Outdoors and Temps

[theo_mack]

Hey everyone,

I don't currently have a panther chameleon, but I have done my research and decided that I would really like one. There is one for sale locally with a cage, lights, mister, etc. for a very reasonable price, not to mention that it is a pure, 9 month old Ambilobe. However, I was just curious if temps like these are reasonable for keeping him outdoors day and night. On the care sheet here (as well as a few other places), it says that night time drops can be down into the low 50's and anything less should have heat (but I can bring him indoors where its 60's). I would also cover a fair amount of the enclosure to provide shade and a gradient
because it is really sunny here in Southern California. Does this look okay?

Thanks!

 

[theo_mack]

Also, I forgot to mention that I would bring him in on a rainy day obviously or when the temperature is below 50 degrees. But it doesn't get hotter than this here, even in the summer.

 

[JacksJill]

A lot of So. Cal keepers have their chams outside. Your temps seem low for full time outdoor living for a panther. The males will need more heat to aid digestion and metabolism. I bet your summer months will be warmer and work fine. Be aware that rats, raccoons and hawks do occasionally raid chameleon cages. So you will need more than just a window screen for protection.
Temperature:
Baby/juvenile (<9 months): ambient 72-80F (22-26C), basking 82F (28C)
Adult males: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 85-90F (29-32C)
Adult females: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 80-85F (26-29C)

 

[theo_mack]

A lot of So. Cal keepers have their chams outside. Your temps seem low for full time outdoor living for a panther. The males will need more heat to aid digestion and metabolism. I bet your summer months will be warmer and work fine. Be aware that rats, raccoons and hawks do occasionally raid chameleon cages. So you will need more than just a window screen for protection.
Temperature:
Baby/juvenile (<9 months): ambient 72-80F (22-26C), basking 82F (28C)
Adult males: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 85-90F (29-32C)
Adult females: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 80-85F (26-29C)

Thanks! I keep a few tortoises outside, and have noticed that even when it says "65 degrees" during the day, basking spots can easily get up to 95+. I have been bringing him in at night, even thought temps have been registering pretty high. Just don't want to take any risk at all. Also, I read on the care sheet that temps can drop into the low 50's with no concern... is this true? It seems very low for any reptile, especially tropical chameleons.

 

[JacksJill]

As long as the days get warm enough they seem to do well. In the montane species it is preferable that they get a good night time drop.

 

[theo_mack]

As long as the days get warm enough they seem to do well. In the montane species it is preferable that they get a good night time drop.

Perfect. Thanks!

 

[waynek]

Perfect. Thanks!

I keep my quads and veileds outside as much as I can. Especially on rainy days I’ve had panthers and they loved the rain