New Chameleon and Not Sure I bought the right Sized Cage

[csmolins89]

Just purchased a sub-adult veiled chameleon around 8 months old. When I bought him I purchased a 16x16x24 cage. I am concerned that I bought too small of a cage for him. Also concerned about switching to a mesh cage because all of the accessories i purchased ( mister, temp gauge, vines, basking net) are all designed for a glass enclosure. Kind of pulling my hair out trying to figure this all out. Any advice for a new chameleon owner would be great.

 

[Kowolluh]

He needs a bit more space. 24" x 24" x 48" is the standard for an adult veiled. You could probably reuse whatever vines you currently have by just threading fishing line, zip ties, or twist ties through the screen to hold them up. I like fishing line, personally.

 

[azn567]

Yes, it seems the cage would be too small. Since he is already so big you might as well go with the largest standard size cage, a 2x2x4' cage

 

[csmolins89]

Any suggestions on brand or type ?

 

[Antra]

Reptibreeze is pretty standard and reliable. I'd buy it from Amazon or ebay though, pet stores will charge you almost a buck 20 for it.

 

[Devokid]

There are a few commercial ones available. LLL Reptile has some that are nice, Zoo-Med, and the Dragon cages are very nice as well.

 

[csmolins89]

Any suggestions on how to make sure my misting system doesn't spray all over the outside of the mesh cage ?

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

You can cover 2-3 sides of the enclosure in shower plastic of panda plastic, this keeps the humidity up in the enclosure while containing the side spray.

In my opinion that enclosure is already too small for an 8mo panther. I would also switch to screen asap. For that species of Cham, glass is not recommended.

 

[SaintJimmy]

Go buy a very cheap shower curtain (clear, white, don't buy black because it might freak the cham out) and some velcro strips and velcro the clear/white shower curtain over three sides of the cage.

If necessary, cut off extra curtain.

I haven't had much mist come out of the cage at all after doing that.

 

[csmolins89]

Thanks everyone for the information it is very helpful . I plan on taking the small glass enclosure back and getting him the bigger one. Kinda upset that the people at the pet store let me get such a small cage for him. Oh well at least I know now.

 

[csmolins89]

Purchased a large cage for him today, as I was putting it together and thought came to me about the misting system i have. What is the best ways to keep the water from leaking from the bottom? Seeing as there is only that white piece of plastic that is no where near water tight.

 

[werecat]

Search drainage on the forums for lots of ideas, but there are "drip trays" you can purchase to catch the water. You may still need to drain the tray off into something else.

For my setup I have the cage on a raised wooden frame which is waterproofed. There is a hole drilled in the plastic bottom of the cage and the weight of the plant pushes the plastic bottom down enough for water to drain through the hole and into a catch pan I have below the cage.

 

[csmolins89]

i tried finding a drip tray made for the cage i have with no luck. No sure where to look from there.

 

[werecat]

What size is the new cage?

 

[csmolins89]

18x18x36 is the new cage size

 

[kplatvoet]

You can try this -
http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...-/18-x-18-x-36-screen-cage-water-tray-3-tray/

 

[Montium]

This is another option for drainage as you can attach a hose to allow you to drain it wherever you want. It's not beautiful but it works. http://www.homedepot.com/p/MUSTEE-U...loor-Mount-Utility-Tub-in-White-19F/100030653

If you need beauty you can always cover it with something.

 

[csmolins89]

I think I have a solution that will work and I won't have to order anything.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/drainage-2x2x4-cage-112375/

Also side question. I have a dual bulb system going right now with this fixture :

http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/li...d36-5156044/cat-36-catid-500037?_t=pfm=search

Just wondering if i should get a bigger fixture or if that will do the job just fine?

 

[werecat]

Some people do use a dual dome setup with a coiled UVB bulb, but most recommend a linear tube style light for the UVB and then a single dome for the basking bulb. The main advantage of the linear tube is that it provides more coverage so the chameleon can roam around more while still getting UVB. Another advantage to having a long, linear tube is that more of the cage will be lit leaving fewer dark spots. Light in general has been linked to stimulating natural behaviors and appetite. This can be taken a step further with a dual bulb linear fixture. One bulb for UVB, the other a grow light for the live plants (if you are using them). The grow light will do wonders for the plants (I've read) and the extra light will be good for stimulating the natural behaviors.

The dome style UVB is probably sufficient, but I think it's considered the bare minimum with the linear being a better option for the reasons stated above.