Napoleon's Outdoor Setup in Miami, FL

[ReptileRich]

Hey guys, I recently finished setting up an outdoor setup for a baby Veiled Chameleon, Napoleon. He is housed outdoors in Miami, Florida where we get plenty of rain, sunshine , and humidity. Temperatures average in the mid/upper 70s to the 90s. Winters rarely drop below 50 degrees. We have a nice drop in temperature at night time. I have taken necessary precautions to prevent predators from bothering him. He is about 4 months old. He seems to really enjoy his new home and his color is always a vibrant green. He is very active.

The Enclosure: ZooMed XLarge Reptarium (24x24x48) The bottom flooring panel was removed and live plants were planted into the ground. Large pond stones were placed over the soil to prevent any mulch or dirt being picked up when he is eating. Large stakes were also hammered near the bottom frame to support the foundation from wind gusts.

The Plants- 1 large Hibiscus,1 Monstera Delicosa, 1 Coleus ,1 Cordyline, plenty of vines and branches, all live.

Diet- 15-20 Crickets daily, roaches, mealworms. He is fed 2x a day.

Supplements- ReptiCalcium WITHOUT D3 every feeding, Repti Multi Vitamin 1x a month.

Water- We get plenty of rain and it usually showers daily. If not, I mist his enclosure with the garden hose 2-3x a day. He also has a Tupperware container of water with a few small holes drilled in it just in case so he always has a water source.

What do you guys think? Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. I want to give him the best naturalistic home as possible.

Outdoor Setup

• ReptileRich
• Jun 18, 2016

Cage

• ReptileRich
• Jun 18, 2016

Zoomed XLarge

• ReptileRich
• Jun 18, 2016

Plants2

• ReptileRich
• Jun 18, 2016

Plants

• ReptileRich
• Jun 18, 2016

 

[jpowell86]

I think it is great! I am a huge proponent of giving chameleons outdoor time. I think there is a drastic difference in health when they get that time.

The only thing I would have to say.....the cage sitting on the ground may welcome guests. When you place feeders in there for your chameleon, naturally, some will escape and some will die. This will be a green light for ants. Since your cage is flush with the ground there will be no stopping them. Don't get me wrong, my cages are elevated. That alone won't stop ants. You have to be clever in your build to keep them out. This isn't impending doom on your chameleon and I am unaware of the indigenous ants in your area. Here, we have fire ants. When one makes up there mind to attack, the rest follow suit. They are nasty little things.

Just giving you my opinions. I have a very large collection of chameleons and I give all of them outside time when the temps are appropriate. Things happen fast though. If you plan on leaving him outside at night, be aware that a raccoon can tear through that screen with ease. I'm sure all these thoughts have gone through your head already.

I would suggest creating a wooden frame covered in hardware cloth that you could place over the top of that cage at night...if you do intend to leave him outside.

I have chameleons in greenhouses and the raccoons try their hands at getting in there too. So something like this would be easy for them to negotiate.

Nice plant selection!!

 

[ReptileRich]

We don't get a lot of critters like raccoons ( at least in this area), but I have already used some rodent/pest repellent around the yard. Since I have sprinkled these pellets along the perimeter of my house/yard, I haven't seen any pests for months. I also have one of those fake bird-scarer windsock things and birds are terrified to hang out in the yard.

Fire Ants aren't around these parts, we have the little black ants. When I feed him, I keep his meal inside a little Tupperware dish to prevent some from escaping. Of course a few might eventually escape, but I understand your concern.