Outdoor encloser thoughts

[Virgil1972]

I am going to be building an outdoor cage for my cham. I will be using 2x4 for the frame. I was wondering what is best for the screen. I have some wire mesh I was thinking of using. It doesn't have any sharp edges and is very stiff so he can easily climb on it. The mesh makes about 1/2 inch squares. What do you guys think about using that? Does anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[oneillchameleons]

As long as your veiled can't fit his head through the steel mesh that's what I'd use. If you plan on leaving them unsupervised for any time at all you'll need to make sure that no animals can get into the enclosure. Either make sure it is up high or in a fenced in area that cats/dogs can't get to, and be sure to watch for larger birds that may get their beak through the mesh. I had a large male veiled in an outdoor enclosure for a few hours and a crow landed on top of it, watching him for a minute or so. It took two weeks for my veiled to calm back down and stop watching the roof of his indoor enclosure for birds. It can be very stressful for them outside, and in fact only about half of my chams actually seem to enjoy it.

 

[Virgil1972]

I was thinking about making a double layer of mesh to keep birds out. Put a layer of mesh then maybe standing off another layer by about 2 inches.

 

[nightanole]

1/2-3/4 works good depending on the species. I like to use a mesh size they can fit a foot through for a grip, vs always using nails.

If you are going to do a bird guard you want it 2-3ft way.

If you are not doing a bird guard ( i never do) i would make the top of the cage out of wood or something similar. This blocks the noon day sun, and as oneill points out, loligagging birds.

The fun part is just engineering the door.