Changing cage sizes

[paulexp]

Hi, i have a question. I have 6 male panthers 5 female panthers. The males are all in reptibreeze 24"x24"x48" and the females all in 18"x18"x36" reptibreeze. Here is the question, can i go smaller? Im asking this because the are all in my basement and it looks like a "breeding" room and thats not what my basement is! I know that bigger (ha ha) is always better but could I go to 18x18x36 for the males and 16x16x30 for the females? I know that breeders keep the chams in smaller cages all the life span of them and all they do is breed and that cause lots of stress on them and they seem to live very long and happy lifes. So what do you guys think?.

 

[SaintJimmy]

I would say definitely do not go smaller unless you want to risk the health, happiness, and life-length of your chameleons... Being in a cage smaller (especially the females... really should not go under 18x18x30 as it is) would definitely not make it easier on them.

 

[Psychobunny]

Ive only had 3 panthers in my life, and never needed a cage larger then 18 x 18 x 36''.

My jackson, and largest veiled, is different, they need the larger size cage.

If your males are used to the size cage they are in, it will probably cause them much stress to put them in something smaller.
They would get used to it in time, but some may act different, as their territory has shrunk!

 

[Ninkylou]

Dang with 11 Chameleons how is that not a breeding room LOL.

 

[Ninkylou]

I know that breeders keep the chams in smaller cages all the life span of them and all they do is breed and that cause lots of stress on them and they seem to live very long and happy lifes. So what do you guys think?.

My response is because you asked what we think...

In my humble opinion, and it is just that, MY opinion. If the breeder is keeping them in small (er) enclosures and not considering the stress levels of the chams, he is not taking the animals welfare into consideration, but trying to maximize profit by reducing space needs. More Space = More breeding stock. This makes them (again MY opinion) no better than puppy mill owners.

If your intent is to keep happy, healthy & low stress chams then keep the enclosures at the recommended size. Maybe consider decreasing the size of your collection (I really hate that word, but 11 Chameleons is no long pets in my opinion) if you don't feel you can house them and still have the living space you desire.

I do have a lot of opinions and you did ask for them.

 

[Psychobunny]

It does seem more logical to reduce your number and find good homes for a few of these chams.
Sounds like you have more then you can handle and still keep them happy.

 

[paulexp]

Dang with 11 Chameleons how is that not a breeding room LOL.

Believe it or not its in my basement (man cave). On the right of my 60" tv I have the males in the big cages and on the left I have my females in the smaller cages.

 

[paulexp]

My response is because you asked what we think...

In my humble opinion, and it is just that, MY opinion. If the breeder is keeping them in small (er) enclosures and not considering the stress levels of the chams, he is not taking the animals welfare into consideration, but trying to maximize profit by reducing space needs. More Space = More breeding stock. This makes them (again MY opinion) no better than puppy mill owners.

If your intent is to keep happy, healthy & low stress chams then keep the enclosures at the recommended size. Maybe consider decreasing the size of your collection (I really hate that word, but 11 Chameleons is no long pets in my opinion) if you don't feel you can house them and still have the living space you desire.

I do have a lot of opinions and you did ask for them.

thank you i vaule evryones opion on here! I didnt buy them to breed them, i bought them because of the total differnt locales and how beautiful they are. i spend lots of money on all of the stuff for them, nothing but the best! Also, it looks very nice and not like a "breeders room".

 

[paulexp]

It does seem more logical to reduce your number and find good homes for a few of these chams.
Sounds like you have more then you can handle and still keep them happy.

I can handle them with no problem and have lots of time and take GREAT care of them and also GReat pride in them. They are all my pals and all have names. also, the reason i dont want to get rid of any is beacuse lots of people dont take care of chams like they should and i would never want my pals to get hurt in any way!

 

[paulexp]

Hi all. I just wanted to say that i hate writing (same as text messages). Things get taken in the wrong way. I once again wanted to say thanks for all the replies you guys give back. By no means do i want any body to think im not q good chameleon keeper. Like i said they are all my pals not pets or "just chameleons/animals. Anything i can do to keep them happy, safe and healthy i will and would do.

 

[FlChamMom]

What space would you really gain though? By decreasing to the 18" and 16" widths you would gain 12" of living space on each side. You probably would not see nearly the difference that your little buddies would. Just embrace the fact that your "man cave" is now a "cham cave"!