How hot is too hot?

[SuperFastSlug]

Hey everyone. I'm new to chameleons, but not new to reptiles/amphibians. I just got a young veiled chameleon yesterday, and stuck him in this 2'x2'x4' screen enclosure with a ficus tree. He is eating and drinking just fine, he's nice and healthy, but I want to know about this basking spot. I don't have any basking animals, so I haven't had to use any basking lamps or anything. I use a 125 watt solar glo, and on the highest point near the lamp is about 114F!

is this too hot? I've seen him on the lower leaves under the light, but I don't want to risk burns. He doesn't seem to be trying to get away from it, as he is pretty much at the top the entire day. So...is it too hot? Thanks! Any help is appreciated!

 

[Sticktongue]

Yes, way to hot! What kind if cham is it? Veiled, high 80s... panther, mid 80s. Get a normal house bulb. Try maybe a60 or 75 watt. Measure the temp at the highest basking spot

 

[SuperFastSlug]

Yes, way to hot! What kind if cham is it? Veiled, high 80s... panther, mid 80s. Get a normal house bulb. Try maybe a60 or 75 watt. Measure the temp at the highest basking spot

He's a veiled chameleon. He seems to be happy basking in the 90-100 area though. Should they only be basking in mid to high 80s?

 

[JDumire]

Basking should be upper 80's to 95F and ambient should be about 75f for a veiled.

 

[xbrokenbabydoll]

Definitely too hot! Try a house bulb, in that size cage I normally use a 75watt, but really it would be up to you to check the temps. Your chameleon should have a basking spot of 80-95.

 

[ChamsRawesome]

Ya you should definitely look up some the care sheets on this site. It should definitely help you on improving your enclosure. It definitely helped me out when I got my first cham.

 

[junglefries]

advice

The higher temps you read about are for native veils. You will own a CB baby, hopefully. They will not be used to 100°+ temps. Plus, why burn your cham, if you knowingly can avoid it. Trust me, you don't want to start a thread about what to do about your cham's burn. The hate mail will start flying. Also, be careful with a ficus, they can produce a wax that is dangerous to the eyes. Sure, lots of people use them, but why not try a hibiscus. Your cham can eat that also.

 

[lancaster0861]

Yea way to high esecially if he is a little one, When he is full grown low to mid 90s is about what my guy likes.