This winter we will be conducting an experiment in husbandry with the veiled chameleons.
In short it will involve shortening daylight hours to match those outside and reducing temps to create "winter".
It has been observed here in past winters that the animals slow down considerably and experience a period of "soft brumation" for 3 or 4 months, regardless of the temperature or lighting schedule.
We have no knowledge of any documented benefits of providing this seasonal change, but feel it's worth experimenting with.
This page will be updated regularly with any notable developments and the schedule of light and temperature changes.
Also feeding, watering and fecal/urate elimination will be documented.
As of this posting (October 24 2008) night occurs in the chameleon room at 6:00 p.m. Lights turn on at 7:00 a.m.
This will change gradually to lights on at 8:00 a.m. and off at 4:00 p.m.
The time that the lights are on will slowly increase again after the first of the year.
Daytime ambient temperature in the room is currently 65.7 degrees f. During the day the chameleons are provided with basking lights to warm up. The basking temperatures are 80 to 85 degrees f.
The temperature in the room currently drops to 60 degrees f. at night.
