Extras/Husbandry

Just wanted to share some extra pictures and the process and work i did to offer some of the best care for your future chameleon. Along with recommended husbandry and cage setup visual. I am always willing to help answer any questions when it comes to care and husbandry and how to set up a cage. I know it can be a little stressful setting up your first enclosure. I had a lot of help from the communities and it made things a lot easier. And this is my opportunity to give back.

Individual Cage Build

Thats right, i built all my nursery cages to individually raise my chameleons. I dont recommend it if you value your sanity, at least not at this volume. I had a vision in how i wanted and needed everything to be from the beginning. I knew the work i put in now would make things long term easier. In turn we have healthy chameleons and happy customers.

Cage setup

So i have also included a little visual on how i setup my first 2x2x4 cage as well.

2x2x4 enclosure is the recommended minimum. And yes, your baby is big enough for the big cage right away. If your concerned with your baby or juvenile finding feeders, you can definetly use a feeder. This cage size will be a one and done for you, no upgrading unless of course you want to! Bigger is better for these guys!
I use a Ficus and Pothos in my adult cages. The pothos allows for some good foliage and cover, especially for the younger ones. They are able to travel around on the vines. The ficus helps fill everything in. Plants help keep humidity up in your cage, so they benefit the husbandry in a couple ways.
Now this is only a small variation of what you can do to set up an enclosure. I have also used a Majesty Palm as well which worked great. But as i said this is just a small variation of what you can do when setting up your enclosure.
You want a piece of Madagascar in our home,
The recommendation is live plants always, and with that you will find a linear grow light, specifically the LEDs work exceptionally well to keep your plants happy and the cage full.
Linear UVB that covers the entire cage. I run my diagonally.
T5HO fixture and bulb is what you're looking for. Reptisun 5.0 or Arcadia %6 bulbs are tried a true. I personally run both.
The fixture can be set directly on the top of the cage with roughly 8" between the top of the cage and the top branch. For Juveniles i would go closer to 6 until they get a little older.
Basking light/dome light. I use a 75 watt dimmable bulb and a dome with a dimmer so i can fine tune in my lights. Basking temp should be between 85-90 degrees, best checked with a infrared temp gun.
Misting/Water, chameleons drink from dew or water droplets on leafs etc inside their enclosure.
This is done by either a dripper or misting 30 minutes prior to their lights being on for the day.
Through fog overnight.
No standing water inside enclosures, its a place that can harbor bacteria.