Questions about supplies and tutorials.

[ANZology]

Hello, all! I've been searching for a good site or video tutorial that can show me how to build a chameleon habitat, along with a list of supplies. So far I haven't had the best luck with my search results. Most of the tutorials I've found are horrible. D: The cage designs are very small and there's no easy way to clean them unless you want to disassemble them completely.

Anyway, I was wondering what type of wire and wood are best to use? I would also love any links to good tutorials on how to go about building the habitat, specifically one that has wire on all four sides, and can be opened from the front or the front bottom so I can clean it efficiently.

Oh, and what types of plants are best to have? I have a list of some that are appropriate, but I rather hear from people that have used living plants before. Thanks!

 

[Texas Panther Man]

If you are located in the Us. Then go to LLL supply they sell wire cages that are lightweight yet sturdy. They are easy to assemble and clean. With a removable bottom and you can buy the drain pan to catch all your water. Ive built my own outdoor cages and for the time required the building supplies and the weight assoc with wood I prefer the pre made screen cages. They are big enough for everything except mellers and parsons.

 

[ANZology]

Thanks! I'll be going to LLL in the next few days to check out their supplies.

 

[Olimpia]

The best plants are Umbrella plants (schefflera arboricola specifically), hibiscus, ficus, and pothos. Those are the most commonly used. However, you can use anything as long as it's not poisonous and it can tolerate lots of water (and typically, medium light). Hibiscus likes lots of light, and can be a pain to keep alive and well without good lighting. However, a good fix is to get a 6500K fluorescent bulb to supplement the chameleon's lighting. It's a bright white light that not only brings out your cham's colors and shows off your cage, but the plants tend to do better with it.

Hope that helps!

 

[draetish]

You can also do a "search" on the forum for homemade enclosures. If you are going to use wood, do not use treated lumber. Go to Home Depot and look at the different screen for windows or pet screen and they will cut your wood. I've made two cages in the last month and it's fun and rewarding. Just use your imagination.

 

[jamncristian]

http://melleridiscovery.com/ has a good DIY cage building tutorial

its in the tutorial section labeled as "indoor cag building"