Ideas for improving setup

[Sparky7982]

Hi. My name is Alicia and my husband and I are first time Jackson owners and are new to the forums. We have had our little guy for 4 months now and he is 8 or 9 months old. When we purchased him, the LED reptibreeze (I think medium) was included. (It was just the empty cage still in the box). We would like to upgrade his enclosure to the XL and would like any thoughts and ideas to improve his setup for when we put it together . Here is a pic of what his enclosure currently looks like. (The bowl is just there for when we give him his various worms). Thank you!!!! And sorry for the poor quality, the photos were taken with a phone camera that is broken

 

[Angelwolf]

First of all, I LOVE the hand!!!! LOL! Is that left over from the cham's previous owner? He he he! Besides getting the bigger size, I recommend saving the money, and ditch the led lights. They serve absolutely no purpose, and even though they are marketed for "night time viewing" they will disrupt your cham's sleep cycle. What's the blanket for? Please tell me it's not right up against that light. (I used to be a firefighter, and let me tell you how dangerous that is!) If you have to cover the cage, or part of it, just wrap the blanket around the sides and back. Not on top. Your cham needs that airflow, and the heat needs someplace to escape. I know you don't want to cook your cham. Otherwise, looks pretty good, inside! Your cham looks happy, but definitely is outgrowing that enclosure. I would get the XL as soon as you can.

 

[Sparky7982]

The blanket was to block my little dog from his sight lol. No I put him in complete darkness once the lights are off at bedtime. Occasionally i will block the front if the cage at night too if any lights are on downstairs where he is because I know how important darkness at bedtime is for them. It amazing, like clockwork. Once his UVB lamp goes off ( heat lamp obviously goes off a couple hours sooner) we leave the LED lights on for a few minutes and he finds his spot to settle for the night and its lights out and he goes right to sleep and then wakes up once the lights come on in the morning. If only we could do that lol

 

[Sparky7982]

Usually my dog is never really in the same room as him.

 

[Angelwolf]

I have a dog (some times 2) and a toddler running around the house, right in front of the cage. Plus 2 full grown humans. My cham is in the middle of a high traffic area. He's been there since day 1. Yes, in the very beginning, he was A LITTLE stressed about it, but he has gotten used to it, and doesn't even look as we all pass by, anymore. I look over, just to peek, as I walk by, and occasionally say hi, but he's chill and doesn't care any more.

 

[JacksJill]

Kind of bare bones! Your right time to expand. More plants are always a good choice.

 

[Sparky7982]

My husband broight home that hand. Lol. I love it! Ya with the XL hopefully we can fit more plants. I would like more of a variety. Does anybody know any plants that bloom flowers and vines that are safe. I really don't know ANYTHING about plants or flowers. I think the only reason the ficus is doing well is because of the UVB and constant humidity.

 

[Nursemaia]

Hibiscus will bloom

 

[JacksJill]

(Oops! You're right) Wandering Jew aka Tradescantia fluminensis has small flowers and vines. It is said to be cham safe. So far it's been great in my viv. but my guy doesn't eat his plants.