is heat at night bad?

[sinbad]

My vet called an "experienced" reptile shop about my chameleons eye problems (he keeps his eyes shut during the day for long periods of time) he is being observed by the vet, but the shop seems to think i need more vitamins, and to keep his enclosure with heat at all times. Basking is 80-86 low point is 70-65 and night temp varies around the 60's currently.


Other than those problems he looks great, and eats about 10 crickets (after i beg him to keep his eyes open long enough to feed him)

 

[carol5208]

You do not have to keep heat on at all times. That just is not true. Veild chameleons are thriving down here in the wild in the Everglades. We have night temps that go down into the 50's and even the 40's during the winter months and they survive.

 

[ridgebax1]

Reptile shops that are truly "experienced" in caring for chameleons. And a vet that relies on such advice is suspect in my book as well. It is possible that it is a supplement issue. Go to the health clinic forum. Locate the sticky at the top titled "how to ask for help". Open it and complete the form with as much information as you are able to provide and post it for the truly experienced chameleon keepers to review and advise you as to what changes you need to make.

 

[nick barta]

Your temperatures are fine.

Fill out the recommended form.

CHEERS!

Nick

 

[NCrosby7]

hi there... i keep my basking light & uvb on 12-15 hours a day.. is a night light ok at night?

 

[ridgebax1]

hi there... i keep my basking light & uvb on 12-15 hours a day.. is a night light ok at night?

Generally heat and light for 12 hours a day. Many folks keep their lights on the same schedule as natural sunlight. Unless your temps dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit no heat is needed at night and chameleons need total darkness to sleep. Even the red light from the special "heat" lamps will mess up their sleep cycle. If you need to provide heat at night then use a ceramic heat emitter.

 

[Forestdellic]

Generally heat and light for 12 hours a day. Many folks keep their lights on the same schedule as natural sunlight. Unless your temps dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit no heat is needed at night and chameleons need total darkness to sleep. Even the red light from the special "heat" lamps will mess up their sleep cycle. If you need to provide heat at night then use a ceramic heat emitter.

My male goes and finds somewhere to sleep as soon as the sun goes down, even if the bulb is still on for another 30minutes just emphasizing how connected they are to a natural light cycle schedule

 

[Montium]

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