Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

I am new to chams, my male panther(ambanja) just shed yesterday for the third time since i've owned him. I would say he is almost 6 months of age. But his coloring hasn't seemed to change from the first day i got him (3 months), although i feel he was already very colorful when i first got him (father was a turq local). I have a few questions which I've been pondering:

I was wondering what age do panther start showing their mature colors, and at what age do the colors stop changing?

He as not grown much in the last 2 weeks as he had before, is this normal or should i increase his feedings? (about 8-10, 1 inch criks a day)

I live in San Diego so i figure i should take advantage of the sun, but when i leave him outside (misting every 2 hours) he doesn't seem to like it, Always pacing the bottom of his cage, rather than basking. Is this normal?

Last one. What is the best way to keep fake vines secure to your cage?

Sorry it's so long, and thank you for your suggestions
Jeff

If he's not showing colors yet don't worry. They wont be fully developed until they are about 1.5 years old. I secure my vines using twisty ties.

Hey Jeff,
Panthers will start showing mature colors any where from 6 months to a year.
At a young age I feed my chams as much as they will eat. Since they grow at a great rate when they are young they need all the food they can get. I've never seen a fat panther so I wouldn't worry about over feeding them at least while their young. Don't forget the gutload your crickets and other feeders.
Chams will only bask a few hours a day in the wild (not the 8 to 10 hours they need form a uv light which isn't close the the uv rays given off by the sun) the rest of the time is spent looking for food and other stuff. Also young panthers don't sit still too long in anyone place they are very restless (hance the pacing) this is a good sign it means he's arlert and active.

Jeff,
One more thing. I've only seen a few panthers that liked being sprayed w/ water for the most part they don't like it. Don't forget they need to be sprayed for at least a few minutes (3 minutes or so) not just a couple sprays. The longer you spray the more he'll drink. Believe it or not deyhdration is killer for chams. Also put your cham in the shower for at least a half hour once or twice a week. Using luke warm water don't forget something for him to sit on like a plant

thanks for the info guys

Jeff