cage do's and don'ts

[matt_winter]

hey

I am seriously thinking about getting a chameleon. If i were to get one, i would build my own cage. I was just wondering (since i know little about chameleons and chameleon care - i will research before i buy), what are some things that i should have in the cage and some things that i shouldn't do. Also i would like to know some good cage ideas for decorating and constructing the cage. I will try to grow a real plant in the cage, if that is a good idea.

thanks
Matt_Winter

[Collide]

Umm ok here is a site check out there enclosure section they have some different types might give u some ideas. here are soem of my cages they work for me might not for u. Check out the sites under my name make sure u know what your dealing with b4 u build there are lots of little thing that have a effect. Ur gonna have to deal with water, Plants, lighting , temps ect... Make sure plants u choose are non toxic, soem good plants for chams are pothos, ficus, spider plant(although useless for them to climb on), all i can say is read up alot. check out the sites decide on what your game plan is. then we could help more.

www.adcham.com
www.chameleonjournals.com
www.chamownersweb.com
www.chameleonnews.com

http://www.elev8r.com/chams/enclosure10.jpghttp://www.elev8r.com/chams/enclosure08.jpg
http://www.elev8r.com/chams/enclosure14.jpg

[matt_winter]

hey, thanks for the good info. I will have some more detailed info on what my plan is in a bit. I was wondering, i see that white plastic stuff you use. I was wondering if you could use that as the sides of he cage, because they can climb it. Can't the crickets crawl out easily?

thanks

[Collide]

Yes they can that part of what u decide to do some of my cages are aluminum screen that keeps the crix in but can cause issues if your cham wants to climb it all the time as bennifets though can keep crix in, they can hunt there crix ect... the hardwear cloth although crix can roam freely so youll have to have some kind of feeding bucket, but your cham could climb on it easily with no issues. depends on your needs really.

[matt_winter]

alright thanks. I have a question. If i grow my own plant, i see you use fertilizer, wouldnt that be harmful to them?

[Collide]

Yes it will. ur gonna have to have soem organic soil avoid the perilite or what ever its called soem chams try and eat it. I replace soil every couple months to give my plants a boost. if u have soem plants know that might work put them asside.

Its not firtaliser in there it is wrganic soil jsut has the balls err i keep covering it but every time i have to change a plat it all get pushed to the top again.

[Drew S]

Those are really nice looking cages Collide. I have 2 that look similar to your one on the left, my chameleons love them :D

[Bartman]

Do you need real plants, and if their not used to climb what purpose does it have in the tank..thanks!

good question, i needa some info too :)

[kidchameleon]

hey, here's a good sight that lists and shows pictures of plants that are safe for chameleons
Http://home.att.net/~chameleons/safeplants.html

i also know a site that gives actual instructions on making cages. it also has pictures to go along with each step so you can see if you're donig it right. the only thing is i dont have it in my favorites anymore since my computer crashed :( but if i find it, ill post it

[drewlowe]

You can also cover up the soil with rock big enough so that the cham can't eat them. That's how i did my plants.

Plants have several advantages they raise humidity, provide shelter, water drops form and stay easily, and others that have slipped my mind.

[matt_winter]

ok thank you very much

[Collide]

Somw chams like veild will eat there plants *** well pothos seems high on the menue and baby ficus leaves lol

[kidchameleon]

ah, i found a website that gives instructions along with pictures. its not the one i used to know, but it seems pretty good and hopefully helpful.

http://www.chameleonnews.com/year2003/oct2003/baby_caging/baby_caging.html

[matt_winter]

It was very helpful thank you. But why do you need to put cloth on it?

[Collide]

cloth? are u refering to the hardwear cloth i mentioned? Its the gray mesh in my pics there are differnt types and sizes.

[JeffT]

Those are some really nice cages. I think chams usually have some of the best aboreal set ups.

[meow_mix450]

they sure do, for the bottom i say use tiles, easy to clean. Save you some money, if you went out side, pick up some big sticks, clean them well, or you can bake them, but i find, clean them and scrubing them is good. Get vines etc, live plants keep humdity best. If you want some fake vines go to the dollar store:) gotta love the dollar store, make sure you clean them as well. Some say the dye comes off but that hasnt happened to me. Do not cut the ficus tree was the sap, will irrate(sp) the eye and can cause infection. Last thing is to find one from a reptile show or a breeder:)

Good luck

Meow

Meow