Questions from Newbie

[MerCham]

Hi Everyone; I am expecting my enclosure set-up tomorrow w/my first chameleon to follow. I have some questions that seem pretty silly but I really don't know, so here goes:

#1, what is the best way to attach limbs & vines without harming the enclosure? Is there enough space to use twisty ties through the mesh? Or is there some better way? Also, when I mist, is it ok to mist through the mesh, or will I need to mist by opening the door and misting directly onto the plants/vines? Can the enclosure ever rust? I was considering using a humidifier or mister, but don't want to harm the screening or framework. (I'm assuming it is metal, although the mesh may be plastic coated.) Also, I have gotten an umbrellla plant to put in the cage. This was after several fruitless searches for other plants at Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart! Apparently, most of the plants have already been rifled through. I have a list that says Umbrella plants are ok, so I hope that is correct.

Anyhow, like I say, silly questions, but I'd like to know how to hang the limbs and vines when I set the kit up.

Thanks!

 

[carol5208]

hi and welcome! Yes you can use zip ties or twist ties. What I do for the branches is kinda wedge them in horizontally and then on the outside of the cage I take a push pin and stick it into the end of the branch. It secures them pretty tightly. Yes you have to open the door to mist. First of all it will all drip down on the outside if you don't and alot of it will not penetrate the screen. So just open the door or if you end up getting an automatic mister the nozzle will go inside onrd of the corners. I guess it depends on what type of cage you purchase but I have never had any of my cages rust. I think they are aluminum

 

[MerCham]

Ah! very good & thank you! I never thought of using push pins. I'm so looking forward to my little guy getting here & I really want the enclosure to be right. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[carol5208]

you are welcome! Yes they work great, better than tacks because the pin is longer. I found just wedging the branches in was sometimes not enough and the branches would fall. All the questions you are asking are valid ones and
I always say no question is stupid or silly if you find the answer you were looking for

 

[Slug]

I did the push pin thing, and it worked great! I also got some plastic sheeting and some strong magnets, cut the sheeting to the size of 3 sides of the cage, and attached 2 magnets to the outside, and 1 to the inside (I ran out or I would have done 2 inside as well) on each corner and about halfway up on all 3 sides to help hold in the humidity (a tip I learned here on the forum).

Post pics when you get the cage set up!

Slug

 

[MerCham]

Very cool! You guys are great! I've been reading the forums here & have found so many good ideas. I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions before it's all over. Thanks for the tips!