Potential Yemen Owner - cage help

[ViolentJ]

I am looking into buying a young female Yemen. I'm trying to find out what size cage I would need that would also be fine for her as an adult.

I've gotten many varied responses from breeders, keepers and general info on the net. As this is a dedicated Chameleon forum I'm hoping I can get a definitive answer.

Originally I was looking at a 76 x 42 x 122cm (30" x 16.5" x 48") 378 litre, 100 Gallon Exo terra Flexarium. It would seem a fair few keepers use these but one keeper has told me that would be way too small.

So, what size do I need?

 

[Julirs]

That size would be more than fine for an adult female. It may be too large at first for a baby. How old/large is the female you are thinking about?

 

[ViolentJ]

Thank you for the reply. To be honest I don't know what size I would end up with. The breeder I'm talking to says he won't let them go if they're too young or too small. He told me that as long as I used a lot of plants then a big cage would be fine when young.

 

[BocaJan]

I agree with Julirs. A cage that big would make it difficult for the little guy to find his food. It would also make it difficult for you to monitor his intake. How old is she?

Every new chameleon owner should read the kitty blog. You will find the link below.

 

[ViolentJ]

I don't know age yet. I need to have everything set up first but I'd like as young as possible so that I can watch her grow. I know this breeder has quite a few young ones and has just had another clutch hatch.

Would either of these be a better choice for a young one, they are both Exo terra Flexariums.

Size 2: 42 x 42 x 76cm (16.5" x 16.5" x 30") 143 litre, 38 Gallon
Size 3: 76 x 42 x 76cm (30" x 16.5" x 30") 246 litre, 65 Gallon

We were planning on putting the food in cups, not running around loose. Is that a good idea or not? I know it's not very natural but...

I'll read through that blog now. I have ordered a book that was recommend to me called Chameleons, Natures Hidden Jewels (2nd Edition) by Petr Necas.

 

[Julirs]

I have adult females in 38 gallons, 65 gallons are good too.

 

[Grizz]

the cup thing is allright, but you will want to free range a little. i put crix and supers in cup but i free range silkies and hornworms. this helps him keep his targeting abilitys and "leaf-in-the-wind" stance properly honed.

 

[ViolentJ]

I should have joined here sooner rather than getting confused on a general lizard site and reading stuff on the net. At least I haven't spent any money yet.

Up until now I was under the belief that the 100gal would have been minimum.

 

[blackbetty]

Wow. I have a female veiled in a 65 and male panther in a 200gallon but thats only because thats what we had a vail and it took a lot to fill the space. This site is super good. Here is a good site. www.raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com andit should discuss habitats.
Good to you for doing research first..and boo to those other sites. all that matters is that you found us now.

 

[ViolentJ]

Thanks for the link, BocaJan has already pointed it out though and I've just been reading through it This forumis great, I just saw the DIY dripper with the yoghurt pot and aquarium valve. I never would have thought of that.

 

[ViolentJ]

Is a thermostat nessesary for the basking light? The blog mentions using a normal household bulb, would using a proper reptile basking light offer any advantages?

 

[blackbetty]

LOL. Man, some devoted follower said it before me!? How dare she! LOL..

Uhm, I use a thermostat to check the basking heat to make sure its not too hot. If it is, then I know to raise the light as to not hurt my cham. it also helps know the temp in the cage. im actually buying a digital therm/hygrometer all in one so I can make sure my humidity levels are acceptable too.

 

[ViolentJ]

I've got a spare digital thermometer/hygrometer and loads of dial ones. Just pricing everything up you see, it's looking a lot cheaper with the smaller flexarium!

 

[Grizz]

i use them only because you can get splash resitant bulbs. i had a standard bulb blow up on my green iguana cage when i was misting. that is the only real difference i think.

 

[ViolentJ]

Thanks Grizz

 

[ViolentJ]

So far my shopping list is:

38 Gallon Exo Terra Flexarium + Flexitray
ZooMed Reptisun 5.0 UVB 18" / 15w (I already have a starter unit)
Zoo Med Repti-Basking Spot Lamp 60w + Exo Terra Glow Light Small (14cm) to house it
Zoo Med Big Dripper (1 gallon)

I've got thermometers, hygrometers and a Hozelock spray.

Equipment wise is the above suitable and have I missed anything?

Do I need substrate? Haven't decided on plants yet and I know I'll need some kind of wood / vines.

 

[BocaJan]

LOL. Man, some devoted follower said it before me!? How dare she! LOL..

Uhm, I use a thermostat to check the basking heat to make sure its not too hot. If it is, then I know to raise the light as to not hurt my cham. it also helps know the temp in the cage. im actually buying a digital therm/hygrometer all in one so I can make sure my humidity levels are acceptable too.

You don't need a special reptile basking lamp for chameleons. A household bulb works great, just don't spray the bulb. As for regulating temps, you can get thermometer/humidity guage in a little unit to keep track of things.

Also, don't get the big dripper, get a little dripper. Holds about a quart and is plenty! Trust me on this one. You will also be misting, do you have a squirt bottle that sprays a fine mist???

 

[ViolentJ]

Little dripper it is. My hozelock bottle does a fine mist.