Huge outdoor enclosure

[showjet95]

I have a question for the members of the forum. I am going to be building a very large outdoor enclosure this spring or summer with my dad. It will be approx. 15' in length, 6-8' deep, and 10' tall.
What I would like to do is make it to where I could put different species, and the same species in the same enclosure, but could build it to where I could have some sort of a divider(s) so that they could not see each other. It would also have all plants/trees planted directly into the ground.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! TIA.

Paul

 

[coldbloodedAL]

Paul, I have thoughts constantly burning through my mind about outdoor enclosures. My only issue is finding plants suitable for my geographic location. But don't you worry, my garage has become my chameleon workshop already

First, what would you like to make it out of?

Wood is going to be your easiest bet, but in the long run not ideal.

Aluminum- would be your absolute best bet, but if you don't know a skilled welder, it can get ugly

You already stated you'd like it planted so that's a good start. What plants will last yearly in your area, and are cham safe?

What way is it going to face? Facing south will get the most sun, but maybe not ideal for montanes.. Shade cloth will be your best friend!

Ehh.. Just text me!

 

[chameleoman]

i was going to build an outdoor one for my mellers when i get one but i think some of the best plants would be ficus, umbrella, pothos, and possibly a hibiscus if you find a big one. Since we almost always have sunny hot days here in CA i think the plants will do just fine as long as they're getting there water and sunshine. But do you want a enclosed one? something with like no ventilation? or just wooden corners with chicken wire or something? haven't you seen steves post of his outdoor ones?


https://www.chameleonforums.com/jungle-trim-99274/

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

I would make a outline for the essentials then go from there.
1) Sun in regards for the enclosure for Basking, Thermo Regulations, and Plants Growth
2) Place to Manipulate Ambient Temperatures for Specific Chameleon Needs
3) Ventilation
4) Humidity
5) Visibility to neighboring chameleons

and many others etc.. that should be added to your outline. I think for keepers that can keep their chameleons outside all or most of the year making GOC's (Giant Outdoor Cages) or GOE (Giant Outdoor Enclosures) for chameleons is a great idea. I have used them in the past...

 

[showjet95]

Thanks guys. Its gonna be made out of wood, it will be screened, and it will have plenty of shade and places to thermoregulate because there is a very large tree right next to the spot it will be built, and the shade will move throughout the day. It will also be heavily planted, so shade and places for basking shouldnt be a problem.

 

[Cainschams]

Go to a sign shop and order some sheets of corrugated plastic. Like the type they use for those political signs on the flimsy metal rods. I got 4x8 sheets and it wasnt very much. Its light weight and I think you can get them to cut it the size you want. You could easily make it so you can remove it or put it back in. Its also white so it wouldnt be collecting a ton of heat.

 

[showjet95]

Good idea Jared

 

[grimjob]

I like this idea I wish I had a back yard

 

[DeremensisBlue]

Shade cloth makes a great visual barrier and allows airflow.

 

[chameleonkev]

This is also my idea for the montanes and possibly parsonii for this summer so I will be keeping a keen eye on this for some ideas

 

[Turningdoc]

I have used prehung aluminum screen doors, framing and supplies from lowes or Home Depot that they stock for building pool cages. After a learning curve, they work for anything 2 feet to 200 feet without reinventing the wheel. There are many sites on the net as well under DIY pool cages.

 

[KatCham]

Ooooooo I'm so excited!

I can't wait to see the pics of this!!!

 

[Action Jackson]

Paul, that's cool you and your dad are going to make a GOC. I bought some green shade cloth at OSH to use as a barrier. The hardest part of the whole outdoor cage thing is what to do when it gets really cold out. I don't feel comfortable yet leaving some of my Chams out when temps are in the 30's. you'll have to decide if you'll bring them all in or try and cover and heat the GOC.

 

[showjet95]

Thanks for all the ideas guys n gals. Craig, I wouldnt be leaving any of them out during the winter months. They would go back into their cages in the garage.

 

[Turningdoc]

Some pics of my previously described "Chameleon Phone Booth". Note Ziggy my Ambanja hanging out on the polypropylene rope I use for weatherproof "vines" and the screen door for the front.

 

[deadhd5]

I will be following the progress of your GOC, so please keep us updated.

I am planning on constructing a less ambitious outdoor enclosure and will be interested in the materials and construction methods you and your dad use for your build. Good luck!

 

[reptoman]

For visual barrier, I am a big fan of 1/2" foam insulation board. it's actually more like 5/8". A 4x8 sheet is $9 at lowes or home depot. It's fairly rigid, light as a feather and cuts like butter on a tablesaw. It also is waterproof. I use that for all my indoor cages. Lowes has the light blue which I prefer over the home depot pink.

 

[deadhd5]

For visual barrier, I am a big fan of 1/2" foam insulation board. it's actually more like 5/8". A 4x8 sheet is $9 at lowes or home depot. It's fairly rigid, light as a feather and cuts like butter on a tablesaw. It also is waterproof. I use that for all my indoor cages. Lowes has the light blue which I prefer over the home depot pink.

I had my carpet cleaned and the cleaners propped my furniture up on little squares of this stuff. I use those left behind squares in a number of ways on my setup, the stuff is great. It is surprisingly crush resistant, water resistant, and light weight. You would think it has to be highly weather resistant in order to line the outside wall of a house.

Great recommendation.

 

[pssh]

For visual barrier, I am a big fan of 1/2" foam insulation board. it's actually more like 5/8". A 4x8 sheet is $9 at lowes or home depot. It's fairly rigid, light as a feather and cuts like butter on a tablesaw. It also is waterproof. I use that for all my indoor cages. Lowes has the light blue which I prefer over the home depot pink.

For an outdoor situation, I would think that it would have to be secured really well or there could be some problems with wind. Plus, depending on how it is used as a barrier, the insects might be able to get to it. The shade cloth or corrugated plastic sheets (I think the brand name is coroplast) might be better in my opinion. The plastic can be purchased for the same price if you can find a good place to buy it, and it is easily cut with a box cutter or utility knife (I use it for my guinea pigs.) Plus its waterproof, lasts forever, and comes in a TON of colors. The shade cloth would allow for better air flow though.

I know up here hibiscus grow pretty well outdoors. They can get huge and beautiful with giant flowers! Ficus and umbrella plants can also survive all year round with our temps (usually doesn't go below freezing in the winter.) I also put my pothos outside sometimes, but if they are left in the sun too long in the summer they will sometimes start to die. I would think with enough water, the hibiscus, ficus, and umbrella plants would do just fine in SoCal. I've also put a big wild plant that grows in my area in my chameleon cages (I think it was some kind of wild mustard? I know it was safe though.) It had yellow flowers and my veiled liked to eat it. Maybe you can grow some mulberry bushes too?

 

[Action Jackson]

Good post. I agree. The styrofoam will break apart and your chameleon could eat it too.

I have umbrellas, ficus and pothos. I also have some palms in my GOC.

For an outdoor situation, I would think that it would have to be secured really well or there could be some problems with wind. Plus, depending on how it is used as a barrier, the insects might be able to get to it. The shade cloth or corrugated plastic sheets (I think the brand name is coroplast) might be better in my opinion. The plastic can be purchased for the same price if you can find a good place to buy it, and it is easily cut with a box cutter or utility knife (I use it for my guinea pigs.) Plus its waterproof, lasts forever, and comes in a TON of colors. The shade cloth would allow for better air flow though.

I know up here hibiscus grow pretty well outdoors. They can get huge and beautiful with giant flowers! Ficus and umbrella plants can also survive all year round with our temps (usually doesn't go below freezing in the winter.) I also put my pothos outside sometimes, but if they are left in the sun too long in the summer they will sometimes start to die. I would think with enough water, the hibiscus, ficus, and umbrella plants would do just fine in SoCal. I've also put a big wild plant that grows in my area in my chameleon cages (I think it was some kind of wild mustard? I know it was safe though.) It had yellow flowers and my veiled liked to eat it. Maybe you can grow some mulberry bushes too?