Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We're new to the chameleon world, ( My Girlfriends Idea ) so I thought I'd ask a few questions.
We started with Veils, but I can see this thing is going to go further into Panthers, Jacksons, etc.
We live in south Florida and we're thinking about building some outdoor cages. Any tips, tricks, or complications to be avoided.
At what temps should the animals be moved inside ?
Is there such a thing as too much rain for them ?
( Florida can get a few days of rain in a row )
Any plants to be avoided ?
Any tips and tricks will be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Steve, Haydee, Tom, and Nick

as for the plants.

the best are ficus I reccomend benjamin figs
pothos, is your best choice it's the hardiest
and the umbrella tree

watch the rainfall dont let the cage fill with water at the bottom, but the climate is perfect in south florida(im from jersey but i've been there quite a few times).

for building cages I would contact my main man Vince Wong at screameleons, he can set you in the right direction.

-andrew
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1 CB Female BRB
1 CB Jayapura GTP
1 CB panther chameleon
2 WC scottish terriers

I keep all of mine outside in the texas sun and they love it(veils love heat). Just set up a outdoor misting system. I used one of those patio misters with a 6 cycle hose timer. I think hibiscus is the best choice cause they love 100% summer and love the heat. If you look down the forum you'll find pictures of my set-up. I don't think rain would be a problem. I'm moving mine inside when the temp drops below 60 at night. I don't remember any of your other questions. If you have more questions feel free to ask.

I used to keep my Veild outside from April to November in Alabama. I'd bring her in once night temps dropped below 60ish.

(My poor old Veiled was 9 years old when I decided she was too [bleep]y to die. She had deteriorating vision, couldn't project her tongue out anymore, and was veeeery slow moving. She solved her problem for a while by, well, sitting in her feeding tub and just biting at her crickets and wax worms as they went by. She stayed in healthy weight for another year untill I noticed she couldn't climb back up to her favorite perch anymore. I had to take her in to be put down because she wouldn't die! She was mean as hell and I loved her to death )

Anyway, I built a 3x3x4 foot tall wooden screen cage. It was on 6 inch legs to keep it off the ground when the occasional rain brought a torrential little floor river through my yard. I had the door open from the top half of one of the sides with just a regular latch, any old thing will do. You can get a locking one if you worry about theft or children. The screen was 1/4inch with black plastic coating to keep any sharp edges from hurting feet/tail/nose in climbing. I used 2x1's in the construction, with a piece of plywood on the floor. It was sealed with holes drilled in for drainage.

When it rained for more than 4 days I'd bring her in for some basking time in her indoor enclosure. I still fed with a big rubbermaid tub, you just have to watch that it doesn't fill up with water before your cham can get its food. She had a ficus and umbrella tree in there, with some lateral sticks and some slanted vines for crusing around.

Watch for neighborhood cats...And watch if people around you use chemlawn or other lawn services. The chemicals can sometimes float in the wind and you cham can accidentally ingest some via drinking.

I also second the auto sprinklers. I had mine set to go off a few minutes after noon. Enough to cool down her spot when it got into the 100's, but not enough to ruin her sun. And then later around 4. I'd throw some ice cubes on top of her cage in the morning when I'd check on her and give her breakfest.

Aside from that, I think you'll find your chameleons will enjoy your location. Have fun with these guy!