Greenhouse Enclousure

[ddoubblebb]

Hello All, I am new to this forum but have a bit of experience with chameleons, geckos, snakes and lizards. I know they all have specific needs, especially chameleons.

Here is my (broad) question(s):

My brother has just built a greenhouse on the side of his house, ventilated wood floor, frosted clear fiberglass panels on top, screen on sides with vinyl windows if needed, misting system with timer and a few fluorescent lights. We live in Jacksonville FL. Can get as low as 30* in winter but rarely, and summers are 85* for 5 months.

We want to introduce either a pair or single chameleons to greenhouse as permanent residents.

So....

Which type would be best?

Can supply crickets but is there better food source, maybe a natural one?

Enclosure is approx 4ft wide by 10ft long 7ft high.

Avg temp prob 80*

how much humidity, special light, plant type needed etc.

Thanks so much for any info, even if you want to discourage us from introducing chameleons to this environment, last thing we want to do is make the animal unhappy or sick. We both love reptiles. would not put them in an uncomfortable situation.

Thank you, Bryan

 

[jpm995]

30 degrees may be too cold. I lost power and temp dropped to 39 at nite and my cham survived but i wouldn't push it. Also you will need uvb lighting. figure out a heater even electric wont be too bad if it doesnt get cold often.

 

[jpm995]

oh, panthers would be great or vields. Carpets to they all like high temps. palmetto bugs are all over florida their roaches to me but would be good food source if no pestasides.

 

[Montium]

With a good heat source Panther and Veileds can live all year outside in Florida. While you are farther north than me that just means you need a secure heat source. With the panels I doubt you will get enough natural sunlight to penetrate for the chams so you will need to supplement. It will be basically the same as raising them indoors. A good light meter will tell you how much is getting through and some greenhouse panels are better than others. Just make sure the fertilizer is nontoxic. If the greenhouse is large you may want to consider caging off an area so you can monitor feeding. Otherwise you may never see them again if it's heavily planted. Ousties and Verrucosus are also good options if you like larger chams. You will want good ventilation in the greenhouse stagnant humid air will lead to URI's in the chams. Also escaped feeder may eat the plants so make sure what grows in there isn't toxic either.

As for food, you can actually raise palmettos but I would recommend Discoid roaches. They don't smell like crickets do and like it warm, just as the chams do.

 

[Jordyt]

Hello All, I am new to this forum but have a bit of experience with chameleons, geckos, snakes and lizards. I know they all have specific needs, especially chameleons.

Here is my (broad) question(s):

My brother has just built a greenhouse on the side of his house, ventilated wood floor, frosted clear fiberglass panels on top, screen on sides with vinyl windows if needed, misting system with timer and a few fluorescent lights. We live in Jacksonville FL. Can get as low as 30* in winter but rarely, and summers are 85* for 5 months.

We want to introduce either a pair or single chameleons to greenhouse as permanent residents.

So....

Which type would be best?

Can supply crickets but is there better food source, maybe a natural one?

Enclosure is approx 4ft wide by 10ft long 7ft high.

Avg temp prob 80*

how much humidity, special light, plant type needed etc.

Thanks so much for any info, even if you want to discourage us from introducing chameleons to this environment, last thing we want to do is make the animal unhappy or sick. We both love reptiles. would not put them in an uncomfortable situation.

Thank you, Bryan

Honestly the best way to decide would be to review the care sheets for each type of chameleon and see if the conditions will line up.

They are located under the care resource link at the top left. 30 would likely be to low for any chameleon, but you could supplement with a basking light.

A pair may not be possible as they could still see each other which could stress them out. However I don't have experience with enclosures that size so it may be possible. I would wait for a more senior member to chime in.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

I would read the later part of my greenhouse thread it covers the main points of concern. I think from what I have read heating, cooling, water, UV lighting light and access from creatures may be the big issues with your DIY greenhouse.

Here's a link.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/greenhouses-35607/