Preparing years in advance

[szpond]

Always a good idea, right?

I've been reading around about pygmy chameleons. I have no experience with them other than reading topics every now and again thinking, "Wow, what cool chameleons!"

I have a 70gal unused in my basement. I understand that chameleons prefer a lot of climbing space (vertical), but it is a horizontal tank. Really nice stand and very dusty for it hasn't been used in a few years.

Is it possible to use it as a big pygmy tank? Would it be better to divide it down the middle for hunting purposes? Also, I have a 20gal and a 35gal that I could begin a colony with and better my knowledge in a couple of years or so.

That being said, are there any caresheets/blogs that anyone can recommend?

Thanks in advance for reading!

 

[szpond]

I feel as though dividing the tank would be the best idea, but I'm looking for opinions.


Oh, I also have an ExoTerra 18x18x36 with the bottom and top ventilation that has not been used for quite some time. Would this be much preferred over a tank?

 

[coldbloodedAL]

The 70 gallon would work fine. For the more "common" pygs(brevs, specs,temps), general rule of thumb would be 5g per pygmy. So you could have a decent sized group (say a 3.4) and that would give them plenty of room.

Pygmys dont require the vertical space that the larger species do... I think it would be a really cool set up

Btw- Where abouts are you located in MI? Im in Roseville

 

[szpond]

The 70 gallon would work fine. For the more "common" pygs(brevs, specs,temps), general rule of thumb would be 5g per pygmy. So you could have a decent sized group (say a 3.4) and that would give them plenty of room.

Pygmys dont require the vertical space that the larger species do... I think it would be a really cool set up

Btw- Where abouts are you located in MI? Im in Roseville

Sounds fantastic! Do you recommend that I treat pygmies as if they were my "first" chameleon - start off small, with one, before I jump into something big? Also is it a myth that only one male can live per terrarium?

Also I am a bit (very) confused on the maintenance, it seems as if people barely change the substrate? What is the rule on this? Just daily spot cleanings to avoid molding?

That's awesome! I don't see many Michiganders on the forums I live in Livonia!

 

[jim734123]

I live in livonia too. I just bought a 18x18x20 zilla terrarium. Getting ready to set up the tank. Have you guys found any where to find the pygmies in Mi?

 

[szpond]

I live in livonia too. I just bought a 18x18x20 zilla terrarium. Getting ready to set up the tank. Have you guys found any where to find the pygmies in Mi?

That's funny, I figured I was the only Livonian on CF!

Not in Mi, don't think any exist. Talking to a gentleman in Texas right now about a pygmy. Hard to find.

 

[ReptileLove18]

here is a caresheet for pygmies https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/pygmy/
keep us updated on your plan!!!