Panther Enclosure Questions (from a newbie!)

[guycarter24]

Hi all!

I am looking in to getting a Panther Chameleon, which will be my first cham, and I have a few beginner's questions about set up etc.

Following some research I am looking to purchase the Zoo Med Repti Breeze XL cage (24"x24"x48"); is this size recommended? Or would the slightly smaller 18"x18"x36" version be sufficient enough for a full time enclosure? Size isn't too much of an issue and I could accommodate the XL version with little trouble, but naturally if there could be any compromise I would take it- purely for convenience (bare in mind if that compromise would affect the Cham's comfort in anyway that isn't tolerable then I will always settle for the larger!).

Also, how well do Zoo Med Repti Breeze retain humidity and heat levels, and what accessories would you recommend are the best to obtain optimum conditions for the Cham inside this enclosure.

What substrate is best for this type of habititat?

Thank you, any help/advice for a nooby is appreciated

 

[carol5208]

Hi guy and welcome to the forums!. You asked a lot of good questions. Most of us opt for the 24 X 24 X 48 cage as chameleons like the heighth. The other cage size you mentioned would be a bit small for an adult panther. Young chameleons can be put in these size cages, but it may be wise to cup feed as small feeders will hide out and your chameleon may have some trouble finding his prey. As far as heat levels, as long as you have a basking area in the cage for your chameleon to warm up, you really don't have to worry too much about the rest of the cage being heated all the time. Humidity can be a problem, depending on where you live and the variables in your house. Some people opt to wrap their cages with garbage bags or shower curtains or something to that effect. I live in Florida so I do not have that problem fortunately! Nor do I have to worry about winter and it getting too cold inside my house. As far as substrate, we recommend none. Substrate can become moldy and rotten over time if you use mulch or something to that effect as the mistings will get it wet. Also, if feeders go to the bottom and your chameleon hunts them down, when he shoots his tongue he could get substrate in his mouth and choke or die if swallowed. Sometimes chameleons will eat weird things for unknown reasons so best to not have any potential hazards in the cage if unnecessary.

 

[guycarter24]

Hey, and thank you for the quick and detailed response!
Following this I shall definitely go for the larger of the cages. I live in the UK, but considering my house and where I will be placing the cage I don't think the temperature and humidity will be a problem; the house conditions are pretty stable and I'll have will have the sufficient equipment to monitor the enclosure conditions to ensure I maintain them properly!

Regarding the substrate, would an artificial substance i.e. the Zoo Med Repti Cage Carpet be okay (for aesthetic reasons)
As for drainage, is it necessary to have a complex draining system, or could a rudimentary plastic box with water in that is emptied regularly suffice?

Thanks for any replies

 

[NHenn]

I think Carol covered everything you asked but if you wanted to check out a nice complete setup package I would look into Kammerflage Kreations "Forever Cage" package. They are a site sponsor on here. It lists everything that would be included so you at least have a starting point for what supplies you would most likely need.

I would also recommend them as the breeder for the panther if you don't have one in mind already. The Kammers are an awesome family and I highly recommend them! Carol's beautiful Boomer is from their bloodline !

 

[guycarter24]

Thank you! Have checked out Kammerflage Kreations site and am very interested in the Panther Palace package they are offering (http://www.chameleonsonly.com/produ...e_Package_includes_FREE_SHIPPING-372-114.html).

Does anyone recommend this, or have any problems with the cage etc?

 

[nick barta]

If you are in the UK, you probably don't want to order from the US...

 

[guycarter24]

Don't see the issue with ordering the cage etc. from the US, other than having to pay tax on it but that's not my biggest concern.
I obviously won't be ordering the animal itself from the States and have already sourced several places within 20miles of me that are selling Chams anyway.

 

[carol5208]

I don't have the Panther Palace but I bought another cage from before that one was available and their product holds up very nicely. I have that cage outside now and it has withstood rain and sun for quite awhile. No rust or anything! As far as the drainage goes, some people have elaborate systems and some as simple as drilling holes with a bucket underneath! When I used to water my chameleons inside(I have the luxury of keeping them outside and do it there) I would use a dripper most of the day and I had a shallow container to catch the water. I say shallow because you do not want to use a bowl or something deep they could drown in. You have to think of everything!!! lol I have never used the carpet so cannot comment but I think there are a few people on here who have. You just have to worry about it not drying out and getting moldy. I have always used nothing and it works well. Does not look as cosmetically appealing but it is the most sanitary way to go I think.