How Young, is too young, for outdoors?

[Djturna4thakidz]

I was wondering how old/big a panther chameleon should be before he is put outside for natural sunlight. I have one that is just four months, but he is still pretty small. I live in southern california so it gets pretty hot in the summer. What should the outdoor temperature be? Should half of his enclosure be caged?

 

[maxttu]

I bring my new panther home to Houston on the weekends. He's < 3 months old. I leave him under the canopy for 99.3% of the time. He'll get some rays in the early morning before 10am as it can get pretty warm here. I hose and mist the cage down very frequently throughout the day.

 

[ChamMan7]

It all really depends on the temperature outside, humidity, etc. Also on his age. Babies and non breeding females should have lower basking temps. If he is small enough that your questioning keeping him caged while outside, I would recommend keeping him caged.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Thanks. It is supposed to be between 90-95 degrees farenheit here all week, if I get him out for an hour or so in the evening when it is about 85, he should be ok? I will keep him plenty hydrated

 

[ChamMan7]

Yes he should be fine. Like you said just keep him hydrated and he shouldn't have a problem with it.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

he will be caged outside. I just want to know that it wont be too hot for him and that he wont hang out in the direct sunlight and get hurt. I will be monitoring the entire time, I just want him to get used to going outside at a young age. He doesnt like being held very much, so I thought maybe I can build up some trust by taking him outside, where he gets the reward of being in the SUN!

 

[SpartyTessy]

Having him outside is actually so much better for him than being inside. Of course you need to constantly monitor the temps and make sure his basking temp is not more than what it should. Also you will want to make sure that part of the cage is always in shade. I was given some number's by another member on here (Hoj)who is now a Moderator and you can see that outside sun and even shade he is getting more UVB than the standard 5.0 UVB tube.

Quoted from Hoj

Direct sun on a clear day 250-350
Average shade or heavy cloud cover 75-150
Reptisun 5.0 at about 8" through screen 55-75

As I am sure you know how important UVB is to our Chams. Of course like I said you need to make sure that they do not over heat as especially at a young age are very susceptible to overheating.

 

[Cainschams]

Too young would be when they are sitting in the egg absorbing the yolk still Never too young to be outside as long as temps are in a good range for the species.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

for a 3.5-4 month old male panther, the preferred range for basking is 80-85 degrees?