homemade enclosure

[matahari]

here's my attempt at a good chameleon enclosure.

the main design element is a few inches of plexiglass around the inside rim at the top. neither chameleons nor crickets can climb it, so i'm able to leave the top open, which makes everything easier.

the tree in the middle provides hunting access and plant hanging purchase.

the walls of the enclosure bolt together with wingnuts, so it's easy (ish) to take apart for moving.

there is no bottom, i just set it on a piece of plywood. the dripper drips into an applejuice jug which has a rope handle that i hook over one of the tree limbs for easy access. the lamps attach to a dowel i screwed into the outside.

interested in your thoughts!

 

[Sticktongue]

Welcome to the forums!

Its a good thought in theory about the no top. Did you make a door? How do you plan on cleaning it? I guess you could take it apart once a week or whatever to do so, but that sounds like it'd be a pain. Also, i'd highly suggest putting it up on a stand, making a water proof bottom and making a draining system. Trust me, it will be worth it in the long run!

Also, I noticed your lights are coming from the side. Your UVB light will need to be on the top. UV rays can not go through any type of glass or plastic, and needs a clear shot to your animal. Even screen mesh blocks it a little bit.

Not trying to shoot you down on it, just some simple thoughts. Overall the build looks pretty good.

 

[ashley9333]

hello i like ur cage mine is home as well mine stand 6ft tall and like 3ft wide. its made out of pvc pipes and wire mesh

 

[yankfanthom]

You need some airflow in there. That's why most Chams are kept in screen enclosures. The plexiglass is great in theory for humidity but not for the overall health of the chameleon. You need screen instead.

 

[matahari]

plexiglass

there is only six inches worth of plexiglass around the top. I made a cutout for the UVB to shine thru. it's a little hard to take apart to clean, but really just a few wingbolts.

 

[madden]

Wow, I really like the open top/plexiglass climbing barrier idea myself, I'm setting up a couple new cages this weekend and I'd like to incorporate that! Great idea!

 

[Trin]

Hey... I was just wondering where you got the plexiglass and if it was expensive...

Tank looks awesome btw, what kinda cham are you putting in there?

 

[matahari]

plexiglass

you can buy big sheets at lowes or home depot. you'll need a saw, preferably a table saw. I used double sided square stickies to hold two sheets together so the total height was enough that matahari couldn't reach over it.

the only design issue is this -- I still haven't made the gap between the bottom of the plexiglass shield and the screen perfectly bug proof, so they will sneak up in there sometimes, safe from speeding chameleon tongues (of doom.)

 

[madden]

You could try using silicone glue to bond the screen to the plexiglass, that would be bug proof

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

To both OP and ashley, cages are nice but really bare alot more plants is a good idea.

 

[JonRich]

Looks great. I'm a little concerned about the applejuice jug for the dripper. Since he has to drink he will be directly over it A LOTT!!. Just a lil worried if he were to fall in!