Cage idea. Also hi just joined.

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Gomugomuking

New Member
Hi guys just joined the forum. Been researching intensely for a while now. Thinking of making a cage I can put over a set of potted plants that would be easily removed. Sort of a partial free range type thing. As I go on I'll be collecting solid details (substrate, lighting, type of plants ect.) but for now I wanted to get your opinion. Do you think so,etching like this would work?

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I'm thinking of getting a Trioceros Rudis (not sternfeldi) if I can.
 
I think you would be better off making one that you can put the potted plants in. That would give you more space and allow for more plant growth. I would also recommend a flat top as it makes it much easier for the ruble florecent lighting. Additionally, I find that my guys prefer to cruise the canopy, which would not be possible in your design.
 
Welcome to the forum and the world of chameleons!
Interesting idea....but bigger would be better for an adult.
Personally prefer the long linear UVB too
 
From my experience with these types of projects: there will be plenty of rebuilds, learning mistakes, fun, wa$ted money, fun, chameleon getting loose, fun, trial and error, fun, spilled water, loose feeders, fun.... You get the point. These types are usually best for an outdoor cage. Good luck and never quit trying. Good idea(s) and great talent. Enjoy your future. :)
 
junglefries said:
From my experience with these types of projects: there will be plenty of rebuilds, learning mistakes, fun, wa$ted money, fun, chameleon getting loose, fun, trial and error, fun, spilled water, loose feeders, fun.... You get the point. These types are usually best for an outdoor cage. Good luck and never quit trying. Good idea(s) and great talent. Enjoy your future. :)
Click to expand...
A roach got out last night... almost s*** myself this morning when I saw it scurrying across the floor. Luckily I captured it but now I have to look for the hole in my enclosure... sigh
 
Thanks for all the feedback. Okay so rectangle might be better I can do that. I'm not sure how big it looks to you in the picture but I was gonna use a 18"-20" pot an go 48" or so up with the cage. I can do a square flower pot. The idea is to have it easily removable so I can take it off when I'm around and just have a planted tree for him to roam around on.
 
Gomugomuking said:
Thanks for all the feedback. Okay so rectangle might be better I can do that. I'm not sure how big it looks to you in the picture but I was gonna use a 18"-20" pot an go 48" or so up with the cage. I can do a square flower pot. The idea is to have it easily removable so I can take it off when I'm around and just have a planted tree for him to roam around on.
Click to expand...

OK. That is all fine and well, but it does create a few more issues. You will need to hang the lights from the ceiling or figure some other way of having them on him (unless this is outdoors). You may also find it difficult to provide water to him, so I would recommend having a large water tray under the base of the plant to collect any spray (again, not an issue if outdoors). Food will also be able to escape and run wild.

I think that it would work great for a smaller outdoor tree. I have often thought about making one out of PVC and some large whole screen to enclose a persimmon tree I have. Lets bugs in, but not predators, and keeps them from running away.
 
This is indoors. Good idea about the tray, for sure use that. Is there a reason you prefer the linear UVB lights? Is it that much of an advantage? I have an idea that will turn the light on the cage top into hanging lights. So when I take it off I can use it to hang the lights above the plant, but this idea uses dome lights. How would feeders get out? I mean of course if there are some in there when I take it off but if he eats while the cage is secured do you think they'll escape somehow? I plan on having a deep plastic dish to bowlfeed anyhow. The occasional feeder out is okay but constant is a problem. Also I have an idea for providing a water fall inside the pot that may or may not end up working. But if I have to I don't mind spraying. I like your outdoor idea with the persimmon tree. I'd like to see it. I'll draw up another sketch with some details to waterfall and light fixture design. Also adding some additional sticks for climbing.They say rudis only get a max of 7" so do you think it will be enough room?
 
Okay so I have illustrated the idea with a square cage and the light fixture I was thinking about. The light yellow-brown in the pot symbolize some sticks I could affix for more horizontal climbing. Forgot to draw the tray in there as well as the screen but they will be there. I need to research hydration requirements a little better before I can go in to how I'm gonna provide water to the little dood. Does spraying work out for you guys? How do you water your chams?
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I like your enthusiasm. , sometimes it's better to stay with the norm and add your talent to fixing things like branch arrangement , drainage , stand or canopy design ect
 
Things to consider: weight, drainage, over spray control, access (how does the thing open?), etc.
 
Drainage is something I have to work out. Over spray... I'm just hoping to be careful. If a little mist goes out it will be 3-4 feet off ground so I'm not too concerned about it. It will be anchored to stud in ceiling in a way appropriate for weight. The access is my favorite part! So I'll install a screw or latch at the bottom I unloose, so the whole screen cylinder will slide straight down leaving it completely open! And then I can slide it back on when I am not around or asleep. I might put a small hinge door in screen for adding feeders.
 
Seems impractical, but it's your cage. Is it going to be large enough? Most chameleons do best in a 24x24x48cage size.
 
Lathis said:
Seems impractical, but it's your cage. Is it going to be large enough? Most chameleons do best in a 24x24x48cage size.
Click to expand...


What are the features of a practical cage? I'm at the brainstorming stage right now so I'm in for some editing with the help of those on this forum. At minimum 6 months away from actually getting this going. And thanks.
 
What's impractical in my opinion: The having to slide the screen up and down. Hanging cages may swing - probably won't make your chameleon comfortable. Cords, tubes, etc hanging all around it. It's not going to look clean like you have drawn. Its going to be incredibly heavy with plants. You will likely need more than a hook in the ceiling stud - look into support boxes for ceiling fans that span between joists.

Again, just my opinion. It's your cage and you know your capabilities.
 
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