How to install plastic screening inside cages...

[PicassothePanther]

Hey guys, I have read several times that using plastic "fencing" is better than having the chameleon climb on the aluminum wall. How do you install it and what is the best kind to get? In a few months, my Red-barred Ambilobe will be outgrowing his small cage, and when this time comes, I'll be doing a major upgrade, including:

Mistking Ultimate
Screen Cage from LLLREPTILE (the 18 x 18 x 36)
Ficus Tree (will it fit?)
Umbrella tree

 

[Carlton]

Hey guys, I have read several times that using plastic "fencing" is better than having the chameleon climb on the aluminum wall. How do you install it and what is the best kind to get? In a few months, my Red-barred Ambilobe will be outgrowing his small cage, and when this time comes, I'll be doing a major upgrade, including:

Mistking Ultimate
Screen Cage from LLLREPTILE (the 18 x 18 x 36)
Ficus Tree (will it fit?)
Umbrella tree

There are some types of plastic netting from garden supplies or Petscreen available. Cut a panel of it for each cage side and attach it to the cage frame with wire or zip ties.

You can prune a Ficus to fit the cage. Do this before using it as sap will run from the cuts. Don't over prune...leave it bushy if you can. Once the cuts seal and the sap is mostly dry you can clean it off. The sap is sticky and can irritate eyes if the cham happens to rub an eye against it. Some varieties of Ficus produce more sap than others.

 

[PicassothePanther]

I dont know the slightest thing about pruning trees! lol

isn't there an art to it - like you cant cut certain parts? or am i wrong?

plz keep in mind that i have only had my chameleon for 1 month now so i'm still a newby

 

[nick barta]

Cut above the branch you want to keep.

You might want to buy a 48 inch high for the room, and it is cheaper than the 36 inch@LLL.

Nick

 

[PicassothePanther]

Nick,
I would LOVE a 48" but I have heard that having a huge cage and a juvenile cage is bad for a chameleon because he might have trouble finding his food. is this true? I do have a feeding cup for him so that shouldn't be an issue..

any other issues with having a large cage for one cham?

 

[xanthoman]

some places allow you to order your cage with slightly different mesh. or another thing you can do (if you dont care about the added expense)is to just simply replace the screen yourself with a different type of fabric, its not that hard to do and the only tools you need are a pair of hemostats or needlenose pliars, a razor knife, with a new blade,and a $3 spline roller.my personal favorite screen is the super pet screen by st gobain technical fabrics. there is a picture of it in this thread https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-prevent-toe-nails-getting-caught-screen-35862/

 

[boj3434]

I wouldnt have a problem putting a small chameleon like yours into the bigger cage as long as you just watch them a little. Especially if you have him cup feeding good already I bet he would love the extra space.

 

[PicassothePanther]

Hey Boj,
I cant wait - I just ordered a HUGE setup for him!

This is all that I ordered:

24x24x48 cage with water catcher on bottom
MISTKING ULTIMATE
Big Dripper
36" ficus tree
6 feet 1" wide jungle vine
flukers digital thermometer / humidity gauge


this is a HUGE upgrade from his current 20" cage with a HABBAMIST and a dwarf umbrella tree

 

[canzoman]

Hey Boj,
I cant wait - I just ordered a HUGE setup for him!

This is all that I ordered:

24x24x48 cage with water catcher on bottom
MISTKING ULTIMATE
Big Dripper
36" ficus tree
6 feet 1" wide jungle vine
flukers digital thermometer / humidity gauge


this is a HUGE upgrade from his current 20" cage with a HABBAMIST and a dwarf umbrella tree

Sounds very nice. He /she will be very happy.