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Enclosure Design Basics
(Pygmy Chameleons) Wragg, D. 2008 The following notes are basic design theory considerations for the plannning of an enclosure for pygmy chameleons. The principal issues are the need to maintain high humidity whilst ensuring a good air flow, and to provide a subtle temperature gradient of no more than a few degrees. Ventilation In order to maintain a high level of humidity without sacrificing air flow, vents are best placed so that at least one is located near to the surface level of the substrate, and another at the top of the enclosure. Cool air is then drawn in from the bottom and rises as it warms, exiting at the top of the enclosure. The ventilation theory outlined above greatly reduces the risk of warm air becoming trapped in the enclosure by providing a vent in the ceiling rather than on the back/side. The Exo Terra® (http://www.exo-terra.com) range of glass vivariums are designed in this fashion, and being made of glass provide good humidity retention. These have full screen mesh lids, and it is advisable to cover the screen nearest the glass doors with a section of perspex to further retain humidity. Temperature Gradient As will be discussed in other chapters, pygmy chameleons do not conform to the traditional practice of providing a temperature gradient around 80-95F. They have a preference for lower temperatures and have been successfully maintained at around 72F by day, dropping to around 65F by night. They are not tolerant of high temperatures for particularly long periods, and a summer heatwave rising the ambient temperature to the mid to high 80sF could be fatal if swift action is not taken. The placement of a flourescent tube such as a Repti Glo 2.0, or used Repti Glo 5.0, above the mesh on the enclosure lid provides sufficient UVA to stimulate plant growth. Pygmy chameleons and UVB will be discussed in another chapter. In addition to illuminating the enclosure, a small amount of heat is generated by the bulb and dependent upon the size of the enclosure can offer a small temperature gradient of several degrees. Whilst this gradient may be small, it does provide the animal choice; choice is fundamental for good welfare. It is worth noting here that temperature gradients do not pass through objects. This understanding can be a valuable tool in maximising the animal's choice. The above diagram is an illustration of what is often referred to as a "Retes Stack" (named after Frank Retes who is recognized in the varanid community as the inventor of the concept). For pygmy chameleons, asimilar level of gradient can be provided without the need to create artificial stacks or platforms, simply by offering dense foilage beneath the flourescent light.

Enclosure Design Basics

(Pygmy Chameleons)

Wragg, D. 2008

The following notes are basic design theory considerations for the plannning of an enclosure for pygmy chameleons. The principal issues are the need to maintain high humidity whilst ensuring a good air flow, and to provide a subtle temperature gradient of no more than a few degrees.

Ventilation

In order to maintain a high level of humidity without sacrificing air flow, vents are best placed so that at least one is located near to the surface level of the substrate, and another at the top of the enclosure. Cool air is then drawn in from the bottom and rises as it warms, exiting at the top of the enclosure.

The ventilation theory outlined above greatly reduces the risk of warm air becoming trapped in the enclosure by providing a vent in the ceiling rather than on the back/side. The Exo Terra® (http://www.exo-terra.com) range of glass vivariums are designed in this fashion, and being made of glass provide good humidity retention. These have full screen mesh lids, and it is advisable to cover the screen nearest the glass doors with a section of perspex to further retain humidity.

Temperature Gradient

As will be discussed in other chapters, pygmy chameleons do not conform to the traditional practice of providing a temperature gradient around 80-95F. They have a preference for lower temperatures and have been successfully maintained at around 72F by day, dropping to around 65F by night. They are not tolerant of high temperatures for particularly long periods, and a summer heatwave rising the ambient temperature to the mid to high 80sF could be fatal if swift action is not taken.

The placement of a flourescent tube such as a Repti Glo 2.0, or used Repti Glo 5.0, above the mesh on the enclosure lid provides sufficient UVA to stimulate plant growth. Pygmy chameleons and UVB will be discussed in another chapter. In addition to illuminating the enclosure, a small amount of heat is generated by the bulb and dependent upon the size of the enclosure can offer a small temperature gradient of several degrees. Whilst this gradient may be small, it does provide the animal choice; choice is fundamental for good welfare.

It is worth noting here that temperature gradients do not pass through objects. This understanding can be a valuable tool in maximising the animal's choice.

The above diagram is an illustration of what is often referred to as a "Retes Stack" (named after Frank Retes who is recognized in the varanid community as the inventor of the concept). For pygmy chameleons, asimilar level of gradient can be provided without the need to create artificial stacks or platforms, simply by offering dense foilage beneath the flourescent light.