growing veggies in chams cage?

[Muddyfeet]

Has anyone tried to grow some veggies, like Kale etc in their chams cage?

As l am planning on investing in some better lighting thinking T5HO arcadia with a plant bulb.. might work?

I have a bunch greens growing in semi hydroponic pots at the moment.. seems like I could put the extra in with the chameleon one for foliage, but heck hope he may munch on them also??

Stupid? anyone tried?


Thanks..

 

[mr stroudy]

not for my chameleon no but i did grow melons in my water dragon tank and also cress and a few other herbs lol. go for it if it works all is good.

 

[Deevo]

I study turfgrass science and I had this idea of using some type of grass as a substrate. I'm thinking of possibly using wheat grass. Sort of along the lines of what the OP stated.

If the odd chance my kinyongia decided to eat vegetation (they normally don't) I am assuming at this point it wouldn't be toxic. I'd like to look into this a little more and if it seems feasible I will for sure make a thread.

edit: Stupid, absolutely not. Innovative, yes. Just make sure to always plan and do lots of research.

 

[nj011908]

Has anyone tried to grow some veggies, like Kale etc in their chams cage?

As l am planning on investing in some better lighting thinking T5HO arcadia with a plant bulb.. might work?

I have a bunch greens growing in semi hydroponic pots at the moment.. seems like I could put the extra in with the chameleon one for foliage, but heck hope he may munch on them also??

Stupid? anyone tried?


Thanks..

yes collard greens work great and they are good for the crickets to go to at night if you allow for free feeding, this way the crickets dont harrass the cham at night and sometimes your chameleon will nibble at it too while drinking off of it, just remember non pesticide soil and put large pebble that your cham cant grab and swallow around exposed soil,

 

[ridgebax1]

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I think a major drawback would be lighting, so if there is a way to light the floor of the cage adequately it should work. I would however avoid Kale as it is goitrogenic and can interfere with calcium absorption. Collards would be a better choice.

 

[nj011908]

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I think a major drawback would be lighting, so if there is a way to light the floor of the cage adequately it should work. I would however avoid Kale as it is goitrogenic and can interfere with calcium absorption. Collards would be a better choice.

i agree with the collards obviously but kale isnt bad. its even listed in the care resources for gutloading...read this link below... also lighting the floor would not be natural at all the chameleon goes up for uv light and heat and down to get away, arboreal

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/food/

 

[Muddyfeet]

I was not thinking good for people to eat.. FYI.. at least not once in the chams cage.. I love my reptiles but not worth risking salmonella my cham likes to use his plants for a toilet that may be a plus in a modified hydro style pot.. however,,, just need to come up with a simple cheap design..with a overflow.. hmm..

The light is always a problem, but if they are well started hope with a new the new lighting fixture from light your reptiles I am saving for.. they can at least do well short term.. and dual purpose... for the electricity..

I was looking perhaps not huge plants.. but.. something along the Microgreens idea.. a lot of people are growing these inside in the winter, also some people are growing this kind of stuff for the chickens and rabbits in the winter.. start them in a small enough pot, may even be able to hang them.. heck may to see if I can grow some say on a tree fern flat?? Hmm..

 

[Psychobunny]

I used to have one of those plastic sprout planters, that grow the sprouts out
the top, and you put water in the bottom. It was designed for bird cages.

It didn't work out very well! Smeagie just ripped to shreads, and I would find
all the sprouts yanked out and flung on the floor

Now I just put a bowl of cut up veggies in the bottom of his cage for his
"salad" snacks.

 

[GilaTequila]

I think a nutrient film technique hydro system would work. U could build it in two or three layers vertically on the back wall. Have high light plants on top then the lower light stuff further down. The flowing water will also help increase humidity. Also I have seen sheets that hang on the wall that have pockets for growing medium and plants. Makes a planted wall. Same idea as a hydro wall but may be easier to maintain. Just some ideas. Post pics if it works.