Help me make a decision about mesh...

[slowfoot]

(I really wish there was a thread for little stupid questions)

So, my new-ish panther is in an outdoor enclosure that's got regular hardware cloth on it. I've read about the issues with using this, but I've used it on all my outdoor cages in the past and never had a problem. However, this guy is a serious wall-crawler, and I can see his little feet are getting beat up. Therefore, it must be fixed. I have two solutions, but I'm not sure which one to go with:

Option A: Take off the regular hardware cloth and use vinyl-coated instead. This will probably cost a lot, but look nice. My only worry is that he's still obviously going to be climbing all over this - will it be that much easier on his feet?

Option B: Add an inner layer of window screen and/or that larger plastic mesh to the cage that will be easier on his feet. I like this for the added protection from outside critters and it's cheaper. But it's ugly, and more complicated to install.

What would you do?

eta: Also, how many medium crickets should an adult male panther chameleon eat in a day? This dude only seems to hand-feed.

 

[Montium]

Window screen with large chameleons has lead to toe nail removal in some cases. I'd go with the vinyl coated wire.

 

[beeze]

Here's how I did mine. https://www.chameleonforums.com/mem...cage-picture1770-my-female-cham-enjoying.html

 

[slowfoot]

Thanks for the input, guys

beeze, yeah - that's the type of plastic mesh I was thinking of. It's pretty flexible, right?

 

[SimonBolivar]

Hmm, sumtin breezy and sturdy.. breezes are nice ^^

 

[xanthoman]

screen/mesh choice

you can get the plastic coated hardware cloth in 1/4 or 1/2 inch mesh (1/2" is pictured in my avatar, it usually comes in 2 or 3" widths and its usually about 1/2 price for a full roll , by local prices its about $15 for a 3'x7' piece or about $100 for a 100' roll of 3' or if you would prefer a screen type product, i have checked out several, in fiberglass , metal and fabric, and my favorite is super pet screen from saint gobain technical fabrics, it is fiberglass , has slightly larger openings than normal cham or window screen, slightly thicker strand size (toes are far less likely to get caught or worn down), and it is super tough compared to window screen (hard to cut with a dull razor) plus it has a soft vinyl coating that is much easier on cham feet. any way if you would like to check it out before you buy, just pm me your address and i will be glad to send you (or anyone else) a sample

 

[Montium]

$100 for 36" x 100' ? got a link?

 

[Danicuteeyes]

Here's how I did mine. https://www.chameleonforums.com/mem...cage-picture1770-my-female-cham-enjoying.html

that's so cool!!
how did you do it? put it on there i mean...
i have a LLLreptile cage 18"x18"x36"

 

[beeze]

Thanks for the input, guys

beeze, yeah - that's the type of plastic mesh I was thinking of. It's pretty flexible, right?

Yes, the plastic fencing in very flexible and I purchase it by the roll at Home Depot.

 

[tatted1]

I used the fiberglass screen on my cage and its flexible.I cant see how it would dull their nails. Kai is like freakin spider man in there so Ill have to keep an eye out.

 

[beeze]

I used the fiberglass screen on my cage and its flexible.I cant see how it would dull their nails. Kai is like freakin spider man in there so Ill have to keep an eye out.

Their nails can get caught in the screen and sometimes pull the nail out and then infections can set in and cause a serious problem. Try adding more branches for him to crawl on and stay off the screen.

 

[xanthoman]

$100 for 36" x 100' ? got a link?

its been a while since i built them cages but that was the home depot price as i remember it, i thought i saved the label cause i surfed for better prices, because i had plans of needing more but i can no longer find the label with the manufacturers name on it. next time i go to home depot i will get the manufacturers name and surf the best price i know its out there for that but its hard to find at a decent price, the only problem is you have to find a local distributor for the manufacturer or the shipping will kill you (a 100' roll of 3' weighs 40-78lbs depending on guage, not counting packaging) here are a couple of links that approach the price i mentioned, not quite, but be patient i will try to find the same source i found before these are the best prices i found recently ,2x75 for $65 plus up to $35 shipping or 2x150' for $117 plus shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...Category=20505&_trkparms=algo=LVI&its=I&otn=2 also 3'x25' for $28 plus shipping http://www.amazon.com/Do-Best-727486-Vinyl-Coated-Hardware/dp/B000RMQ3ZW shipping is about $15 and about $7 for each additional roll (depending on area) you might get a quicker answer by contacting rons (ebay) or deerso directly, i would be suprised if they cant order 100' rolls for you, most places want about $300 for a 3x100' roll, i have already put enquiries into both i will keep looking for the original price i was refering to , if i find it, ill just send a pm or feel free to pm me if you have any questions, good luck / edit also http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mat/1343614473.html

 

[Montium]

Outstanding, thank you very much. I searched around but the stuff I found was more expensive.

 

[slowfoot]

Thanks to everyone for the input! I ended up going with a soft, smooth plastic mesh stapled to the inside of the cage, leaving a 1" gap between that and the hardware cloth. So far, it seems to be working well and even discourages wall-climbing slightly. It's not the prettiest thing, but that's okay.

xanthoman, I'll have to keep that in mind for when (if) I build another cage. Thanks for the links

 

[hallenhe]

You also asked about crix in your first post - my adult male panther will eat five if he's hungry (eight is the most he's eaten in a day); more often two or three, then maybe another one or two later in the day. Crickets are always available to him, but he doesn't choose to partake every day. If not crix, I give him one or (at most) two supers - his favorite treat, with occasional other feeders. My crickets are sold as "extra large" - the females have visible ovipositors and the males chirp. They're probably an inch in length. The "mediums" at my store are about 3/4 inch.