Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i was think of getting a one and was wondering if i could keep it in a tree. i was thinking of going to a garden store and buying a tree in a big potter. i was wondering if this would work i would have heat lamps on it and everything it needs. would this work?

CrazyCody

You would need to build/construct a barrier (one they cannot climb on or over) to keep it in the tree. They do and WILL wander around and climb down the tree and go for a stroll.

Also if you are going to have a heat lamp focused on the tree just make sure the chameleon cannot reach the lamp and get burned. You may also want to consider a heat/UVB bulb, like a mercury vapor, or active uv heat lamp. This way you only have one bulb to worry about instead of two.

and pick a tree safe enough to eat in case the cham wants to snack on it.
I assume you're going to get a veiled?
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i was planing on getting a veiled. what types of trees would be best for them so if they wanted to eat it it would not hurt them?

CrazyCody

Probably the best tree to use indoors would be a Ficus alli. It is a different species than the Ficus benjamina many of us use. You will need more light hanging overhead to keep the tree healthy. Most other potted trees will not get enough light. Check with a larger full service nursery to find this Ficus. As for keeping the cham from wandering too much you could set the tree and pot in a child's wading pool or make a barrier out of cardboard that is taller than the cham can reach. Spread sheet plastic under the pot to make a basin and drape it over the cardboard. It will protect the floor from spray and dripper water and keep it from climbing over the barrier.