SaintJimmy
Avid Member
Full album here: http://imgur.com/a/9xvqp
A lot of new members come here looking for information on how to attach sticks or vines to their enclosures.
Many people use sticks/branches from trees because it gives your enclosure a more natural look.
Here is how to use sticks from the wild in your cage.
You will need
1. Tape measurer
2. Saw
3. Drill
4. Small drillbit to make small holes
3. Belt sander
4. Vice
5. Fishing line
Step 1
Gather your sticks. Make sure to gather sticks that do not have fungus on them, look "weak", are too short (you typically want to gather sticks that are slightly larger than your cage is across), or are too bendy.
Optional But Recommended Step
Option 1: Wash your sticks off well with soap and water (or just water) if they are dirty, but most people do it anyway just in case. Let them dry and proceed with step two.
OR
Option 2: Rinse sticks off, let them dry. Set your oven to preheat 350-500 degrees. Once that temperature is reached, TURN OFF THE OVEN. Place the sticks inside for 5-10 minutes. This kills bacteria. Remove the sticks, and let them cool off. You may notice your sticks becoming darker permanently, keep this in mind. After you take them out, they may smell a little like popcorn. Proceed with step two.
Step 2
Measure your stick from the end. My desired length was 24" long (the actual cage is 23.05" so I had to place the sticks diagonally so they'd fit, keep in mind your actual cage size).
Step 3
Make a small cut with your saw about where your tape measure showed your desired length.
Step 4
Place your sticks (one by one) into the vice and cut where you left the mark. Now your sticks are desirable length. (Sorry I did not provide a picture of cutting the sticks while inside the vice).
Step 5
Prepare your drill with a drillbit that looks small enough to drill holes through your sticks without destroying the end. It should not look like a screwdriver head, it should look like a drill.
Step 6
Place your sticks (one by one) into the vice and drill small holes through the ends of your sticks, like this. Start slow, gently press the drillbit into the side of the stick and slowly let the bit drill into the wood until you have your hole started. Then drill as fast as you want. You don't want to mess up the holes.
Step 7
Once you have all the holes drilled and the sticks sawed, you can turn on your belt sander. Find any "nubs" or spikey parts sticking out of the sticks and grind them off (or at least smooth the edges so your chameleon's feet don't get hurt).
before:
after:
Step 8
Take all your finished sticks inside. Cut some fishing line, long enough to tie at least 3 knots in.Put the fishing line through the stick holes.
Step 9
Tie your sticks into the screen on both ends. Use as many knots as you like, but be careful not to damage the screen by pulling too hard.
Done!
Cage before:
Cage after:
A lot of new members come here looking for information on how to attach sticks or vines to their enclosures.
Many people use sticks/branches from trees because it gives your enclosure a more natural look.
Here is how to use sticks from the wild in your cage.
You will need
1. Tape measurer
2. Saw
3. Drill
4. Small drillbit to make small holes
3. Belt sander
4. Vice
5. Fishing line
Step 1
Gather your sticks. Make sure to gather sticks that do not have fungus on them, look "weak", are too short (you typically want to gather sticks that are slightly larger than your cage is across), or are too bendy.
Optional But Recommended Step
Option 1: Wash your sticks off well with soap and water (or just water) if they are dirty, but most people do it anyway just in case. Let them dry and proceed with step two.
OR
Option 2: Rinse sticks off, let them dry. Set your oven to preheat 350-500 degrees. Once that temperature is reached, TURN OFF THE OVEN. Place the sticks inside for 5-10 minutes. This kills bacteria. Remove the sticks, and let them cool off. You may notice your sticks becoming darker permanently, keep this in mind. After you take them out, they may smell a little like popcorn. Proceed with step two.
Step 2
Measure your stick from the end. My desired length was 24" long (the actual cage is 23.05" so I had to place the sticks diagonally so they'd fit, keep in mind your actual cage size).
Step 3
Make a small cut with your saw about where your tape measure showed your desired length.
Step 4
Place your sticks (one by one) into the vice and cut where you left the mark. Now your sticks are desirable length. (Sorry I did not provide a picture of cutting the sticks while inside the vice).
Step 5
Prepare your drill with a drillbit that looks small enough to drill holes through your sticks without destroying the end. It should not look like a screwdriver head, it should look like a drill.
Step 6
Place your sticks (one by one) into the vice and drill small holes through the ends of your sticks, like this. Start slow, gently press the drillbit into the side of the stick and slowly let the bit drill into the wood until you have your hole started. Then drill as fast as you want. You don't want to mess up the holes.
Step 7
Once you have all the holes drilled and the sticks sawed, you can turn on your belt sander. Find any "nubs" or spikey parts sticking out of the sticks and grind them off (or at least smooth the edges so your chameleon's feet don't get hurt).
before:
after:
Step 8
Take all your finished sticks inside. Cut some fishing line, long enough to tie at least 3 knots in.Put the fishing line through the stick holes.
Step 9
Tie your sticks into the screen on both ends. Use as many knots as you like, but be careful not to damage the screen by pulling too hard.
Done!
Cage before:
Cage after:
Last edited:
