New to chameleons

[bookn3rd5]

Hello,
I am very excited that we will be receiving our first Cham tomorrow! I have the enclosure set up but I do have a few questions. I've been looking over forums and have been unable to find a few things. any help would be greatly appreciated.
How often do you feed the crickets? I have Fluker's quench it there. Also they ate two dandelions and a slice of potatoe in like 5 hours. Does this mean they are really hungry or do they always eat like this?
I read somewhere that you need to use dechlorinated water for misting. Is this true or can I use tap water?
Also I got the 24x24x48 enclosure, is this going to be too big for my 4 month old panther? I'm concerned he won't be able to find the food. Should I cup feed?
Last question , can I use a 60 w household light bulb for the basking light or should I get a higher watt or just spend the money on an actual "reptile basking bulb".
Thank you in advance for the help!

 

[Thegreatfonz]

I feed my 4 month old panther an hour after I turn his lights on and I'll feed him about 8 crickets.. then 2 hours later I'll bring him more crickets to eat. I'm not really sure about how much crickets eat it depends on how big of a piece of potato you gave them. I use a dry gutload and pour it over an orange and they eat that, but never consume the whole slice of orange. I use tap water for misting, but I don't have a misting system, just a hand mister. I think the dechlorinated water is only for mist king systems so the nozzles don't build up residue and clog. I have the same size enclosure but I put a table in the cage to make it smaller and it cuts off about a foot. He still manages to hunt his food down and hand feeds and doesn't like to cup feed. So it really depends on your cham. and the 60w bulb is fine!

 

[bookn3rd5]

Thank you that is very helpful! I've had a lot of animals including reptiles throughout my life but never a Cham. I'm just hoping he'll be happy with the set up.