Which enclosure should I buy?

[Grayson Payne]

Hey everyone! I’m currently buying everything to house a panther chameleon! I haven’t had any experience with chameleon cages, so I wanted an opinion on these. I know that dragon strand is amazing but I really don’t have the money to drop on it, although I could just wait and eventually get one. I’ve hear some good and bad about the 24x34x48 zoo med repti breeze cage (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PHABI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uJ1NEbF3GMEZA). I also stumbled upon the flchams cage (https://flchams.com/chameleon/24x24x48-chameleon-cages-for-sale/?attribute_pa_cage-color=black) and was wondering how it performed if anyone knows. Thanks!
This is my first post btw.

 

[Acidsin]

I currently use the xl reptibreeze cages and have done amazing with them. My only niche would be to purchase some trellis for the sides to keep the chameleons off the mesh so they dont get their toes caught

 

[Gingero]

Welcome to the forums!

I have the Dragon Strand Large Keeper's enclosure and absolutely love it. I think it's worth it to wait and save up for a bit and get the best of the best imo.

I've heard decent things about the DIY cages. They seem better than the ReptiBreeze. I'll let other people weigh in.

 

[Grayson Payne]

I currently use the xl reptibreeze cages and have done amazing with them. My only niche would be to purchase some trellis for the sides to keep the chameleons off the mesh so they dont get their toes caught

Thanks!! I’ll keep that in mind.

 

[Grayson Payne]

Welcome to the forums!

I have the Dragon Strand Large Keeper's enclosure and absolutely love it. I think it's worth it to wait and save up for a bit and get the best of the best imo.

I've heard decent things about the DIY cages. They seem better than the ReptiBreeze. I'll let other people weigh in.

Thanks! I’ll be sure to save up some extra in case I decide to go with the dragon strand.

 

[Highway61]

I'll give you my perspective and decision making that I used entering this hobby (you don't say if this is your first cham).

I went with the cheapest option on the enclosure and that's the Reptibreeze '2x'2x4'. Not entirely sure I would stay at it if maybe I had a bad experience losing my first cham (they are delicate!), I wouldn't be out too much on the enclosure. I used the same logic on choosing the cham. Panthers are stunning creatures of color but a good one from reputible breeders will cost $400 or more + shipping. I ended up buying 4 month CB Jacksons for around $150.

But now, knowing that it all (enclosure and cham) worked out, I would have no regrets spending the extra on Dragonstand + Panther route

 

[Grayson Payne]

I'll give you my perspective and decision making that I used entering this hobby (you don't say if this is your first cham).

I went with the cheapest option on the enclosure and that's the Reptibreeze '2x'2x4'. Not entirely sure I would stay at it if maybe I had a bad experience losing my first cham (they are delicate!), I wouldn't be out too much on the enclosure. I used the same logic on choosing the cham. Panthers are stunning creatures of color but a good one from reputible breeders will cost $400 or more + shipping. I ended up buying 4 month CB Jacksons for around $150.

But now, knowing that it all (enclosure and cham) worked out, I would have no regrets spending the extra on Dragonstand + Panther route

I get what you're saying. This will be my first cham, but not my first lizard (yes, chameleons are much more complicated tho). I have done research for about a year, with recently getting into it even more. If you don't mind me asking, how was the reptibreeze, and are you still using it? I am willing to spend whatever extra I need to make sure everything is right. Not going to lie, I am going to set up everything and test it every day for about a week

 

[Grayson Payne]

Welcome to the forums!

I have the Dragon Strand Large Keeper's enclosure and absolutely love it. I think it's worth it to wait and save up for a bit and get the best of the best imo.

I've heard decent things about the DIY cages. They seem better than the ReptiBreeze. I'll let other people weigh in.

Also, your videos are great! I've been watching every one for a little over a month!

 

[Highway61]

I've had the Reptibreeze for over a year now and it does the job, no complaints or regrets. Here's my boy Jack chillin' like a villain

 

[CasqueAbove]

In this particular area , Chams, The cage itself is likely to be one of the least expensive parts. I have found that it is actualy a far more unique question than you thing, as different people have different ideas.
I like the idea of starting with a cheap cage, and here's why.
Lighting options are limited, and you need to spent money here, and not much difference in how the fixture looks and you don't see it.
Misters. Though not technically required, it may as well be. I would spend money here. Get one that is expandable.
The cage ?? Well depending on our are we need to be able to balance our environment. This seems different house to house much less region to region. Where do you want to display, and how ? Do I want glass front ? Should 3 sides be covered? What to do ?

Answer by the cheapest large cage you can afford, and fit. This will be a backup cage in the end. Once you have had you chameleon for a while you will have worked out what is best for you. At that point , one or two years even, you spent the money on a nice DragonStrand. You will now know exactly what you want. It is worth the $100- $120 to have a spare cage anyway.

 

[Prince of Duval]

If you don’t go the Dragon Strand route, petmountain.com is the best price I found on the Reptibreeze XL - $86.81 with discount code and free shipping. I purchased just the dragon strand ledges and a drainage tray from dragon strand to make it a little better without as much out of pocket with all of the other upfront costs of owning a chameleon. I’ll either get a dragon strand or build something custom down the road after my wallet recuperates a little.