Net/mesh & Paint for my DIY enclosure?

[Caty_A]

Hey!

I'm planning to get a Chameleon soon and started a DIY project of creating the enclosure myself.
I've read hundreds of threads and forums on proper chameleon care & enclosures (so I'm doing thorough research for it).

1. Net/mesh. What kind of mesh should I buy, aluminium? Where can I get it for a reasonable price? And what size should the "holes" be. I don't want any bugs creeping out of the mesh , at the same time I want to be able to see the Chameleon clearly.

2. I've been looking at several paint options for the cage. Epoxy, pond paint, googling "ecofriendly water resistant".. . Do you have advice on what works best? And if you know a relatively "cheap" option .
I read yacht varnish isn't the healthiest option...


PS. Love this forum and the amount of dedication you all have for your tiny friends.

 

[nightanole]

Ive built several cages.

I tend to go with vinyl coated hardware cloth or black polyethylene outdoor/poultry cloth. I normally go for 1/4-1/2" holes, because it turns the entire cage into a jungle gym. If you want to keep bugs in, you will have to use window screen, which is a pain, and the cham cant climb on it good, and there is a "small" chance of them getting their nails caught and pulling them out.

For paint, i just go for BEHR MARQUEE.

It doesnt have to be fancy paint, just look for:
mildew resistant
gloss or semi gloss
water cleanup latex
stain resistant
GREENGUARD Certified

 

[JacksJill]

If you use aluminum screen available at any diy store get the black screen for best visibility. To avoid tonal injuries you have to use a lot of branches on the perimeter of the cage so they never are out of reach of a suitable branch.
Post pictures of your progress, please.

 

[Caty_A]

Ive built several cages.

I tend to go with vinyl coated hardware cloth or black polyethylene outdoor/poultry cloth. I normally go for 1/4-1/2" holes, because it turns the entire cage into a jungle gym. If you want to keep bugs in, you will have to use window screen, which is a pain, and the cham cant climb on it good, and there is a "small" chance of them getting their nails caught and pulling them out.

For paint, i just go for BEHR MARQUEE.

It doesnt have to be fancy paint, just look for:
mildew resistant
gloss or semi gloss
water cleanup latex
stain resistant
GREENGUARD Certified

Awesome, thanks!
I didnt even think of fhe chameleon being able to climb the walls... sounds fun.
Dont you worry about bugs creeping out? I imagine cockroaches infesting the house or something :S

I'll look into the mesh and paint now

 

[Caty_A]

If you use aluminum screen available at any diy store get the black screen for best visibility. To avoid tonal injuries you have to use a lot of branches on the perimeter of the cage so they never are out of reach of a suitable branch.
Post pictures of your progress, please.

Great, I'll check for black screens .
And yeah, I'll keep the branches in mind! Wouldn't want him/her stranded in a spot of the cage. I also read the branches widths should suit the size of their hands and feet, so their not too thick or thin to grasp and walk on...

 

[nightanole]

Awesome, thanks!
I didnt even think of fhe chameleon being able to climb the walls... sounds fun.
Dont you worry about bugs creeping out? I imagine cockroaches infesting the house or something :S

I'll look into the mesh and paint now

Mine only eat adult dubia, so no escapes. Plus i have a "cup" feeder made out of one of those 2 gallon carboys so he can go "in" the feeder.

 

[Caty_A]

Mine only eat adult dubia, so no escapes. Plus i have a "cup" feeder made out of one of those 2 gallon carboys so he can go "in" the feeder.

Oh cool. Nice to know it doesnt have to be an issue.