Chameleon Cages
Some Tips On What To Look For In Chameleon Cages
Chameleon cages, often referred to as enclosures, are of course designed to best meet the needs of the inhabitant. The type of enclosure you would want will depend somewhat on the species of chameleon you are getting. What you put in the enclosure to benefit the chameleon, is every bit as important as the construction of the enclosure itself.
Chameleon cages for most species can easily be 40 or more cubic feet in volume, complete with plants, climbing vines, a water supply, and adjustable heating, lighting, and humidifying capabilities. On the other hand, a 25-gallon glass aquarium for a pygmy chameleon might serve just fine, though it probably would not mind something a little bigger to roam around in, especially if you plan on keeping more than one of the little fellows. Live plants in the enclosure are best, so you want a design that makes watering the plants easy, and provides drinking water for the chameleons as well. You'll also need to get at the plants on occasion, to clean and wipe the leaves, and be able to remove the floor easily, as it will tend to become soiled and covered with debris in a short time.
Most chameleons prefer solitude, and don't particularly like to be handled. They will do better if their cage is placed in a low traffic area of the house or apartment, away from noise and commotion. Like humans, they need both light and dark, and for light a UVA/UVB lamp is best as they require vitamin D to stay healthy. You can also install a flood lamp or spot light to provide heat. One of the tricky things about chameleon cages is that the chameleon likes a place to bask in the warmth, and a place to cool down. Getting things just right may well take a bit of engineering on your part.
Most commercial chameleon cages have walls of aluminum screen, desirable in that this provides good air circulation. They can also be quite expensive, but since you'll be having the pet for many years, you don't want to skimp on expenses. The challenge of building an enclosure yourself might be attractive. Just get started before you get the pet, as it may take awhile to get everything right. Purchase or build an enclosure that is fairly easy to clean. You'll need to do a little cleaning almost on a daily basis, and a good cleaning on a weekly basis. A removable bottom is a plus here. Since chameleons like crickets and other insects, you'll want to be certain that the enclosure is insect proof, that is, not letting any insects escape.
Thinking outside the envelope a bit, if you have a small greenhouse, that may be worth looking in to as a home to a chameleon or several pygmies, if you can meet the chameleon standard for light, heat, and humidity. Of course every time you enter or leave, you'll want to check on where the chameleon is. Chameleon cages inside of a greenhouse might be an even better idea. Probably the most important thing to remember is that chameleon cages are not just to keep chameleons captive, or put them on display, but are primarily to give them a healthy environment to live in.