Cage Size Question

[Jabooh1]

hello everyone!

I am still learning about chams before getting one and want to find the best spot. The area I am thinking is about 18"x24"x36+" (depth x width x height) in between two bookcases.

I have read a lot and the best size for male adult panthers is 24x24x48. Would the above be ok?

Also, how high above the ground should the top of the cage be? I have read the main basking branch should be eye level? Is that right?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Virgil1972]

hello everyone!

I am still learning about chams before getting one and want to find the best spot. The area I am thinking is about 18"x24"x36+" (depth x width x height) in between two bookcases.

I have read a lot and the best size for male adult panthers is 24x24x48. Would the above be ok?

Also, how high above the ground should the top of the cage be? I have read the main basking branch should be eye level? Is that right?

Thanks for your help.

For a male panther the 24x24x48 cage size is the minimum size cage they should be kept it. A cage at eye level would be good, the higher you can get it the better.

 

[Andee]

The most I would be worried about is the 18 inch measurement, that measurement doesn't give a lot room to move around if your panther is a large guy. Panthers can easily get to 16 and quite a few hit 18.

 

[Jabooh1]

I'll look into other areas.

 

[Jabooh1]

Ok so I found an area that is 24"x24"x48".

Cage

• Jabooh1
• Oct 10, 2016

I will spread the bookcases and put the cage in the middle.

 

[Andee]

That works, I would put it up on a small table or something it will make your baby feel safer.

 

[Jabooh1]

That works, I would put it up on a small table or something it will make your baby feel safer.

Yes, I was going to have the bottom of the cage elevated 36" with an enclosure to store supplies. Then the cage will go to the top of the bookcases approximately 7' high. It will actually be a little bigger than 24"x24" as the sides will be angled to meet the depth of the bookcases. The cross section is half a hexagon.

 

[Andee]

Sounds good ^^

 

[Alexander1]

I would argue that even a 24x24x48 is too small for a male chameleon, my male veiled chameleon would be antsy in his, I noticed that he would be moving non stop up and down,almost pacing.
If you just have one chameleon I would greatly recommend you getting a bigger cage, I put two extra large lll reptile cages together to give my ONE Cham plenty of space to move, thermoregulate and hide.
Remember in the wild they have a huge area to roam, even if the stick to one tree. Plus it looks way cooler.

 

[Andee]

I agree with you Alexander, if I had the space I would definitely have gotten my adult male panther a second cage to fuse with my first. I hope to be able to do when we move to our new home in the next year, though he will be 4 years old by then so we will see how his health is by then <3

 

[Alexander1]

I agree with you Alexander, if I had the space I would definitely have gotten my adult male panther a second cage to fuse with my first. I hope to be able to do when we move to our new home in the next year, though he will be 4 years old by then so we will see how his health is by then <3

Would be a great retirement cage, and an awesome cage for a new friend to grow up in... just sayin.

 

[Andee]

Yes it would ^^

 

[Jabooh1]

So the space i have could hold a 36"w x 24"d x 48" tall cage. I can't seem to find one in that size. Does anyone know if those are made?

 

[Andee]

I don't honestly think any cage that is mass produced is sold of that size. You should be able to make it yourself if you are crafty or you could pay a company to make it for you. Honestly you won't regret getting one of that size even if it costs extra. Your chameleon will love it

 

[Jabooh1]

So along with the cage I need:
Decor
36" UVB Flourescent light
Heat light What watt for this size?
Mister

Anything else?

 

[Carlton]

Its very difficult to recommend a particular watt bulb for a cage, as the temp it provides is affected by so many other things in your particular space. Its safer to err on the side of a lower watt bulb and go up, than to start off too high and risk a burn. If you have a temp gun you can set the light and the basking perch up and test the distance the bulb needs to be above the perch to provide the correct basking temp there. If too hot, move the bulb farther off the cage top. If too cool, increase the wattage. Chams don't need very hot basking temps compared to many other herps so a regular halogen porch light around 60 watts is a decent starting point.

 

[Carlton]

I don't honestly think any cage that is mass produced is sold of that size. You should be able to make it yourself if you are crafty or you could pay a company to make it for you. Honestly you won't regret getting one of that size even if it costs extra. Your chameleon will love it

Completely agree with this. A cham in a generous living space will probably be more active and happier. Plus, you can get larger cage plants and provide a very nice temp and humidity gradient too.

 

[Carlton]

So along with the cage I need:
Decor
36" UVB Flourescent light
Heat light What watt for this size?
Mister

Anything else?

Bins and hiding structure for all your feeder insects. Gutload for feeders. Calcium, mineral, and vitamin supplements for your cham. Find the nearest experienced herp vet just in case you need one.

 

[Jabooh1]

Thanks everyone for your reply.