Spoiled Panther?

[Michael Ryan]

My 4 month old ambilobe panther chameleon seems to not like being kept indoors anymore. Ever since I've had him(about a month and a half) i have been taking him outside 3 times a week for about 3-4 hours for natural sunlight. Now every time i bring him back inside he seems to become dark and unhappy. When he is outside, however, he is super bright and very lively. Has anyone's panther acted the same way? I am thinking about keeping him outdoors now because he just doesn't like being cooped up inside!

Michael

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Thats normal behavior. He's going to lighten up and get brighter when exposed to sun and heat. Its never going to be as sunny or hot inside your home as it is ouside. I dont care how many uvb bulbs you use. So he's naturally going to darken up when brought inside. He's also prob pissed you took him from his perch outside also. Personally unless I have a green house Im not going to keep anything outside all the time. To much chance of escape or theft. I have alot of $$$ invested in my animals. Im not going to take a chance a raccoon or rat eats or attacks my chams...

 

[carol5208]

I agree with Texas Panther Man in every aspect. I would not think about keeping mine outside 24/7 and yes mine gets dark and bummed out when I bring him back inside. Even if I have him on my patio loose and he is not in the sun, he does not like his cage very much when put back in and you cannot blame him.

 

[Michael Ryan]

Thats normal behavior. He's going to lighten up and get brighter when exposed to sun and heat. Its never going to be as sunny or hot inside your home as it is ouside. I dont care how many uvb bulbs you use. So he's naturally going to darken up when brought inside. He's also prob pissed you took him from his perch outside also. Personally unless I have a green house Im not going to keep anything outside all the time. To much chance of escape or theft. I have alot of $$$ invested in my animals. Im not going to take a chance a raccoon or rat eats or attacks my chams...

True... although i live in a suburban track home so there is not very much wildlife such as raccoons and/or rats to pose a threat to my cham. Theft is not a problem as i would be keeping it obviously in my backyard and i know all my neighbors really well. If i keep him in a enclosure then really he wouldn't be able to escape.

 

[KingJulien]

You are lucky enough that you might be able to keep him outside. Maybe talk with others in your area and see how they manage it. I'm in northern CA so I can't do it Temps were over 100 this summer and they will get to freezing this winter.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Its your cham so that your decision. But you do have cats in suburban areas. And just cuz you dont see rats or raccoons doesnt mean they arent there. They hide in storm drains and other areas out of site until late nite or early morning hrs. Personally i dont sty up all nite long patrolling my yard for vermin. If you do decide to do this. You better build a very secure cage out of hardware cloth screen on the outside with coated screen lining the inside. The steel screen should keep all the critters out. It wont protect them from posssible theft though.

 

[Michael Ryan]

Its your cham so that your decision. But you do have cats in suburban areas. And just cuz you dont see rats or raccoons doesnt mean they arent there. They hide in storm drains and other areas out of site until late nite or early morning hrs. Personally i dont sty up all nite long patrolling my yard for vermin. If you do decide to do this. You better build a very secure cage out of hardware cloth screen on the outside with coated screen lining the inside. The steel screen should keep all the critters out. It wont protect them from posssible theft though.

Yes your right, now that i think about it i have seen cats running about... i rather not risk it. Although i can keep him out there in the day and just bring him in at night...

 

[Michael Ryan]

You are lucky enough that you might be able to keep him outside. Maybe talk with others in your area and see how they manage it. I'm in northern CA so I can't do it Temps were over 100 this summer and they will get to freezing this winter.

San Diego for me.. perfect weather year round for panther chameleons.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Personally I think thats a better option. You have more control. Plus you'd hate to leave him outside overnight in a bad storm. Really unless you have a good secure setup its not worth the risk.

 

[Michael Ryan]

Personally I think thats a better option. You have more control. Plus you'd hate to leave him outside overnight in a bad storm. Really unless you have a good secure setup its not worth the risk.

Definitely, thanks for the advice.

Michael