Is it possible to have your cage to thickly planted?

[Dan]

OK,.So i got some plants for my larger cage that I am setting up today. Ive got a ficus and a schefferla in there right now with some branches and fake vines. It is very dense with plant matter, is that a probelm or is it ok? Here are some pics to give you an idea, but they dont really show it that well.

 

[RhettusMaximus]

less is more sometimes

1.) it Looks like ALOT of foliage in there. The lower leaves on the plants may fall off eventually because they may not get enough light to them, this would take time but it will happen. It may also be very easy for bugs to hide from you cham.

2.)Also, did you re-pot the plants into new soil? Alot of times the plants you buy from the store can have fertilizers and such in the soil that you won't want the feeders getting into. If the feeders get into the fertilized soil you can bet your top dollar that it'll transfer to you cham when it eats them.

3.) if light doesn't penetrate to the bottom the heat and humidity requirements for your ambilobe panther will make it a hotbed for bacteria and or fungi ( usually it's one or the other because they tend to outcompete eachother depending on the bacteria/fungi). With UV light penetrating most areas in the cage, bacteria and fungi are less likely to grow. Try doing the light test. When you put your light on the top of the cage does light penetrate to the bottom?

4.) think about cleaning the cage too. That's alot of places for fecal matter to hide in there which can add to a bacterial or fungal problem.

do what you think is best!

Just take these suggestions into consideration and see if other's post and ask their opinions! There's alot of smart peeps on this forum!

 

[Dean Pulcini]

Some chameleons require more the others for example WC and shy montane species. The chameleon should be able to move through the enclosure easily without struggling but should still have enough cover to hide. My panthers use one large ficus and lots of climbing branches and seem to appreciate the room. I also find it easier to clean cages that aren't that complicated. Also the size of the chameleon has alot to do with it.