Ideas for the top of cage(UVB)

[MollyT]

So I just read on here that if the top of the cage is covered with screen or mesh, that if the light is above this, a lot of the UVB rays gets reflected off. Is this true? What are ways around this? I read that if the light is in the enclosure that the chameleon will climb on it and burn itsself, so what alternatives are there? I am still about a month away from getting my chameleon and want to make sure everything is right. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[carol5208]

Yes it will cut it down some, but honestly the majority of us have our cages set up this way with the light on the top of the screen and all of our chameleons seem to thrive this way.

 

[MollyT]

Okay..thank you. That is a relief to know! I nearly panicked when I read that! haha

 

[carol5208]

I would recommend getting him out in the natural sunlight as much as possible. That is always better than any artificial uvb light.

 

[MollyT]

I am planning on giving him natural sunlight when I can. I live in Northeast Kentucky, so it gets pretty cold here in the winter, but I'll be getting him mid September, so there should be some warm days before it starts getting too cold.

 

[PantherEnvy]

Yes it will cut it down some, but honestly the majority of us have our cages set up this way with the light on the top of the screen and all of our chameleons seem to thrive this way.

Carol is right. Just get everything right on your lighting on top of your cage AND ensure regular outings outside and your chameleon will thrive.

 

[carol5208]

I know, I was going to add in the phrase"as weather permits". I know fall will be upon you guys soon. I am from Illinois orginally and I know all too well how quick the weather changes up there. You can still take your chameleon outside if the weather is sunny and not too cold, say like 60 degrees or so and let him soak up some rays for a little while.