Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[xkarfase]

I purchased a baby male Panther (Picasso, son of Franz) from Rick (thanks Rick!) back in May last year. It's been great having Alan (that's his name) so far, a really fascinating animal and a joy to take care of.
However, He is getting older and as a result larger, so I expect I will need to modify some of his care requirements soon. By my estimate he is about 9 months old now, maybe a bit older.

Firstly and most pressingly, I would like to get him a new cage/viv (along with some new and larger plants). I am currently using a small exa terra viv. I was wondering if you had any particular advice in this area? After some research around the web (trawling through a lot of rubbish) I was thinking of maybe getting one of Terry Thatcher's cages http://www.crislis.co.uk/thatcher/index.php
I'm sure many of you have heard of this guy. I have read many recommendations including on these forums. He also lives quite near my university, which is a bonus. I quite want something large so I don't need to upgrade again, maybe the 24x24x36 inch. What do you think?

Secondly, my light/heat source/basking light. I initially used a 20W desk lamp, which broke a couple of months ago so I then switched to a 40W lamp. I assume I should be upgrading this pretty soon to something bigger, like a 60W? Is there any need to get any specific bulb or will any bulb from B&Q do? I already have a reflector, but no thermostat.

Thirdly, my UV bulb, which I purchased about 7 months ago. Should I be replacing this now?

Fourth, diet. I have obviously slowly increased cricket size as he got bigger, feeding him about 6 - 8 every day, dusted with the various supplements (Calcium every other day and then alternating with the other supplements in the days in between). I occasionally get some mealworms as well. Is there any need to change this regimen?

Fifth, water/misting. I have been using a paper starbucks cup dripping through the roof of the cage combined with intermittent spraying throughout the day. Will this remain sufficient? I was thinking of getting a misting system (I know its not necessary, but I can't always be home all day and it saves my mum or friends having to do it). What is the best option for me do you reckon?

Sixth, his sleeping patterns. Currently the lights are on a timer between 10pm and 8am. Is this ok? Or is it too little sleep?

Phew! Sorry about the overwhelming amount of information requested, I just want the best for my cham. Any help with regard to any of these issues would be much appreciated.

[kroakykaren]

Ok that is a long post i will tell you how i keep mine then you can decide Like you i started babies off in exos, adults are in wooden viv with the roof replaced with mesh, and the bottom panel meshed, your UV should be ready for replacement, basking bulb i use ordinary bulbs from B&Q on a dimmer stat.
Food wise my adults eat large locusts amount varies, sleep pattern mine are up at 6 and bed at 7.
Hope that helps a bit
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