookcase. Safety: Cage will be locked. Food: Stored in my filing cabinet Electricity: 4 outlets beside my desk

My issue is that since it is an office, temperatures are turned down at night and on weekends, and there is no control of humidity. And I live WI where dry winter air is the norm. So would a glass enclosure such as an Exo Terra be best or would a screen cage also work? Frankly given a choice I'm partial to glass for viewing purposes.

Thanks, Kim

Because of no control on weekends, especially in winter, this doesn't sound like a good idea unless you are someone who tends to drop by the office on weekends anyway. You would have to make sure no facilities person decides to really cut off the heat or the AC without you knowing about it so you can adjust the cage. Frankly, my weekend days are the best times I have to watch my chams at home...because I don't get to at work. Maybe you need two cages!