Grass as a substrate

[MagicEngineer]

Just curious if it would be feasible to use a short fine fescue grass as a substrate. Since it is a "no mow" grass that only grows a little over an inch high, it would be maintenance free. A water drip system would keep it watered and there would be no more need for cleaning out the bottom of the cage.

 

[ataraxia]

Id like to see this accomplish long term. It wont be easy

 

[JonRich]

I just saw a thread by a member that had 2 Columbian Tegus and had the enclosure with a grass floor. Looked nice and lush . I'll try to find the thread.

I don't see why it wouldn't work. Cham poo fertilizer, mister/dripped watering , lighting. No impaction risk since there is no exposed soil.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/colombian-black-white-tegus-75383/

 

[AllFallDown]

What an interesting idea!! I thought it would be cool to do live sphagnum moss as a substrate but was concerned about my cham trying to eat it.

 

[JonRich]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/colombian-black-white-tegus-75383/

 

[Whatcamo]

Scott's makes a shade turf grass I actually picked some up today that'll be planted in the free range I'm building but I'm also going to have a lot of t5 light on it as well so ?? We'll see

 

[sandrachameleon]

Just curious if it would be feasible to use a short fine fescue grass as a substrate. Since it is a "no mow" grass that only grows a little over an inch high, it would be maintenance free. A water drip system would keep it watered and there would be no more need for cleaning out the bottom of the cage.

yes, it can work. Add terrestrial isopods and spring tails to help keep with cleaning. Dandelion plants can also be used.
remember that crickets and other bugs can hide in the grass - and you dont want to leave prey in overnight - so you'll have to feed carefully / bowl feed

 

[Zero84]

Isopods

What kind of Isopods would you add to the enclosure. I am going to try and accomplish the same type of flooring in my enclosure. I would also like to plant a couple of flowering plants as well. I have a few months to get it established before I order a new cham.

 

[MagicEngineer]

What kind of Isopods would you add to the enclosure. I am going to try and accomplish the same type of flooring in my enclosure. I would also like to plant a couple of flowering plants as well. I have a few months to get it established before I order a new cham.

I could see where adding isopods would help in creating a more self sustaining ecosystem, but i would be afraid to use any on a permanent basis. The cham would most likely try to eat them. This is of course just conjecture as I am no expert.

 

[mychamtini112012]

Just add more if he eats any. It wouldnt hurt him. If you do this please tell me. I'd like to see how it works.

 

[Captive Creations]

I would like to see this accomplished long term as well. I would be interested in doing this as well for my chameleons if its possible!

 

[sandrachameleon]

The type of Terrestrial Isopods isnt important. They "work" the same way.

Not a bad thing if the chameleon eats one or 10 either. They can be a healthy addition to a chameleons diet. I purposefully breed them and include in my prey list.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I would like to see this accomplished long term as well. I would be interested in doing this as well for my chameleons if its possible!

Check out some of the European websites. its much more common to have fully planted cages there than in North America.