Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just moved to Phoenix AZ from SoCal. I wanted to ask this question while I still have time to act.
I'm moving into my house shortly (currently living in apartment). I was going to build outside cage(s) for my veiled chameleons, possibly my bearded dragons as well. I'll be providing plenty of shade of course and a misting system that attaches to an outside faucet. But how hot is too hot? I know they're desert animals, I know about the importance of providing plenty of shade and humidity.
I know they should be fine as long as I give them lots of shade, water, and humidity, but does anyone have practical experience with keeping veileds in such conditions?
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Victor,
I'm in Las Vegas, which is a pretty similar climate to Phoenix. Right now, it's pretty much perfect outside (60-80 night and day) but once it gets up around 90 I typically move everything in. I'm sure you could go higher for the few hot hours of the day, but I have space inside so I just keep them safe. On the plus side to deathly hot temperatures, I have been able to keep certain animals (veileds, panthers, melleri) outside all winter, from about September through April, which is very nice. I keep the cages covered with plastic sheeting, and put ceramic heaters on the tops that are on 24/7. It takes some practice to get the settings and wattages right, but that's a good 7 months of the year that they can be out if you work it right.

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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

Thanks for the heads up Tyler!
I was pretty much thinking along the same lines- creating outside enclosures where I can keep them for most of the year, moving them inside once the temps get too hot. But I'm a huge proponent of natural sunlight, would prefer to use it as long as possible. My veileds aren't happy until they're outside, and it's so much better for them! I already have the misters and was going to put up some shade cloth in an effort to extend the time that they can be outside. I do plan on bringing them inside before it gets too hot, but when is the question.
You're right, Vegas has weather very similiar to Phoenix (another beauty today!). It's funny that we have to consider keeping them warm, rather than the heat...
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Why haven't I seen you at any of the local Phoenix shows, hrmmm? Phoenix isn't good enough for ya?
Seriously though, is Phoenix too far for the shows?
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Ha ha ha, no nothing is too far for me! I just didn't expect much out of the Phoenix show.... I almost went to the show down there 2 weeks ago, just kinda decided not to. I'll be in Pomona, CA next weekend (14-15th of May) and about 8 more in California this year, plus a few in SLC, Utah and possibly an East coast show or two later this year. I never really hear about the AZ shows, but if you think there's one worth doing, let me know and I'll try to hit it. Phoenix is about 5 hours from me... About the same to Salt Lake City or San Diego.
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

I get the same 'don't expect much out of the Phoenix show' feeling. LLL and Reptile Depot were at the March show. Reptile Depot was about the only major vendor at the show last week.
BUT....
That being said, you never really know until you try, right? Hrmm.... there's a show coming up in June, how about that!
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Yeah, I had a friend that was at this last show and said it was pretty slow... Where is the June show at? Got a link?
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

I have a link here for the March 19-20 Show. The same guy runs the June Show. There's also a phone listed:
480 964-7000
As for this last show (Predators Reptile Show), yes it did seem a bit slower. I was actually able to navigate the walkways AND had plenty of time to speak with vendors. I was a bit disappointed, as chameleons were so under represented. But so were beardies. And geckos. Heck, most everything was under-represented, but still lots of fun.
The Phoenix show is a small (IMHO) venue, but it's jam-packed. Hardly any room to walk about. The vendors all seemed VERY busy. Not a place to be if you're claustrophobic, to be sure!
Let me know if you're going!
AZ Reptile Show info

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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com