Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone

I have been reading everything I could find on chameleons for the last few months. When we bought him I asked the shop owner if he needed the heating light on at night. The guy told me to leave it on always, and that the light would not disturb him at night.

Now I have been reading that it is important for their metabolic rate to reduce at night, and the way to achieve this is to lower the temperature. The author even goes as far as to suggest that the chameleon will live longer if the heating is switched of at night and he is left at normal room temperature (The Guide to Owning a Chameleon - Schmidt, Tamm & Wallikewitz 1994).

Any advice and experience of this matter would be appreciated.

Sandy Duca

I have veileds and ambilobe panthers and I have them outside. I live in florida so it does drop down at night about 15 to 20 degrees. You are right they do need that. I read that in a book too and all mine are doing just fine.I only run my lights during the day and never at night. I have 15 chameleons they grow on you. I started with one too. I hope this helps you and keep reading those books. When I think I know everything I read something new again.... good luck......scott

Hi Scott
Thanks for your help, I thought it made sense even before I asked, but being new to this, and with such a delicate creature in my care, I wanted it confirmed by a more experienced keeper.
Don't you find it frustrating how some books contradict each other? I have noticed several things now that the books can't agree on, like the humidity level for Panthers, some say 90-100% some 50-60% and one even said that humidity will cause fungal infections. I have decided on a compromise, trying to keep it at 70-80%, is that OK? ALso their diet, some recommend silk worms, and another says that it caused compaction in the gut. I think if anything all these books are making me more confused, that's why it seemed like a good idea to join a forum where I can ask real people.
Thanks again
Sandy Duca