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Veil Chameleon Care During Cold Spell In Florida

larrrygorecki Dec 13, 2004 01:21 PM

Hi I have had a Veiled Chameleon living in my screened in porch which is ten by twenty feet with various small trees etc. since March of this year. He is about twelve inches in lenght now and has a daily routine of sunning etc and a ficus where he spends the evening. I live in the Tresure Coast area of Florida a little north of Palm Beach and it has been cold this week with temps in the fifties at night and low seventies during the day. I have not tried to feed him during the last four days as I think he could not warm himself enough to digest his meals. Was thinking of installing a heat lamp on the wall of the porch so he could avail himself of warmer temps. What advise do people who keep their Veils outside have especially in Florida. And what if any heat lamp would be recommened. P.S. During the two hurricanes he escaped and was loose for a month and a half before being found non the worst for the wear. Thanks

Replies (1)

Carlton Dec 14, 2004 11:41 AM

Is there a light fixture on the porch anywhere? The simplest thing would probably be a regular outdoor floodlight like a GE Miser halogen. The heat light does not have to be anything special as he's getting his UV from true sun. Mount the flood somewhere where he can climb close, but not right up to the bulb or he might get burned. Put a perch nearby and test the perch surface temp with a thermometer to check that it isn't too close. You could get fancy and put it on a thermostat, but not necessary really. Veileds can handle the 50s OK as long as they have a sheltered bush to retreat to and a chance to warm up during the day.

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