Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

garysumpter · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 914

Hi all,

I am hoping some of you have photos of your Exo Terra setups for chameleons. I am planning on putting my 2 new babies into a small exo terra (the smallest cube) so I can keep an eye on them and make sure they are feeding etc.

Once the grow a bit and are definately feeding they can move out into their own setups.

Would really like to see how you guys handle the heating / lighting in this situation.

I have put compost in the bottom and planted two ficus plants so there is plenty to climb on.

Look forward to your replies!

Many Thanks

Gary
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BELIAL · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:33 pm Post subject:

*mumbles to himself* bloody exoterras...

sure someone will be able to help you though..just not me! not one cham in an exoterra and proud of it! Smile

Stuart Marquis · Key Member Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 333

Belial,

And what's wrong with exo's just out of interest? With a bit of modification I've found them to be pretty versatile for a number of different reptile species. I'm new to chams but currently have a pair of ambanja's in two of them.

Exos aren't exactly expensive either!

Stuart

garysumpter · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 914

BELIAL · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:48 pm Post subject:

Just not for me! They are suitable for some species that like ambient humidity but they can cause respitory infections in yemens and montane species. I say 'can' as they are not the only cause.

A three sided glass tank does not provide a great deal of security for chams that would prefer not to see perceived threats every time they enter the room.

I have always found much healthier babies are raised in contiboard vivs with mesh doors. You are less likely to have problems down the line...

I know people will not agree as exoterras are very popular but i would never use the two in the same sentence as there is always a better option imo.

garysumpter · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 914

Just to clarify, I will be using the smallest exo terra cube with both sides covered for added security. Should have mentionned that!
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BELIAL · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:34 pm Post subject:

take it we are talking about yemens?

garysumpter · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 914

Yes of course I am, Yemens are always best kept individually for many reasons.

I'm only keeping them together when they are very young to make sure they are both doing well.

Gary
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Need a website? 8 years experience, GREAT rates for reptile keepers, currently designing several reptile websites. Also graphic design, hosting and marketing services.

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kroakykaren · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 9:42 am Post subject:

Guys, as we all know nothing is set in stone as regards to keeping chameleons.

What may work for one may not work for another. all keepers of chameleons will do it differently, some will have success and some wont.

I can only comment on my own experiences with chameleons and am in no position to say what is right or wrong. i do though feel that getting the basic care right paramount.

I have excellent success using exo terras for my baby chameleons, i find the air flow excellent as is the humidity especially for very young babies who dehydrate very fast.

Lets all remember that we, as are chameleons all different, and every keeper will keep their animals in a different way. That in itself does not mean it is incorrect, what may work for one chameleon may not work for another, ditto for the keepers.
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BELIAL · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:06 am Post subject:

indeed...and well said Karen Smile

Exoterras are good for panthers for example as panthers do not require a huge amount of ventilation and will do well in a relatively stagnant environment.

With exoterras the air movement is erratic. The only way you can positively guarantee an adequate air exchange is to have a fan or passing wind over the top mesh..this sucks the air out. However a Viv with a large grill at the back and mesh doors will always have a good air flow as the air moves through rather than up. This is basic physics. You do not lose the warm air as it replaced by cold and so holds the ambient temp in the Viv a lot better as well.

For the reasons above i wouldn't ever keep a Yemen in one as they are so prone to respiratory infections and they will kill your cham.

People always do things differently in the world of chams and this is just what i have picked up and found works for me along the way..

I keep all my chams in pairs too as the social thing is actually a perpetuated myth which will not cease so long as books give out mis information.