Canny Chams
New Member
curious what you guys think is better, pros cons, for a caging setup vs a freerange setup, of the SAME SIZE, so the free ranging area would consist of lets say 2 X 2 X 6, and the cage would be that large. Discuss 
Freerange vs cage setup
- Thread starter Canny Chams
- Start date
Meow Kitty
New Member
my chameleon seems happy-er and more healthy when freeranged
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
It depends on a lot of circumstances. I have done both, so I'll give my opinions about each:
Free Ranging:
- Managing water is a huge pain, but can be figured out if you're crafty.
- They run the risk of escaping unless you get crafty and make the area escape-proof
- They feel less trapped, and sometimes get more calm because of it
- You have to cup or hand feed, there is no way around it
- You'd have to hang the lights from the ceiling or something like that, which may be a con if you rent.
- Have to protect them from other pets like cats or dogs.
Cage:
- You know that they are safe and can't escape.
- Managing water is easier, usually because setting up the misting system is easier.
- You can free range their food, and not have to cup/hand feed.
- They may or may not be as comfortable confined
- In my experience, cages chameleons seem to move less and get less exercise.
I have done both, and while I loved free ranging, I have them all in cages now with occasional free range time. I feel like I have to worry about them less, that I don't have to check the floors as I go to make sure they aren't walking across them. I don't have to wait for them to wander back if they explore the house and I can't find them (they always do, but it may take a day or two). If I only had one I might free range again, but with more than one I prefer cages at this point. Just make them as big as you can fit in the room and they'll probably be just as happy.
Free Ranging:
- Managing water is a huge pain, but can be figured out if you're crafty.
- They run the risk of escaping unless you get crafty and make the area escape-proof
- They feel less trapped, and sometimes get more calm because of it
- You have to cup or hand feed, there is no way around it
- You'd have to hang the lights from the ceiling or something like that, which may be a con if you rent.
- Have to protect them from other pets like cats or dogs.
Cage:
- You know that they are safe and can't escape.
- Managing water is easier, usually because setting up the misting system is easier.
- You can free range their food, and not have to cup/hand feed.
- They may or may not be as comfortable confined
- In my experience, cages chameleons seem to move less and get less exercise.
I have done both, and while I loved free ranging, I have them all in cages now with occasional free range time. I feel like I have to worry about them less, that I don't have to check the floors as I go to make sure they aren't walking across them. I don't have to wait for them to wander back if they explore the house and I can't find them (they always do, but it may take a day or two). If I only had one I might free range again, but with more than one I prefer cages at this point. Just make them as big as you can fit in the room and they'll probably be just as happy.
reptilover
New Member
I cage mine for Feeding and work time but free range as much as possible. I used a large plastic tray put up a cute wood fence about 12" tall all the way around. His tree towers the fence so he feels free 
. He seems more energetic and happy free range but I don't risk it un supervised. If my python breaks free or my doggies get in there... Don't want to think about It... Haha! Don't forget drainage!
. He seems more energetic and happy free range but I don't risk it un supervised. If my python breaks free or my doggies get in there... Don't want to think about It... Haha! Don't forget drainage!I do both mine mine. They are in their enclosures at night, morning showers, and do most of their eating in the enclosures. But I take them out daily to let them play in free range areas. My Ambilobe is an escape artist and my Sambava is thinking about it... So I have to make sure I am attentive to were they are when they are in their free range time. They love it and enjoy the freedom. But with other pets I also feel it is important to keep them in enclosures as well.
