Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, so I considering getting a chameleon and am in the beginning of doing my research. This is what I have learned so far:
Screened cages are necessary, I would get a 2x2x4 foot cage. A UVB bulb such as Repti-Sun 5.0 for lighting and a basking light that would create a temp of 90-100degrees in the basking area (different opinions on temps) and a cooler end dropping to 70 (again, varying opinions on temp).
Various branches and plants for basking/climbing, pothos and ficus recommended. Timers for the lights (12-14hrs) and thermometers. Mist the cage twice a day for water. Feed mostly crickets, gut loaded at least 24 hrs prior to feeding to cham, and dusted with Rep-Cal with D3 every other day. Also can be fed superworms and a variety of insects (not fireflies) along with various vegggies and greens.

Now, some questions.
What do you think of cages with out sides such as the Chameleon Condo? Can't the crickets escape? I thought crickets could jump out.

How do you tell the difference between pothos and philadendron, which I thought was poisonous.

Please tell me if any of my above information is incorrect, or add your 2cents, and I will continue my research!

Thanks, Mel

Here is a link to some additional info.

Vincent
Setting up for a chameleon.

Some of the answers to your questions will depend on the cham species. If you end up with a cham that does not tend to eat vegetation it won't matter which Pothos or Philo you get. If you get a veiled it might matter. Get your plants from a garden center or nursery so they will be better able to make sure you end up with Pothos. As for the Chameleon Condo there are opinions. I free range some chams and just made my own setup with a large potted tree in a corner with lights overhead. Some nervous shy chams won't feel they have enough cover in the Condo. They end up wandering the room searching for cover and could get injured or lost. Others don't seem to care. You would have to either hand feed the cham or use a feeding bin. Choose a plastic storage box rather than a smaller deli container. The box will be deeper and larger so the insects move around more. If there is gutload in the box it helps keep them from escaping. Just nestle the box in the foliage or hang it from perches with light wire.

Thanks! For now my cham will live in a 24x24x48 screen cage, but once it gets bigger I would like to try the 'free range' style housing.
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~Mel