Veiled chameleon enclosure

[midwest_98]

We picked up a new chameleon today from the gateway reptile expo. Awesome looking guy. We got him home and have him in a small enclosure. We've built a few enclosures for our bearded dragons and geckos.

This will be our first build for a chameleon enclosure. I wasnt sure if there were any links to give us any guidance at all. Were shooting for around 48in tall, 18in deep, 24 in wide. was planning on doing 2x4 framing full screen sides a screen door for the front. Any input is appreciated.

[llovelace]

Please post pics when completed

[PrettyInInk87]

As a fellow Cham keeper I would like to congratulate you on your new Cham! How old is he? For an adult Veild the recommended adult cage size is 24x24x48 and bigger is better of course. Do you have all of your lighting, supplements, feeders, gutloading, misting schedule, and feeding schedule all worked out?

[midwest_98]

Thanks! were searching around on if its cheaper to build our set up or order one. Ive found a few companies that have the 24x24x48 enclosures for right around 125 shipped. We were sitting down adding up the build cost and were figuring around 80 in material so not sure if gna build or buy.

My brother is the one that bought him. Hes a young adult male, currently i know he has the lighting set up. We have a few different types of misters as well. Can you give me some pointers on feeding schedule, gutloading and supplements? My brother is the main care giver for him and just want to make sure he has all his bases covered.

Thanks!

[PrettyInInk87]

Thanks! were searching around on if its cheaper to build our set up or order one. Ive found a few companies that have the 24x24x48 enclosures for right around 125 shipped. We were sitting down adding up the build cost and were figuring around 80 in material so not sure if gna build or buy.

My brother is the one that bought him. Hes a young adult male, currently i know he has the lighting set up. We have a few different types of misters as well. Can you give me some pointers on feeding schedule, gutloading and supplements? My brother is the main care giver for him and just want to make sure he has all his bases covered.

Thanks!

Sure! I have 2 Panther Chams and am not sure about temps. but I know Veilds require higher temps. I'd say 85 to 89 at the basking spot...

Lighting: 5.0 linear Reptisub bulb (UVB) and fixure. 40 to 60 watt regular house bulb and dome for basking spot. Lighting schedule should be 12 hours on and 12 hours off, they have VERY sensitive eyes and will not sleep if there is light in the room. If temps get too low during the night (60 and below) it is best to use a ceramic heat emitter and not a red or blue bulb.

Feeding: With Chameleons you need to provide a WIDE variety of feeders for them to get the proper nutrition they need. Hornworms, Silkworms, Waxworms (treats), Reptiworms, Superworms, Butterworms, Blue Bottle Flies, Soldier Flies, House Flies (all need to be cultured, no wild caught), and staples can be crickets, Dubia roaches... Since you guy is an adult it is a good idea to keep him on an every other day feeding schedule feeding him anywhere from 10 to 15 feeders (depending on size).

Gutloading: It is very important to make sure your feeders are properly gutloaded especially staples. It is best to feed them fresh veggies and fruits such as orange, apple, butternut squash, kale, carrot, and so fourth. I usually toss a few crushed almonds to add some extra protein. Do not feed your feeders dog, cat, or fish food, they contain too much protein for your Cham.

Supplementation: I use rep-cal calcium without D3 every feeding, rep-cal multivitamins twice a month, and calcium with D3 also twice a week. Make sure you lightly sprinkle the feeders and not cake the dust on them.

Watering: Chams LOVE their water... Some drink from drippers, some drink from mistings, and some drink from both. I personally mist for about a minute or 2 3 to 4 times a day while at the same time have a dripper running most of the day. Make sure you let the cage dry between mistings...

Enclosure: It is best to keep the guy in an all screen cage and ultimately as I stated before, a 24x24x48 cage would be ideal. I think it is best to just buy one instead of making one. It saves you the stress, lol! Also, think it would be cheaper. Make sure you have at least one live plant in his enclosure to aid with keeping the humidity up. I like using Ficus and Pothos plants in my enclosures. It gives them the security and more natural feeling environment. LOTS of vines, vertical and horizontal, lots of coverage.

I'm sure i'm missing something, lol! But this is a general info.

[midwest_98]

You totally rock! thanks for the info!

[PrettyInInk87]

You totally rock! thanks for the info!

Lol! Thanks. I highly suggest the Chameleonforums.com, they have LOTS of helpful information along with helpful and great Cham keepers. My user name is also PrettyInInk87 there. Since your brother will be the main keeper, i'd suggest he opens an account. Good luck with the little dude!

[midwest_98]

I will definitely let him know about the site.

[midwest_98]

Wow my bro just got a account over there (lowdime09) and I spent about a hr skimming the site and wow, loved it, Im pretty sure hes gona be addicted to it like i am to ballpython.net lol

[PrettyInInk87]

Wow my bro just got a account over there (lowdime09) and I spent about a hr skimming the site and wow, loved it, Im pretty sure hes gona be addicted to it like i am to ballpython.net lol

Hahah! Definitely, just make sure he reads the rules and searches the threads (you know how that is?) and he'll get the best of help. If people tend to "sound" like they are bashing him, tell him not to take it personally. They are all cham lovers and want nothing but the best for the animal. I tell you this because I got started on the wrong foot when I started, lol! Lots and lots of useful information. Glad you liked it and glad to have helped a bit!