Looking to custom build, pretty much a super enclosure lol

[apollo]

Well I have never owned a Cham before but I have been working with Reptiles sense I was 5 years old.

I started out with Anoiles (spelling may be wrong) and then bought my first ignuana when I was 9 and he lasted for 3 years untill he got away when I was cleaning his cage to much trust on my behalf.

Then I bought another Iguana and I have had him for about 14 years, he was bought from a petstore (my bragging rights sense most ig's from the store do not make it and I was only 11 still when I learned how to raise him)

I now have 2 ig's that are well over 5 foot that live in a Doe Boy Pool that has been converted into a rain forest. They are well spoiled. So my experience is there when it comes to reptiles I am not a complete noob.

Back to business. I plan on buying two Panther's still not sure which exact type but i would like to breed them as they get older. Not sure what every ones idea's are about inbreeding but I have never been a fan of it so I was planning on buying two baby's from different breeders to be sure.

Now with the babies. Can they be kept in the same cage sense they are babies? If so sense I will be keeping two know from my understanding with keeping two IG's in the same cage you have to seperate every thing ie basking feeding and water. I plan on misting and having a drip system so would that mean I would need two drip systems? Also what size cage would two need if they are housed together?

I have been ready through the past threads so I am trying my best not to do a repost on any thing because I know how much annoying that is, but to me it is critical to get the exact information that I am looking for.

Can two Panthers (adult) be housed together. Before any one jumps to the answere My super enclosure is going to be pretty large. I am not sure the specs yet but if it is possible I will make it to what ever size it needs to be. I plan on having a dedicated room pretty much to them and would like to keep the look of one cage.

I also read that the sight of another Chameleon can stress them out. If this is so then I will not do that then. I planned on housing a Male and Female of course.

My idea's for the housing would be seperate plants and seperate baskings. Pretty much one would have to grow wings and fly to be in the same area as the other and I have not seen that yet possible. Then when it is time for breeding introduce another ficus or more vines to create a bridge between the two. I dont know I am still brainstorming idea's and would like others opinions.

This cage would be probably at least 6 feet by 6 feet and 3 ft depth.

Finally for now. I go on allot of trips for car shows, go down to Mexico for vecation at times and what not. I plan to have every thing set on an automatic timer, so that my cham's do not suffer for my laziness on weekend morning and what not. But how are they with being gone for a week. Can crickets last that long in the cage or will I need to have some one baby sit them? which is not a problem I can take them to a place I know that will be glade to watch them for me. A reptile store that I know of.

I hope to have the cage built by Aug (the large one) and have it going with the plant's so that I can properly watch it to ensure that it is stable while I keep the babies in the smaller cage.

Thanks for the time and for reading this some what of a book I wrote.

 

[Billyjack187]

Since no one has tackled your question I shall do my best. A dual cage is easily attained, granted you have all the tools. I would say your dimensions seem fine, you could even incorporate a removeable wall, something that simply slides out from the top. Not sure if you want two doors, but it would be a good idea for ease of access on either side. Keeping them in a seperate room is the best idea, and as far as babies go...you will need even more room. Not a pro on that subject but brad ramsey's link is worthwhile info on everything. I have been preaching the same thing when building your own enclosure, plans! Plan it out,price it out make sure you have everything you need when you are ready to build...nothing worse than having to stop and go get something...keep in mind if you want to stain and seal give adequate time for that. I stained and sealed just before assembly, I used to build cabinets so I am a bit particular. Check out the other thread cgslim started a great one, and it is soooo much better when you build it yourself...like a custom car!

 

[arkist]

Pertaining to your long weekends. You can automate your misting, dripping, uvb, and your heat. But you can not automate feeding in any manner.

Crickets left overnight in your encloser can gang up on your cham. Feeders that are not eaten during the day need to be taken out of the encloser.

In addition feeders need to be prep via gutloading 12-24 hours prior to being offered to your cham, and you will need to add supplements before they are offered. I would say you would have to have someone come over and do at least that.

 

[lbesok]

It usually is not best to house panthers together. You are correct, because seeing the other chameleon causes them unnecessary stress. In some RARE situations, they will tolerate permanently living together. Even if this is the case it's not good for the female to be producing eggs year round, because it would significantly reduce her life span
I would recommend while they are small, starting out with smaller cages (while you work on your big one). Smaller cages are also good for easy transportation, sunning, and for when the chameleon is sick and needs extra attention.

You are doing the right thing by researching before you buy them. Many threads on the fourms show AWESOME set ups:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/cage-building-tips-5428/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/post-your-best-enclosure-9613/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/just-finished-lenny-s-5259/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/pics-info-bugatti-s-3625/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/post-your-best-enclosure-9613/
Also here are a couple of specific links (if you already haven't seen them):
http://www.chameleonnews.com/index.php?page=article&id=75
http://www.chameleonnews.com/index.php?page=article&id=59
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/9008/pvccage.html

Good luck.

 

[apollo]

thanks for the info. Yeah I think I reviewed all most every thread about enclosures last night and What I think I am going to do is a corner cage.

I saw one that looked like the superman logo that would slid into the corner of the wall with ease. Then have a wall cutting the cage in the middle to create two cages and each angle having it be a door to one of the other cages.

so my main question is if I can keep baby chameleons together in the same cage (PANTHERS) at what age do they need to be seperated and how large should the cage be for babies. They wont be hartchlings but some were around the age were they are stable for some one to sale online and ship.