Outdoor Cage Build

[FloydPakasloslo]

I was given a large (2.5x2.5x4ft) hand built wooden outdoor cage that just isn't exactly what I want. The WC jackson I adopted with the cage didn't make it, so I am going to invest a little bit of cash and time into improving the cage and before I got another, I wanted to see if there were any key features that people who have outdoor cages have found helpful. (I apologize, I dont have any good pictures of the cage right now, but will post ASAP)

It is on 10" legs, and has a removable solid wood bottom that I absolutely hate and want to improve. The key issue is drainage. Right now the water just sort of leaks out the side (also a problem for free feeding, the crickets escape) and the wood has gone soft and is a bacterial concern.

The second big issue is the top, is also solid wood with about an 8" overhang on all sides. There is no way this lets in enough sunlight, so I wanted to see what sort of "roofing" people like for outdoor chams. It rains pretty regularly here and during the day that is fine, but I would hate for it to get too cold and wet at night when it tends to downpour.

This will be a permanent enclosure for a male jackson. I live in Hawaii at a climate where heat and humidity isn't an issue (about 95% of the time). On multiple occasions I've found wild ones living in the garden. I have considered, and need to do a lot of research on, building a solar unit to power a timed mister and possible heater for the colder months or when if I will be gone for a couple days. If anyone else has ever built a solar powered outdoor unit, that would be amazing to share.

 

[MikeT307]

Look into 1/4 or 1/8 hardware cloth. 1/8 is harder to find but would be my choice. You could use it for the top and bottom if draining where the enclosure sits isn't a problem. You could also use composite decking boards for the bottom but wet dead insects could still pose a bacteria problem.

 

[FloydPakasloslo]

Look into 1/4 or 1/8 hardware cloth. 1/8 is harder to find but would be my choice. You could use it for the top and bottom if draining where the enclosure sits isn't a problem. You could also use composite decking boards for the bottom but wet dead insects could still pose a bacteria problem.

Thank you! I had thought about it, but I'm worried about the amount of rainfall. I suppose I could build a separate "roof" that is removable for when it rains hard, maybe make it tall enough to fit a heat element for winter.

 

[jannb]

You might find the photos of the outside cages my husband's building helpful. Our vet told us to use the plastic coated hardware cloth because it's easier on their feet.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/the-chameleons-are-getting-new-outside-sun-cages.150826/

 

[MikeT307]

Not sure if they make the coated hardware cloth in sizes smaller than 1/2 but if so that would be even better. You could always cover part of the top to provide some shelter from the elements.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

You might find the photos of the outside cages my husband's building helpful. Our vet told us to use the plastic coated hardware cloth because it's easier on their feet.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/the-chameleons-are-getting-new-outside-sun-cages.150826/

Just make sure it's plastic coated hardware cloth (which is actually metal) and not just the plastic fencing. I used just the plastic version on accident for my iguana's cage and the squirrels have chewed a ton of decent sized holes in it. They like to go in her cage for some reason. Saw a mouse chewing on it one night too. Luckily my iguana is really old and arthritic so she doesn't take advantage of the newly acquired escape routes but I've had to patch multiple places repeatedly.

 

[Action Jackson]

1/2 x 1/2 pic coated wire is great for a Jacksons cage. I also would not worry about any kind of heating element, Jacksons can easily handle low temperatures. I also wouldn't be too concerned about rain. If you have a well planted enclosure you chameleon will find a spot to get shelter when needed.

My Jacksons has been living in this cage outside full time for 5 years (he's 6 years old)

 

[FloydPakasloslo]

Thank you all so much for the references! I think I'm on the right path, I just needed to make sure I wasn't going to do something stupid and overcomplicate it.

Right now the cage is window screen, which I've read is a terrible option.

Here's what I'm working with. I also need to build a door because what it has now is ridiculously impractical.