Another question about a cage

[mychamtini112012]

So, my father and I have recently decided that we are going to build a large cage for the chameleon. But, we've hit a bump in the road. I found the screening we are going to order for it last night, but now I have a question about the main frame. What would be the best material for it.? We were thinking with going with wood, but with all the water in there we are afraid of mold and it rotting. What have your guy's past experiences been.?

 

[Trin]

We used wood to build our tank, we just sealed it with a water tight sealant... since we mist a few times a day, but allow the water on the wood to completely dry off between mistings, we haven't had any problems.

 

[reptoman]

I have used painted wood cages that last for years. I spray paint it with outdoor rated paint and let it dry out for at least a week to avoid any fumes.

 

[mychamtini112012]

So basic wood would work, just make sure I either put a water sealant on it or spray paint it.?
Is there any brand that is better for chameleons.?
I don't want something that will end up hurting him.

 

[ZEUUS]

sounds like a fun project. Post some pics when ya finish.

 

[Branman]

I built my own cage and I used the metal that people use to make window screens. It's not strong enough for a person to lean on, but 2 of my Chams have used it with no problem.

 

[Solid Snake]

I did the same as branman. Its easy and it works, and you can get quite a large cage out of it. Sealed/painted wood works as well. Im sure you could use angle iron for a rock solid cage. Iwood say wood would be easiest, closly followed by screen material stuff.

 

[mychamtini112012]

Okay thanks. I'll probably just stick with painted as that is the easiest. and I'll just make sure my chameleon doesnt go in the cage for a week or two afterwards. And I'll be sure to post pictures, whenever we start it...lol.

 

[jcb]

You may want to seal it w/thompsons deck sealer (homedepot,lowes or hardware store) put a few coats on it. That will give it a natural look and no need to paint. I would seal each side of the wood good before you put it together. Then once together seal it again. You don not want water getting to the grain of wood.
Good luck and post Pics as you go please.

 

[mychamtini112012]

You may want to seal it w/thompsons deck sealer (homedepot,lowes or hardware store) put a few coats on it. That will give it a natural look and no need to paint. I would seal each side of the wood good before you put it together. Then once together seal it again. You don not want water getting to the grain of wood.
Good luck and post Pics as you go please.

Okay, ill have to go buy that. Is it rather expensive.? I was thinking about something on there to make it waterproof, but didn't want to risk my chams health. I'll have to post updates, but it might be a little bit. Have to get all the money for the project and then make it. Lol. Trying to decide if I should buy the new xham first, since he'll be young and have to grow before he goes in it. Or build it first. I don't know.

 

[jcb]

The Water sealer should run you about $25-30 a Gal. but that gal will be plenty. I have seen some enclosures cheap on this site so that may not be a bad Idea. Although change can stress out your Cham.

 

[Thezillaman21]

So basic wood would work, just make sure I either put a water sealant on it or spray paint it.?
Is there any brand that is better for chameleons.?
I don't want something that will end up hurting him.

dont\ use\ paint.\ use\ water\ sealant\ like\ polyerathane(spelling\ error\ probably)\

what\ type\ of\ cham\ are\ you\ planning\ to\ get?



i\ made\ mine\ in\ woodshop\ at\ school\ this\ is\ it\ before\ i\ added\ alot\ of\ stuff\ to\ it.\ so\ the\ sharp\ screen\ did\ not\ cut\ my\ cham\ i\ used\ liquid\ nail\ to\ cover\ the\ screen\ on\ the\ doors