Housing T. montium outside

[tucc185]

HI, I just acquired a male T. montium. After losing my first pair of montiums within a week of getting them (they were extremely sickly and dehydrated imports) I'm a little nervous about this guy. I live in new england, and our current temps are in the mid-70s for a daytime high and high 50s at night. Humidity is in the 50% range. From what I've read about montiums, these temps should be acceptable but the humidity is a bit low. I keep all my chameleons outside at least 3 months out of the year, so I would like to keep this guy outside as well. He's housed in a densely-planted 38 reptarium. Would frequent misting be sufficient to keep him hydrated and healthy? Would a waterfall or fogger be helpful or is that unnecessary? Does anyone have experience keeping montane, humidity-loving species outside?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Cainschams]

HI, I just acquired a male T. montium. After losing my first pair of montiums within a week of getting them (they were extremely sickly and dehydrated imports) I'm a little nervous about this guy. I live in new england, and our current temps are in the mid-70s for a daytime high and high 50s at night. Humidity is in the 50% range. From what I've read about montiums, these temps should be acceptable but the humidity is a bit low. I keep all my chameleons outside at least 3 months out of the year, so I would like to keep this guy outside as well. He's housed in a densely-planted 38 reptarium. Would frequent misting be sufficient to keep him hydrated and healthy? Would a waterfall or fogger be helpful or is that unnecessary? Does anyone have experience keeping montane, humidity-loving species outside?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

The temps do sound good. Frequent misting would definitely help just make sure the cage has time to dry out. The only worry I would have is that the reptarium could heat up very quickly because of its black color. IMO it would be best to make or buy a cage that has a lighter colored screen or be around constantly to monitor it.

 

[boosh96]

I've never kept a montane species, but i'd probably say to keep two enclosures-one outside and one inside. If conditions outdoors get outside the chameleon's comfort zone, then take it inside.

 

[jdog1027]

I have never kept T. montium. I intend to sometime in the future. I do keep Jacksons. I personally don't ever take my Jacksons outside. But; I live in Alabama, you live in New England; Big difference in temperature. IF your temperatures consistentely stay in the 70s, I would think that it would be O.K. just as long as some type of watering system is provided. You can get timers that hook directly to your garden hose spigot that you can program. A few cycles a day would be needed in 50% humidity. Like Cainschams mentioned, be sure to give enough time between cycle to allow the cage to somewhat dry out. ALSO- I would keep him completely in the shade. Even in the shade, UVB can be present and beneficial. He doesn't need to be in direct sunlight in order to benefit from the scattered UV. The main concern here is hydration and over heating. Good luck!

 

[tucc185]

Thanks for the info. I actually have a pair of jackson's that have been kept outdoors in reptariums for the last two summers here, even in temps of 90+. Never had any issues, but they are kept pretty much in full shade and have access to plenty of cool water on hot days.

In my experience chameleons kept outside and exposed to a wide variety of temps/conditions fare immeasurably better than those kept indoors under more controlled conditions. As long as your cage design (heavy on plants for shade and shelter) and location allow the chameleons to thermoregulate and provide a good temp gradient, they will thrive. I don't think I took any of my chams indoors last summer even through thunderstorms, extreme heat, and nighttime lows in the low 50s. My jacksons are huge, robust, and breed readily throughout the summer, and my female panthers only show interest in breeding after being exposed to natural sunlight.

I asked specifically about the montium because it is my first time working with the species but I think I'll try him outside and see what happens. I haven't lost a cham housed outside yet, past health problems have always surfaced during the winter months when I'm forced to house them indoors. Thanks again for the advice and I will update, and maybe post pics tomorrow.

 

[stevie]

i keep al my trioceros outside butt i live in europe hehe , deremensis ,quadricornis ,rudis , hoehnelli, jacksoni , montium, cristatus al are outside day and night , today it is gonna be about 77° fahrenheit and to night 57° and 80 % humidity , montium 's are not so hard as jacks if its to hot like your 90° it will be hard and risky so frequently mist and spray with cool water will help

 

[Texas Panther Man]

you could invest in one of those cheap outside patio misting systems. Ive seen them on ebay for less than 40.00. hook that up to your spigot with a timer and your set for the whole summer.

 

[CNorton]

Everyone has given really solid advice so far. However, I would allow at least a month of indoor - close observation time for acclimation. I don't mean to watch him all the time but rather to monitor his acclimation. During this time I would use a humidifier and a dripper and I would also do a 5 day cycle or two of Reptaid.

Then after this time, and the cham looks happy. Go ahead and do the outdoor thing. Chances are, the cham has been getting plenty of natural sun from wherever he was imported. Keeping him indoors to acclimate will pay off.