New Chameleon owner, I need help.

[cyberlocc]

I didn't realize the temps were to be that low. It's a little irritating that the few caresheets I've found of Fischer's gave the impression that it was to be higher.

"These chameleons thrive best when provided a wide range of temperatures to select the one they need best. A high temperature of 90 degrees or more at the top of the cage is ideal, as long as the bottom of the cage is below 80 degrees. A good thermometer is vital to determining cage temperature, and no chameleon cage should be without at least one!"

I'll be sure to get another UVB bulb as well. Thank you. Great advice, Thug seems to be in a better mood today.

Where is that care sheet from? No one in there right mind would say to keep a Montane at 90f.

Okay found it, ya I dont listen to a thing that LLL says in there sheets. They told me recently to keep my baby panther at 95-100 for a 2 month old.

 

[OldChamKeeper]

There is an ungodly amount of bad info out there. Always has been, always will be.

Any chameleon that is considered a "montane" type needs cooler temps, decent humidity without going overboard or creating stagnant air, and a simple basking spot for those few that will use it. I personally have one male four horned chameleon that will use a basking light for about 15 minutes each morning and then stay away from it for the rest of the time it is is on. Hence it being on a timer for a few hours only.

They love a simple yet soaking misting, nothing heavy or firehose like. Two five minute cycles tend to be a good start point, some might need a little more and others less.

If you can keep your montanes around 78ish you're doing great. I know from experience and in talking to others they can handle higher temps but the amount of water increases as well as the temps and most keepers can't pull that off.

 

[Shivar102]

Thank you guys SO much! If I didn't ask for your help and went by these terrible caresheets i'm sure this poor animal wouldn't live a happy life.

I'll make some adjustments and I'll post tomorrow on how well he does.