Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I want to get a jackson chameleon, but I am having difficulty getting the proper temp in the cage. Mostly my problem is at night when the temp should drop to around 60. I cannot get it that low. I live in Texas, and with my ac on full blast the cage stays at a constant temp of about 74 day and night. Any ideas on how to lower the temp at night?

It may be more that there is no CHANGE in temp from day to night. Montane species are more sensitive and really need that nighttime drop in temp. They are adapted for it. The other problem you will have is with the AC running constantly the room will be quite dry...and this may be the bigger issue for any montane cham. I had 2 jax in NJ a few years ago and had the same problems. Without the AC the house got too constantly warm in summer but the humidity was OK. With the AC keeping the temp down the house was a desert. My jax were always thirsty and tended to have nagging health problems. I would choose a species that will tolerate a warmer daytime temp so that 74 F at night works better in contrast, and one that does OK in dryer situations. Species like panther, veiled, verrucosus and oustaleti come to mind. Otherwise you will have an animal that will need constant attention, may have marginal health, and not thrive. Either that or move up north! (just kidding)