Enclosure construction question

[Leon23]

I am going to be purchasing a panther chameleon soon and I plan on building my own enclosure. I am wondering if it would be ok to use plastic mesh screening as opposed to aluminum screening. Is this in any way going to be detrimental to the health of my chameleon? I hope you can get back to me with any information you have, thank you.

 

[KatCham]

The heat from the lights may melt the plastic???

 

[Leon23]

Thank you for your feedback, and Yes I thought of that, I plan to use aluminum mesh for the top. I was really talking about the sides, because I don't think the radiant heat from the light will be enough to melt the side panels.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Number one problem: crickets will eat through the plastic/fiberglass screen and you will soon have holes everywhere! And crickets. Those will be everywhere too. You definitely want metal screening. Trust someone who learned this lesson the hard way. (Me)

 

[Leon23]

Thanks for the help fettetinmyshoes, advice taken that is the last thing that I'm trying to have happen

 

[SMCNARY]

Number one problem: crickets will eat through the plastic/fiberglass screen and you will soon have holes everywhere! And crickets. Those will be everywhere too. You definitely want metal screening. Trust someone who learned this lesson the hard way. (Me)

Lol been there and done that but at that time (15 years ago ) I had about 20 chem cages and by the time I figured it out my wife was ready to throw me and the chems all out. Crickets everywhere !!! and let's not even talk about the time the 200 plus mice got out I am lucky to have such a tolerant wife