Help!

[labomb]

I am starting to look for materials to build the perfect chameleon cage and because my local hardware stores do not carry vinyl coated hardware cloth in 1/4", I decided to look online to order. well the first website I find any kinda hardware says "Hardware and Industrial cloth is not recommended for animal cages because the galvanizing is toxic if ingested."
this info comes from

http://www.mcnichols.com/products/wirecloth/hardwarecloth/wc_hrdwre.htm?source=overture&OVRAW=hardware%20cloth&OVKEY=hardware%20cloth&OVMTC=standard

but I thought that is what hardware cloth is actually intended for.....animal cages.

so is there a special kind of hardware cloth I should be looking for?

[vipervenom]

I have honestly never heard of that before. I used galvanised steel to build my old brev cage and nothing was ffected by it. Whether it was chance or not, I don't know. But any more info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Vinyl coated hardware cloth shouldn't be galvanised, as that is only to protect steel from rusting I beleive.

[labomb]

has anyone ever tried a bird cage for a chameleon? my hubby seems to think that it would be much better to buy a large bird cage with 1/2" spacing on the bars, it already has some good features such as a pull out tray on the bottom. any thoughts on that? We looked at some really nice big ones. some even open on top that would make it easy to put a large plant in from the top.

[vipervenom]

Yeah, I have heard parrott cages are great homes with the exception of every bug getting out. Also it is a lot harder to keep the humidity up I would imagine.

[labomb]

well I hand feed the bugs, or put them in a cup, so that would not be a problem. humidity is going to be hard in any open air reptarium, I will probably set up a humidifier. summer is not too bad in the room I keep them.

[galad]

ONe thing I would be weary of when purchasing a bird cage. Is to make sure it is made of either rust proof steel. Or has some sort of rust proofing. Chances are most don't because birds don't need the humidty chameleons do.

I myself was looking at some really nice 6' high hex cages. But decided against it becuase the manufacturer was sure that it would rust in time.
SO be really carefull and go to the munufacturer for details. DOn't trust the word of someone working in the pet shop. Most of them would just like to get the cage out of the store.

But if you can find a rust proof one I would think it to make a wicked cham cage.

good luck

[labomb]

I think the newer powder coated cages would not rust. I've been checking them out and the better ones claim to be rust proof. what about the galvanized hardware cloth, doesn't that rust over time?

[peterm15]

well as for galvinised hardware clath being toxic id say probably.. but only if welded or ingested.... and you have way more serious problems if you cham is eating steel.... its really not a prob...

and as for rustproofing.. why not do it yourself...

[vipervenom]

The whole purpose of galvanizing steel is to make it water-proof, so I doubt it would ever rust.

Yeah, I was thinking that too, maybe galvanise it yourself?

[labomb]

Originally posted by peterm15
and you have way more serious problems if you cham is eating steel.... its really not a prob...

actually my cham tries to eat anything loose and curious looking :(
I really got to watch him like a baby putting things in it's mouth. he still tries to eat the paper towel I use in the bottom of his cage, he pulls up the corners and tries to munch. I hope he outgrows this.

[peterm15]

he wont.. mine still tries to pull up the corners.. but i think hes doing it to try and escape...

you can galvanise it your self but its way to dangerous.. your better off just useing rust proofing spray...

for galviniseing you need soulfuric acid..

sorry about my spelling in this post.. im lazy...