Pet Screen?

[Linds]

I am building a large cham enclosure for someone and from my searches through the forum, have found that either aluminum screening or something called pet screen are the best choices for this. Is 1/4" too small or is it ok? How much does this cost? What is the workability like? Only screen I have used is hardware cloth, chicken wire, and the stuff used for screen doors.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

Pet screen as it is called is a softer, thicker, more durable plastic screen. I use it now on part of my iguana cage for air circulation, and for other cages that require screen. I have never had any problem with it causing any abrasions on animals that try to "nose" thier way out of their cages either. I purchase mine at Home Depot at a very reasonable price. I could make several huge mesh cages with one roll, and the cost is like $12.

For any reptile caging that requires the screen, I would strongly recommend it. The "hardware cloth, chicken wire, and the stuff used for screen doors" as you put it are not as close to the quality it provides. These also contain metal in the fiber, which in my opinion will harm reptiles faster as the screen wears out.

[Dani33]

Would the pet screen be able to stand heat. Like if a lamp were sitting on it? Also, can bugs chew their way out?

[C.m.pyrrhus]

I have no idea if it would tolerate heat from a heat lamp, yet I highly doubt it. It is not made from metal like normal tank lids are. It is personally a bit to risky for any cage I personally build. I never put anything in direct contact with any heat source like that, other than typical metal screen lids. As for the crickets (bugs) I never had any problems with them chewing through the screen.

[CDN-Cresties]

Another point worth mentioning is that I have found crix are able to chew through pet screen.

[Sean Day]

Don't use pet screen on the top as a light will melt it. When I bought it there was only one size. It was very small and hard to see through, but probably made the cham feel more secure. I used it for a long time without seeing any damage from crickets.

[latazyo]

I would liek to know how you're finding pet screen at home depot for "several huge mesh cages" for $12

at home depot I've seen pet screen in rolls of 4'x7' for $15 AMERICAN, this is not even enough for one 2x2x4 cage

[Linds]

Ok thanks for all the input everyone :) Yeah I had no intention of using the stuff I had mentioned above, was just stating that's all I have had experience working with, so I wasn't familiar with the workability of pet screen. I guess I will build the sides out of pet screen and the top out of aluminum or something.

[Greg West]

The best stuff available if you are not free roaming crickets is PVC coated wire mesh. I sell it in the size you want it, but generally the holes are 1/2" X 1" and i believe the stuff I get is 14 guage. It can withstand heat, does not degrade in the sun, and prevents nail rips, and nose rub. Also because the hole spacing is bigger, you can see the animal and its surroundings easier. It is also self supporting and all that is needed to hold it up is zip ties. Great for someone who takes the cages outside as it is light weight when used without wood framing.

The only downside of this material is it is not cheap, but when you weight the benefits to the faults it is worth it in the end.

Greg West