C. Melleri (Miller's Chameleon): an awesome specimen

[RONIN7875]

At the reptile show this past weekend (Gwinnett Civic Center, Atlanta), I acquired a 27" C. Melleri from a Captive Breeder named Mark. I did a lot of research prior to making this purchase, because of the delicate nature of these creatures. My Brother-in-law has 4 veileds in San Diego and has informed me of their demands. While at the show, Dizzy (my son named him that because of his eyes) enjoyed riding on top of my NY Yankees baseball hat. He is an extremely friendly chameleon, unlike others that I had previously looked at for possible purchase.

I brought Dizzy home and he immediately went for the 6 foot ficus tree in my living room. For the last three days he would not eat, but drank lots of water, while getting acclimated to his new surroundings. I am currently in the process of building an enclosure large enough to give him room (7x5x4) and have relocated him and the tree to my bathroom. He enjpys the humidity level (hot showers) and I have a heat lamp positioned so that he has a good basking spot.

Tonight, 11/25/2003, I m happy to report that he has his appetite back. He ate 11 large crickets in @30 minutes. After eating, he willfully came to me and sat on my shoulder for about two hours while I read some books to my son. He finally let me know that he was ready to go back to his home by getting restless and moving from one shoulder to the other.

My big question is this: Once my open air enclosure is built, what would be the best method for maintaining a healthy humidity level for him? This is the only area where I am really concerned, as there is a lot of conflicting info on the web, and most info refers to other breeds of chameleon.

Any info will be helpful.[/img]

[faze]

considering the cage size there is also the option of setting up a humidifier near the cage mellers are cool if i'm correct arent they the largest species of cham there is

[RONIN7875]

Thanks for your replies.
Yes, they are the largest species, reaching 24+ inches at full maturity.
I am currently using the spray bottle method, and it seems to be working quite well.
I bought a humidifier to place near the cage floor, but he really is not a fan of this. Every time I turm it on, he scrambles to the top of the tree and turns quite black, so I am returning the humidifier and will continue with the spray bottle. Besides, it gives me more of an excuse to play with him.

[dwedeking]

Water can be provided via a misting system or dripper like you would do with other species. They are not as water-demanding as some of the montane species (jacksons, quads, fischers etc). We keep ours outside most of the year under an Arizona Misting System (hooks directly to the hose) but have them inside for the winter using drip systems. Mellers are an awesome species to work with.

[peruvianfanatic]

Misting alot with a spray bottle will work.I would make sure water drops and puddles of water evaporate before you turn lights off at night.Another thing I use to use was vaporiser but use water ovbiously,and place it on the cage floor.Good luck with your Meller!!

[Chris_Anderson]

Originally Posted by faze

considering the cage size there is also the option of setting up a humidifier near the cage mellers are cool if i'm correct arent they the largest species of cham there is

They are the largest continental African species but the Oustalet's Chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti, and the Parson's Chameleon, Calumma p. parsonii, from Madagascar, are larger.

Chris