New panther chameleon owner

[marcu5]

Hello,

I am new to owning a chameleon. I have been doing a ton of research, set up my cage and monitored it for about two weeks. I brought home a 5/6 month old male panther chameleon yesterday. Today I spent the day monitoring him and making sure everything is going smooth.

Early in the day he continued to climb the ceiling of the cage so I added in more branches closer to the tip and I have not seen him do it since. Because I was allowing him to be higher I moved his uvb light and basking bulb higher.

He did better staying on the basking branches but started to gape when he was basking. I moved the light even higher because I read that that is a sign of overheating. Was this right?

He is still climbing the sides of the cage and am wondering if this is normal. He did stop climbing the roof.

He does a lot of leaf walking and am curious is that due to being in a new cage and possibly being stressed with me adding branches for him today?

He doesn’t spend much time in the leaves of the plants is this normal?

I felt prepared and still do I am just stressed. I don’t want to mess this up by overlooking something.

Questions:

Is leaf walking normal for the first few days?

Is gaping while basking meaning he is overheating?

Is crawling on the screen walls normal?

Is spending small amounts of time in leaves normal?

 

[Gloriawood]

Hello and welcome!!!! Good on you for prepping first. I wish I had done that. I have a veiled, but I feel I can answer your questions. First of all, keep in mind it takes like two weeks for them to settle completely and get used to everything. See my reply’s in red.


Questions:

Is leaf walking normal for the first few days?

Yes! Totally normal. Mine does it now and then still and I’ve had him over a year.

Is gaping while basking meaning he is overheating?

It can. It can also be stress, which is again normal the first little while. How are you measuring temps?

Is crawling on the screen walls normal?

Yep. Little ones will do this. It could also be from him just getting used to his new home.

Is spending small amounts of time in leaves normal?

Yep. He will patrol all over his enclosure. He will bask for a while, explore, hang out in the leaves. All normal.


Looks like it’s all just him getting used to his new home. Give him a week or two and he should settle down. If you are nervous about having things right, you can always do a husbandry review. Someone experienced here will look over everything and give you feedback. If you’re interested in that, I’ll give you the form.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Howdy

Congratulations about buying a new Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis). Plus, Welcome to the Chameleon Forums.

If you have got pictures of your new Panther Chameleon do not be shy post them. I second the first reply. All the behaviors sound normal. I would watch the screen climbing. To much can cause problems with chameleons feet nails.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[elizaann2]

I agree with everything @Gloriawood said. I’d also like to normalize how stressful it is getting a new chameleon. I still find myself stressing over my babies and I’ve been doing this for 3 years. There are a lot of really great keepers on here who are kind and willing to help out and answer questions at anytime.

I’d also second the husbandry review, even for your own peace of mind….and pictures are always great as well

 

[ERKleRose]

Congrats, and welcome to the chamily! Everyone’s got you covered, but I do want to ask if he’s gaping only under the heat lamp, and if he’s gaped since you moved it higher? Like already mentioned, a husbandry review never hurts, plus we’d love to see the little bugger and his cage! Let us know if you need anything or have any questions, we’re here to help! May I ask where you got him from, and what his name is?

 

[marcu5]

Hello and welcome!!!! Good on you for prepping first. I wish I had done that. I have a veiled, but I feel I can answer your questions. First of all, keep in mind it takes like two weeks for them to settle completely and get used to everything. See my reply’s in red.


Questions:

Is leaf walking normal for the first few days?

Yes! Totally normal. Mine does it now and then still and I’ve had him over a year.

Is gaping while basking meaning he is overheating?

It can. It can also be stress, which is again normal the first little while. How are you measuring temps?

Is crawling on the screen walls normal?

Yep. Little ones will do this. It could also be from him just getting used to his new home.

Is spending small amounts of time in leaves normal?

Yep. He will patrol all over his enclosure. He will bask for a while, explore, hang out in the leaves. All normal.


Looks like it’s all just him getting used to his new home. Give him a week or two and he should settle down. If you are nervous about having things right, you can always do a husbandry review. Someone experienced here will look over everything and give you feedback. If you’re interested in that, I’ll give you the form.

I wouldn’t mind doing a husbandry review! I would love to get any advice for improvements I can make

I am measuring temps with 4 different thermometer/hydrometers and I have a temp gun.

 

[marcu5]

Congrats, and welcome to the chamily! Everyone’s got you covered, but I do want to ask if he’s gaping only under the heat lamp, and if he’s gaped since you moved it higher? Like already mentioned, a husbandry review never hurts, plus we’d love to see the little bugger and his cage! Let us know if you need anything or have any questions, we’re here to help! May I ask where you got him from, and what his name is?

I have not seen him gape at all since I moved the light up! I got him from a breeder and went and picked him up. His name is Binx!

 

[ERKleRose]

I wouldn’t mind doing a husbandry review! I would love to get any advice for improvements I can make

I am measuring temps with 4 different thermometer/hydrometers and I have a temp gun.

I love that! I’ve posted the husbandry form below, just copy and paste the form in your reply, and fill it in! Of course we need a baby chameleon picture tax, and a pic of his entire enclosure (lights to bottom), would be greatly appreciated, as well!

Are you measuring his basking area with a probed digital thermometer or something else? And side note, temp guns aren’t very useful in the chameleon hobby, as we need to measure air temps not surface temps. Just wanted to give you a heads up!

I have not seen him gape at all since I moved the light up! I got him from a breeder and went and picked him up. His name is Binx!

That’s awesome! And what a cute name, I can’t wait to see him!

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

--------------

Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[marcu5]

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?

Panther chameleon, male, 4-5 months, this is only the third day in my care

• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?

I have not handled him yet.

• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?

Currently feeding him silk worms, feeding him until he doesn’t want any split between morning and afternoon. I read that the silk worms only need to eat their green food so I have not fed them vegetables.

I am planning on getting him some crickets this weekend

• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?

Rep-Cal with no phosphorus or D3
Reptivite with d3

I dust the feeders with the rep-cal with no d3 every feeding

Planned on giving him the reptivite with d3 twice a month

• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?

I have a mistking system with two nozzles I mist before lights on 2min
2 hours later for 15 sec
2 hours later for 30 sec
2 hours later for 15 sec
Before lights out for 2 min

I have seen him drink multiple times

I live in NH and it is getting dry with the season change and tested this schedule before getting him

• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?

Saw droppings today, the uirate was a cream color and the poop looked like a normal brown shade. I have not gotten him tested for parasites.

• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

No previous history

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?

2x2x4 screen cage
I put shower curtains on the sides, and a window film over the front to hold humidity.
Moving the curtains when needed to cool down and let humidity out if needed

• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?

Reptisun t5 linear 5.0
Unsure the brand of the heating dome, 60W exo Terra heat bulb
Linear Plant LED light
I have lights on for 12 hours lights off

• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?

The floor is 80 the top is 82. Today we got a random hot day and I have been trying to cool the cage.

Basking spot was 82 today but I measured with a heat gun

Night time has been low 60’s to low 70’s

• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?

Humidity levels are around 60-70% in the day
High 70’s - 90’s at night

I achieve this by misting and using a fogger at night

• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?

I have a money tree, 4 golden pothos and one spider plant

• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?

The cage is in my room and is near a fan across the room that doesn’t blow towards the cage.
The cage is about 8ft off the ground measuring from the top

• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Located in NH

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

I am concerned I do not have enough coverage for him, and If I am measuring temps wrong and possibly giving him too much heat or humidity.

 

[marcu5]

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?

Panther chameleon, male, 4-5 months, this is only the third day in my care

• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?

I have not handled him yet.

• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?

Currently feeding him silk worms, feeding him until he doesn’t want any split between morning and afternoon. I read that the silk worms only need to eat their green food so I have not fed them vegetables.

I am planning on getting him some crickets this weekend

• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?

Rep-Cal with no phosphorus or D3
Reptivite with d3

I dust the feeders with the rep-cal with no d3 every feeding

Planned on giving him the reptivite with d3 twice a month

• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?

I have a mistking system with two nozzles I mist before lights on 2min
2 hours later for 15 sec
2 hours later for 30 sec
2 hours later for 15 sec
Before lights out for 2 min

I have seen him drink multiple times

I live in NH and it is getting dry with the season change and tested this schedule before getting him

• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?

Saw droppings today, the uirate was a cream color and the poop looked like a normal brown shade. I have not gotten him tested for parasites.

• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

No previous history

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?

2x2x4 screen cage
I put shower curtains on the sides, and a window film over the front to hold humidity.
Moving the curtains when needed to cool down and let humidity out if needed

• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?

Reptisun t5 linear 5.0
Unsure the brand of the heating dome, 60W exo Terra heat bulb
Linear Plant LED light
I have lights on for 12 hours lights off

• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?

The floor is 80 the top is 82. Today we got a random hot day and I have been trying to cool the cage.

Basking spot was 82 today but I measured with a heat gun

Night time has been low 60’s to low 70’s

• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?

Humidity levels are around 60-70% in the day
High 70’s - 90’s at night

I achieve this by misting and using a fogger at night

• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?

I have a money tree, 4 golden pothos and one spider plant

• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?

The cage is in my room and is near a fan across the room that doesn’t blow towards the cage.
The cage is about 8ft off the ground measuring from the top

• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Located in NH

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

I am concerned I do not have enough coverage for him, and If I am measuring temps wrong and possibly giving him too much heat or humidity.


View attachment 360271

The lighting set up is a bit janky but it seems to be working

 

[Gloriawood]

I won’t do your review since I’m not as familiar with panthers, but it overall looks pretty good. More coverage would be good. I have a brown thumb so I compensate for that by hanging fake plants on the outside of the enclosure. Between that and the live ones inside, I barely see my guy!

 

[GrannyK]

Welcome to the forum! I don’t feel comfortable doing a full review, there are more experienced people I will leave you in the hands of but I too have panthers and everything looks to be ok except you can decrease your daytime humidity to 50/60 ish eliminating those 15,20 sec mists during the day and he should be fine. My guys occasionally get down to 40’s and seem to be ok. Night time is good though 70-100. I also recommend a bit more coverage if possible, but your pothos will grow fast too. More sticks wouldn’t hurt either. They sometimes love different pathways.

 

[marcu5]

Welcome to the forum! I don’t feel comfortable doing a full review, there are more experienced people I will leave you in the hands of but I too have panthers and everything looks to be ok except you can decrease your daytime humidity to 50/60 ish eliminating those 15,20 sec mists during the day and he should be fine. My guys occasionally get down to 40’s and seem to be ok. Night time is good though 70-100. I also recommend a bit more coverage if possible, but your pothos will grow fast too. More sticks wouldn’t hurt either. They sometimes love different pathways.

Ok I will get rid of the mid day listings and see how it goes. I was looking today and was thinking of some more spots to put branches. And I will look for some more plants too. Thank you for your help!

 

[GrannyK]

Gloriawood had a good idea, you could put some fake plants on the outside until the pothos grow in and he should feel secure.

 

[ERKleRose]

You’re doing a GREAT job!! I’ve just got a few tweaks and info for you:

I am planning on getting him some crickets this weekend

I’ve attached a gutload chart below in case you’re not sure what to feed the crickets. Also, avoid getting crickets from places like Petsmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, etc (any big chain pet store), as they have higher risks of parasites. Ghann’s Crickets is the absolute best place to get crickets from! https://www.ghann.com/
If you want links for other feeders, let us know (I’ve also added a feeder chart, too)!

2 hours later for 15 sec
2 hours later for 30 sec
2 hours later for 15 sec

I’d add these mistings in the middle of the night instead

a window film over the front to hold humidity

Is the bottom service door uncovered, or are both front doors covered?

Reptisun t5 linear 5.0
Unsure the brand of the heating dome, 60W exo Terra heat bulb

Make sure the distance from the uvb bulb to basking branch is 8-9” for proper uvi levels. Remember to replace the Zoo Med 5.0 uvb every 6 months. If you switch to Arcadia 6% after these first 6 months, you’ll only need to replace the bulb yearly. How far away is the heat bulb from the basking branch, and what type of Exo Terra bulb is it?

The floor is 80 the top is 82. Today we got a random hot day and I have been trying to cool the cage.

Basking spot was 82 today but I measured with a heat gun

Night time has been low 60’s to low 70’s

Heat guns sadly aren’t the best in chameleon husbandry (they measure surface temps, not air temps), so you’ll want to get a probed digital thermometer (place the probe where the top of your cham’s back is when he’s on his basking branch) and a couple of digital thermometer/hygrometer combos (one near the bottom of the cage and one near the top) instead for more accurate measurements. 80*F is too hot for ambient temps at the floor of the cage, see if you can lower that to the high 60s to low 70s there. Unless night temps are 65*F or lower, it’s not safe to fog

Humidity levels are around 60-70% in the day

If you can lower that to 50-60%, perfect!

I achieve this by misting and using a fogger at night

Is your fogger cool mist or warm mist?

I am concerned I do not have enough coverage for him, and If I am measuring temps wrong and possibly giving him too much heat or humidity.

I think everyone has covered everything, but if you have more questions, want clarification, or anything else, please let us know! We’re happy to help!

 

[marcu5]

Hello

I have silk worms and Dubias and I did get crickets from petsmart but will start ordering them. Thank you for that.

I spent a few nights up late and the humidity seemed to stay above 80 at night with the fogger. I believe it is a cool fog. I will take another look at night and add misting if I need.

My temps and humidity were pretty high due to the two random days where it was mid 70’s but it is cool again like it should be and my temps and humidity have been good.

Is there a heat probe that you can recommend? And I have a uvb solar meter 5.2 or 3 whatever the current one is I got.

Thank you for taking the time to help me out

 

[marcu5]

I am also about to order some bsfl and super worms

 

[ERKleRose]

Hello

I have silk worms and Dubias and I did get crickets from petsmart but will start ordering them. Thank you for that.

I spent a few nights up late and the humidity seemed to stay above 80 at night with the fogger. I believe it is a cool fog. I will take another look at night and add misting if I need.

My temps and humidity were pretty high due to the two random days where it was mid 70’s but it is cool again like it should be and my temps and humidity have been good.

Is there a heat probe that you can recommend? And I have a uvb solar meter 5.2 or 3 whatever the current one is I got.

Thank you for taking the time to help me out

Awesome!
This is the heat probe I’m currently using: https://a.co/d/89qxfBk
The model of Solarmeter is very important, so I’d check which one you have. What’s recommended is the 6.5
No problem at all, that’s why we’re here! Thank you for taking our advice!

I am also about to order some bsfl and super worms

Yay!

 

[marcu5]

Awesome!
This is the heat probe I’m currently using: https://a.co/d/89qxfBk
The model of Solarmeter is very important, so I’d check which one you have. What’s recommended is the 6.5
No problem at all, that’s why we’re here! Thank you for taking our advice!

Yay!

I want to say thank you for linking that heat probe! I just got it and checked the temps of his basking branch and it is 84°!

 

[ERKleRose]

I want to say thank you for linking that heat probe! I just got it and checked the temps of his basking branch and it is 84°!

Awesome! I’m glad it helped out!
We need more pics of him, I love watching their colors develop!