Help!

[Hannah Shilling]

Hi,

I have been reasearching for nearly a year now on the perfect habitat for a chamelion. I have been thinking about getting one for a long time and i have searched the internet and every website advises differently. So i decided to join this forum for some advise off of you guys who all have experience in the matter.

Here is my problem....
I have looked at wooden vivariums that i was advised to do so by a breeder but i am worried about there not being enough ventilation. So i have also had a look around at glass terrainums with a natural look wooden background for all three sides with a mesh top. However with this i am still worried that it will not be insulated well enough because where i live gets freezing in the winter.

Please if any one could guide me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks

 

[Jakedn]

Where do you live? Also, in my opinion glass should be avoided, not enough ventilation. Most people recommend screen cages.

 

[AJA]

Welcome Hannah

Do you know what kind of chameleon you are going to get? Will it be a heat lover or a cool lover? You can do a search on the forum and get lots of ideas - Search for enclosure or cage, most people have the screened cages.

If you are looking at pygmy types then, glass tanks will be okay. It also depends on where you are from. Americans tend to use screen cages for the big chams and Europeons will use both glass and screen and everyone says that they are right

Technically the perfect habitat for a chameleon is their native habitat.

 

[laurie]

Hello Hannah and welcome. I also live where it gets cold, -20 F in the winter isn't unusual and in normal at night, Northern Montana, USA. All my chameleons are in screen cages from LLL reptile. I just make sure the room they are in doesn't get too cold at night. A temp drop is good for sleeping for chams but not if the drop is to low. As others have said it will depend on what type and size cham you get. Also where you live will effect what you do. Post a bit more info and we will be happy to help you.

 

[djfunkshowkid]

Screened cages are just about the best option available for chameleons because of the constant fresh air. Glass will cause the chameleon to see its own reflection, which will stress it out and might cause early death. If you are concered about the temperature in colder weather...I would reccomend buying a small space heater for it. Don't point it directly into the cage, as that will suck out all the humidity, just point it in the general area and allow the heat to rise. Of course you would want to check temp's over and over until you see that it is stable enough to house a chameleon. If you keep a basking light and maintain a temperature around 80-90, then don't fret. I live in an area....not quite as cold as Laurie, but can get to around -10 or so. During the cold spells, I keep a space heater in the same room as my cham's and shut the doors. The electric bill may go up a bit, but hey....you have a cham now, and its like a child...you have to take care of it, and it costs money to do that.

Wooden enclosures would rot with time because of all the humidity in the air, and may also cause mildew or other forms of fungi that may cause respitory problems.

So, basically....I, along with many other members on the forum would reccomend using a fully screened enclosure. If your concerned about cold weather....get a space heater. Good luck, and let us know about your endeavors!

 

[sandrachameleon]

Hello and Welcome!

You will get many different opinions on how to house your chameleon. There are NO RULES. Many people use screen, many people use glass, some use wood and some use combinations. Any of these can be the right choice, depending on several factors.

Alot depends on the type of chameleon (some like it hot, some like it cool, some need higher humidty than others), and on the environment where you live. Will the chameleon be inside or outside? Do you have high or low or somewhere in between humidity where you live? How hot / cold is it typically during the day, night? Does the temp drop suddenly? Is it a drafty location? How will you be providing water (can the cage accomodate)?

For example, a screen cage would be a bad idea for a panther chameleon if you have a cold, drafty house with poor heating and low humidity. A screen cage is a good choice if you have a warm, humidty environment.

I personally use wood framed cages, with a wire top, peg board sides (more ventilation than solid sides, but less than screen - which is a good thing for my circumstances) and arcylic or plexi fronts.

You will find lots of interesting reading linked via this blog entry:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/82-enclosures-housing.html

Everyone who rants about Screen being the only way needs to settle down. Read this: http://www.chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=62
That said, screen cages are OFTEN the best choice.

 

[Hannah Shilling]

Thanks you lot, just going to go away and have a look at some of the links you sent. Will post some more info soon..