Chameleon Condo?

reptilez · 03-29-03, 07:46 PM

I was just wondering what you guys think of the "Chameleon Condo"? here are some pics:

-Reptilez

Burmies · 03-29-03, 07:50 PM

Very nice, I can see that the plant pot on top and bottom is keeping the Chameleon in the condo.

Burmies

reptilez · 03-29-03, 08:05 PM

actually, i was wondering if anyone has one or has any thoughts on this 'cage', Do you think that the chameleon would every fall to the ground or try to jump or something?

Jaylyn · 03-29-03, 08:51 PM

I've heard of some people keeping them in them with no problems.

The problems I see with it:

1. Possible escape. Some chams are crafty and can jump. A common defence behavior is to drop from trees.

2. You would have to cup feed. It is generally not recommended because the tongue does not get stretched to different distances and can get "flabby". Once a tongue loses it tone - its hard to get it back. Chams need the stimulation and exercise hunting provides.

3. Predators/children bothering your cham. I wouldn't use a condo if I had any dogs or cats in the house (no matter how friendly or lazy they are).

4. Hydration. I know it comes with a dripper - but you're going to make an awful mess with misting. If you can take your cham to the shower/tub frequently for a good misting/shower then its not a problem.

5. Humidity. I don't think it would hold humidity like a cage can - but a humidifer in the room works just fine. Chams can tolerate low humidity as long as they are adequately hydrated.

6. Privacy. Most chams are not very social. The more foliage the better. Not alot of hiding spaces in the condo - the cham may feel very "displayed".

7. Plants. Pothos would work great in this set-up, which is fine as long as your cham doesn't eat them. Pothos are very high in oxalic acid, which binds with calcium and forms a salt that accumulates in the kidneys.

Just some things to consider. :O)

Jaylyn

reptilez · 03-29-03, 09:04 PM

Thanx Jaylyn.
Also i am planning to get a Jackson's chameleon, what kind of setup do u prefer for chameleons, meshed cages(whick make the cage look all dark) or glass vivariums? (which dont have a lot of ventilation)
-Reptilez

Jaylyn · 03-29-03, 11:01 PM

A screened cage - all four sides for a Jackson's. I use Petscreen for mine - it's nice to work with and gentle on the cham's toes. It does block an awful lot of light, though. On some of the cages I use 1/4 - 1/2 hardware cloth on top to let in more light from above (I use a combination of bulbs to make the cages brighter). The downside is that you can't really feed roaches, flies or moths with the hardware cloth. Other cages are all Petscreen - but they do need extra light. The Petscreen gives them a bit more privacy - which I like. I've been tossing around the idea of making some removable screen panels to put on top of the cages so I can feed the flying feeders once in awhile and still let alot of light in.

Here's a couple pics of some of my cages:

This one has the hardware cloth on top.

My baby/juvenille cage - all done in Petscreen.

Jaylyn

Lasher · 03-29-03, 11:06 PM

Very neat. Wish they made something like that for dragons.

XxRachxX · 03-30-03, 03:02 PM

wouldnt it be funny if you were sitting watching a movie and a chameleon sneaked across the back of your sofa?eep!
i think its a good idea, but i would think those feeding, humidity etc would be a prob. i suppose if you only want them there for a certain amount of time it would be ok, ooh lets go play on the chameleon condo! woohoo!

jpaulson · 03-30-03, 08:15 PM

I kept two veiled's in a similar set up. I bought two fake trees from Walmart, one for each cham. I wedged a bowl in the center of the trees for feeding, then mounted a UV light between the trees on the wall. Added two basking lights, and a drip system, and voila! It worked well--but, I kept them in thier own bedroom, so there was little traffic and lots of privacy. I also had a humdifier in the room, too.