Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are the benefits of each? So far, I've basically seen indoor set-ups mostly. I live in Florida, so I was wondering which would be better? I was all set to go the indoor route, but then I started thinking about it...if it would be better to keep him/them outdoors. I'd love to hear people's take on this. Thanks from a newbie!!
Kristen

It is definitely better to keep chameleons outdoors. You have to have the cage well planned out and large enough to handle different weather conditions, but having the cage outdoors will solve the major issue of UVB and your chameleons will benefit greatly from natural sunlight, breezes, and other "small" things that are lost when indoors. You get full benefit from being outdoors if you can have a earth bottom to the cage and the cage is 6 to 7 feet high with at least an 8 square foot footprint (4'x2', but 4'x4' is better). Going to this large cage is a lot of work in the beginning, but hook up an automatic watering system and all you have to do to maintain your chameleon is feed him and watch for extreme weather patterns. Not only is it less work, but you will enjoy him more and he will be more healthy. If you have a suitable outside environment it is the only way to go!
Bill

Hi Kristen,

If you consider setting up the tank for the pygmies outdoors you have to make absolutely sure that they are not in direct sun b/c the rays thru the glass will cook them. I suppose if you had them sheltered, it would be OK but then you would still have to supplement UVB lighting for some portion of the day.

I know you said you were also getting a veiled or panther(?) so if that's the case and you weren't referring to the pygmies...well, then just ignore what I said

BTW, have you heard back from Liddy at KK? Where in FL do you live...I used to live in Venice (I'll take NH thank and go back once a year to visit my Mom

lele

>>What are the benefits of each? So far, I've basically seen indoor set-ups mostly. I live in Florida, so I was wondering which would be better? I was all set to go the indoor route, but then I started thinking about it...if it would be better to keep him/them outdoors. I'd love to hear people's take on this. Thanks from a newbie!!
>>Kristen

No, I wasn't talking about for the Pygmies. I would want them to be inside with me anyway! I was talking about for my father's panther/jackson or whatever he ends up with. Just was evaluating options.

We live in Central Florida (about an hour north of Orlando)...love it here except during the summer! UGH! I can't take cold weather for long either though. Only about once a year when we go skiing. Oh, and that brings me back to my vacation question...LOL!

I got in touch with Liddy yesterday over the phone...VERY nice and helpful! Still talking...but hopefully we'll get something soon

Thanks for asking!
Kristen