Glass cage for Panther Chameleon OK in Ireland?

[alano]

Hi,


I live in Dublin, Ireland. I am going to have very soon my first panther chameleon. I read everywhere in the web that mesh cages are far more appropriate for chameleons than glass ones; however, someone from Dublin is telling me that with the weather here it is better to have a glass one because it will help me keep the temperature right and stable.

Now that I am on time to choose, even if I live in Dublin, with cold winters and an average room temperature of 69 degrees F, would it be all right to get the mesh cage instead?

Thanks a lot in advance for your answer!


Javier

 

[sandrachameleon]

You can do it either way. Each cage has draw-backs. Glass tends to retain humidity and heat, which can be good or bad depending on your ambient. Glass is harder to ventilate (ensure there are multiple vents on the sides and back and /or front, not just a screen top).
Mesh allows heat to escape quickly, doesnt retain humidity, and allows drafts /breeze (which can be good or bad).

Check out the links/info in this blog entry:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/82-enclosures-housing.html
I think you'll find good info there to help inform your decision.

I personally use wood framed cages with peg-board sides and back (lots of holes). My average winter room temperature is 65-72F daytime, 64-66F nighttime. Summer its a bit warmer humidity is good here, 30% at the lowest ambient in winter, 50% today.

 

[AJA]

Javier

Yankees did you use screen cages becuase it provides better air ventilation for the chameleon and reduces the risk of lung congestion. Europeans tend to use the glass type enclousures.

Since you should be providing a UVB light and a basking light the 69 deg is mute because the chameleon will travel within its enclosure to get to the correct warm/cool spot it desires.

You can get the screen cage and if you feel it is too drafty or you can't get the temps up with a basking light, you can enclose a couple of sides to increase the ambient temp. The temp range for these guys is 65 to 95.

 

[ronnie]

Hi alano...i'm up in N.Ireland and i use a glass vivarium with a mesh top and have never had any problems(fingers crossed!!) with keeping humidity....heat levels etc....i tend to keep my female veiled basking temp a bit lower than the usual(about 78-80 at most) and shes doing fine,i've had her about 4 months now....are you getting a female?Welcome to the forum it's a great source of info and good craic...all the best with your new arrival,Ronnie

 

[Syn]

I guess my question is where do you find a 2x2x4 glass cage? I've always wanted to know.

You can use the glass as long as it's well ventilated.

If you stick your head in there and it seems a bit stuffy.. might need to add a couple holes!

 

[Chamfan123]

Vivexotic mkae great quality, large wooden cages with glass fronts. The large one comes with 5 vents and there are hole at the top for wires. I'm not sure if they will ship to Ireland.

 

[Chamfan123]

http://www.vivexotic.co.uk
Here's their webby...

 

[cushcameleon]

Be careful with reflections off of the glass. I never plan on using a glass cage, simply because glass cages are more difficult to use (at least in my opinion anyway). Be aware of the fact that chameleons have superb sight and can pick up reflections from mirrors, glass, etc. I once had my chameleon enclosure next to a shower window, the reflection of the cage was barely visible but my chameleon was able to see it and for several days he was all black and stressed out. I had no idea why he was acting that way until finally I noticed he was staring directly at my shower and trying to crawl towards it . My overall opinion is screen cages are easier on the chameleon and the keeper (especially if the keeper is new to chameleons) and glass cages provide more of a challenge and even more watchful eyes. You will find out that chameleons need lots of attention and a glass cage would only add more things to your daily routine of checking up on your chameleon. Or should I say hourly routine

 

[missamanda]

I live in Canada and I have a glass tank with a mesh lid and some vents along the front. I can't even buy all mesh tanks here. I believe it is better to have to have the glass tanks here because it is easier to keep the temperature from fluctuating. I know a lot of people say not to use them but my panther is doing really well! She just laid her first clutch today! So I am guessing I can't be doing anything to wrong

 

[dodolah]

glass tank is ok. provided you have ventilation strips at least at 2 sides of the cage to ensure the air 2 circulate. I have seen some cages by european members here. I have nothing but admiration to see how well thought their cage is.

There is no absolute in this matter.
The climate in your country will dictate which type of enclosure is best.
Just because we Americans prefer to use screen, it does not mean it applies to every countries in the world.

 

[Metric]

I live in Canada and I have a glass tank with a mesh lid and some vents along the front. I can't even buy all mesh tanks here. I believe it is better to have to have the glass tanks here because it is easier to keep the temperature from fluctuating. I know a lot of people say not to use them but my panther is doing really well! She just laid her first clutch today! So I am guessing I can't be doing anything to wrong

I live in Ontario also, i just purchased a 2'x2'x4' all screen cage for around $140-160 cdn after shipping from LLLreptile (In the sponsor list). It was the best price for the best screen cage i could find in the area, my alternative was to make one, but it would have been more costly. It was the best investment i made, considering the glass one i was using from petsmart was more then $250.

 

[Wiggy1971]

Hi alano...i'm up in N.Ireland and i use a glass vivarium with a mesh top and have never had any problems(fingers crossed!!) with keeping humidity....heat levels etc....i tend to keep my female veiled basking temp a bit lower than the usual(about 78-80 at most) and shes doing fine,i've had her about 4 months now....are you getting a female?Welcome to the forum it's a great source of info and good craic...all the best with your new arrival,Ronnie

Do you turn your heat lamp off at night?

 

[Wiggy1971]

Do you turn your heat lamp off at night?

Also in Northern Ireland

 

[MissSkittles]

Do you turn your heat lamp off at night?

Hi and welcome. Doubtful that you’ll receive an answer from the OPs as this thread is from 2009. However, I can tell you that it is best to turn off all lights and heat at night. If your night temps are super cold, like below around 55F, then you’ll want to get a ceramic heat bulb to warm things up a bit.