Don't mind me, just another question!

[irishgal]

As a rookie to chameleons (and reptiles in general) I have a lot of questions. So my new question is...

How difficult is it to build a screened terrarium?

I know I need to use a small habitat for the young chameleons so I don't really want to shuffle out $50+ for a temporary habitat so I was thinking of maybe building my own?

How difficult is that to do? And could anyone provide some links with instructions?

 

[mrfixit01]

As a rookie to chameleons (and reptiles in general) I have a lot of questions. So my new question is...

How difficult is it to build a screened terrarium?

I know I need to use a small habitat for the young chameleons so I don't really want to shuffle out $50+ for a temporary habitat so I was thinking of maybe building my own?

How difficult is that to do? And could anyone provide some links with instructions?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnNl5IMXFCI&list=FLeJYW4GHpoHcHtcnwi5P1cA This is a link to JDog Chameleon's videos on how to build a screen cage. It is probably the cheapest way to go. There are 5 or 6 videos that take you step-by-step through the process. There are many ways to vary what he shows. You'll have to make that choice yourself. I would suggest making a min. 2'x2'x3' to start and then you can add on later.

 

[ForrestJungle]

I totally just got done with mine. I think I sent just a bit over 50. It is from pvc, and screen. My veiled is super happy in it. If you want pics just let me know.

 

[cubanbee]

My own personal opinion (especially after watching that youtube video above) is building your own is only really worth it if there's something custom you want to create. $50 just for the supplies in that video, then all of the work... meh. I've seen people with really cool home made enclosures, built into cabinets, out of wood, etc, etc, but they are worth it because they are custom and not something you can just go buy or order online.

I find people in my area trying to get rid of their enclosures on craigslist regularly, maybe that would help on the cost side.

You could also try feeding your guy out of a feeding cup and go for a big cage right now (the issue with big cages is your little cham not being able to find food... feeding cup eliminates this, if he'll go for it).

lllreptile.com and diycages.com are popular ones on the forum. I got the lllreptile one myself (was cheaper due to a sale), but would try a DIY Cage next time as I like how they don't have a metal bar across the front for better viewing. I wish I would have noticed this detail before ordering (or that DIY had this feature pointed out on their site), my cham's basking spot is right behind the metal bar on the LLL cage.