Hi I have ordered the following vivarium http://www.aquacadabra.co.uk/Viv-Exotic-Viva-Arboreal-Vivarium-Medium-Oak-PT4021.html and was wondering if anyone has experience of keeping chameleons in such enclosures..? If so what are the pros and cons..?
Wooden Vivariums
- Thread starter cwil16911
- Start date
Mike Fisher
Established Member
What species are you keeping?
SaintJimmy
Avid Member
It really depends on the area you live in and which species you plan on keeping for deciding on an appropriate vivarium.
Most people go with very large screen cages (24x24x48" is the universal minimum size for veileds and panthers, 18x18x36" is the universal minimum size for jackson's or other smaller species, and you'd need a much larger cage for a species like parsons, oustalets, mellers, etc).
If you live in a very cold or very dry area, then glass is good for you. It keeps in heat and moisture.
But if you live in a moderate or hot area, you'd need a screen enclosure. Heat acts like it does in a car on a hot day in a glass viv mostly.
Just some pointers.
Most people go with very large screen cages (24x24x48" is the universal minimum size for veileds and panthers, 18x18x36" is the universal minimum size for jackson's or other smaller species, and you'd need a much larger cage for a species like parsons, oustalets, mellers, etc).
If you live in a very cold or very dry area, then glass is good for you. It keeps in heat and moisture.
But if you live in a moderate or hot area, you'd need a screen enclosure. Heat acts like it does in a car on a hot day in a glass viv mostly.
Just some pointers.
oblgobl
New Member
I actually use both mesh and wooden vivs and there's pros and cons to both. Im in the UK and I know if my reptibreezez were anywere else other than the reptile room I would struggle to keep temps up without covering the sides. On the other hand if I had my wooden vivs in the reptile room I would think it would be really stuffy in there. This is purely opinion based but I do think wooden vivs look better. I think the biggest possible con is that they might wilt over time with the humidity in there. I have the edges of mine all sealed with sealant but even then I'm not sure how long they'll last. There might be something out there to make it completely waterproof though.
Mike Fisher
Established Member
You'll have to be cautious of temperature, humidity, ventilation. It will be easier to heat/overheat, same with humidity. If you get it too humid with limited ventilation they can develop respiratory infections.
I also live in a cool climate area and I would not keep a veiled in one personally. I would keep certain species of montane chameleons in there, but with little to no basking bulbs and maybe a fan on low to pull fresh air through.
Screen cages work better for veileds in most instances, but if you were keeping the enclosure in an unheated garage, the glass vivarium could be exactly what you need to keep your cham warm enough.
I also live in a cool climate area and I would not keep a veiled in one personally. I would keep certain species of montane chameleons in there, but with little to no basking bulbs and maybe a fan on low to pull fresh air through.
Screen cages work better for veileds in most instances, but if you were keeping the enclosure in an unheated garage, the glass vivarium could be exactly what you need to keep your cham warm enough.
