Screen Cages and Humidity

[Calum]

Hi guys,

This is my first post here and im a total newbie in keeping chameleons. Im thinking of buying a chameleon and trying to do some research before i do so i dont make too many mistakes. Ive read screen cages are a must for chameleons for ventalation but does it keep the warmth in? I live in the UK so wondered if this will affect it?

Im bit confused as to lighting also, Ive read that the exo terra compact bulbs cause eye problems and to use linear tubes instead?

any help would be great.

 

[Julirs]

This is a US based forum, with members overseas and in Canada. In most of the states you will see that screen is highly used, but in the North and overseas glass or a combo of screen, glass, wood, etc. is the norm.
I live in Florida-temps and humidity are great for raising chameleons in screen cages. Glass for adults of most species would bring me some nice respiratory infections. If I lived in Canada-I am sure I would find screen not to be the most suitable for keeping temps and humidity where I would want it. You have to find what works for your area. It is more of a factor of knowing what your species needs. I am sure that I could construct a non-screen cage that would work inside my house for even a Veiled with the proper ventilation. Check with keepers in your area to see what they are doing.

As far as lights, the coiled compacts have not been recommended as they have been known to cause eye problems in chams. I hear they are working to remedy that. I prefer linear tubes for UVB as they cover more cage space.

 

[tkilgour]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/he-wont-eat-30973/

here is a debate about them on the forum going on right now. Read down this and see what you think. Good luck!

 

[sandrachameleon]

Hi guys,

This is my first post here and im a total newbie in keeping chameleons. Im thinking of buying a chameleon and trying to do some research before i do so i dont make too many mistakes. Ive read screen cages are a must for chameleons for ventalation but does it keep the warmth in? I live in the UK so wondered if this will affect it?

Im bit confused as to lighting also, Ive read that the exo terra compact bulbs cause eye problems and to use linear tubes instead?

any help would be great.

You do not need to use a screen cage.

There are pros and cons about any type of enclosure you might use. Lots of info in this blog entry regarding caging:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/82-enclosures-housing.html

Measure your house humdity and temp (including overnight). Your relative/ambient values will help you decide what type of cage will be best for your environment. Dont forget to consider drainage.

Often the best cages are hybrids. with a screen top and screen front, with solid back and sides.

I personally use peg board sided cages. this provides good ventilation, but is superior to screen in terms of releasing heat in a slower better way, and same for humidity. Its also much easier to attach branches and such too.

 

[Calum]

The room il be keeping it in, is the warmest room in the house and catchs the sun all day long so it stays pretty warm even in winter.

What light unit would you recommend? Do i need a twin bulb one or only single bulb?




cheers.

 

[tkilgour]

I use a linear reptisun uvb 5.0 and a 60watt day blue basking light in most my enclosures. However, You will have to monitor temps. and humidity to be certain what works best.

 

[Calum]

Ive having some trouble finding a hood for the linear type bulbs, i looked at the zoo med ones but they are for compact Fluorescents? Are they just as bad as the exo terra hoods?

Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Hood 18