quick DIY enclosure i just made for new cham

[xxzmmorexx]

so i recently decided to get another chameleon and was going to use a previous cage i had, but realized it didn't have enough room and since I'm short on cash because my doxson had an allergic reaction to a shot.(hospital bill :/) i decided i would use some tools of my own. so i built this enclose that i have a picture attached. the front opens like a door and the top opens as well. the back and bottom are a particle board type deal with holes in it so it can drain. i would just like to get some feed back. i will get more pictures as soon as i can! thanks everyone. if anyone is interested i can make more!

 

[TyggyToo]

There is so little detail that its hard to critique. But please set it longways UP for better climbing and height.

 

[BugCatcher]

Unfortunately your picture is very difficult to make out. Also, if it indeed particle board it will not last any length of time. Once that stuff gets wet it swells up. Also it will almost never dry out and its going to start harboring bacteria, mold and mildew.

 

[xxzmmorexx]

yeah, you guys are right the picture quality is pretty bad i am going to upload some more here in a little while, the cage is rather tall although it doesn't look it here. and as far as the wood goes...im not FORSURE if its particle board or not. but you are correct about it soaking up water. i built this in about 30 minutes so I'm sure there is plenty to be corrected! thanks for the advice. i will try and get some better pictures!

 

[hunter11]

you are gonna add more than that plant right?

 

[xxzmmorexx]

Ha ha ha of course I am. Lol

 

[pbveiled]

Why are you getting a new cham when you're trying to get rid of your current one?

 

[EvilLost]

so i recently decided to get another chameleon and was going to use a previous cage i had, but realized it didn't have enough room and since I'm short on cash because my doxson had an allergic reaction to a shot.(hospital bill :/) i decided i would use some tools of my own. so i built this enclose that i have a picture attached. the front opens like a door and the top opens as well. the back and bottom are a particle board type deal with holes in it so it can drain. i would just like to get some feed back. i will get more pictures as soon as i can! thanks everyone. if anyone is interested i can make more!

PARTICLE BOARD will rot/mold in the blink of an eye. It is one of the worst woods to use in this type of setup Also, just for note, avoid ALL treated woods of any kind (the "green stuff") as they are dangerous to our animals.

If you are going to keep it, I would consider sealing it with something decently strong (like DRYLOK) rather than a more basic sealer and keep a pretty close eye on it for mold/rot issues...you didn't mention any sealant on it at all, and if its just plain particle board exposed to wood you are going to have major problems with water damage real fast!

 

[xxzmmorexx]

Why are you getting a new cham when you're trying to get rid of your current one?

To answer your question I was going to leave to tour with a band out of Gary Indiana. I play music a lot but recently decided that I should just stay. I have too much to take care of here. And anyways I can keep doing chameleon stuff! I like it a lot!

 

[xxzmmorexx]

And thanks for the info on the particle board stuff. I guess when I was putting it together I didn't think of that. I am going to have to take it off and go another route. Any suggestions?

 

[pbveiled]

To answer your question I was going to leave to tour with a band out of Gary Indiana. I play music a lot but recently decided that I should just stay. I have too much to take care of here. And anyways I can keep doing chameleon stuff! I like it a lot!

Cool. I would suggest removing the waterfall from your Jacksons cage. Unless you are cleaning and disinfecting it daily, it is not recommended.

 

[xxzmmorexx]

I do clean it as much as possible, lol it's a pointless piece to have though she doesn't care too much for it

 

[EvilLost]

Regarding the wood, I personally use standard plywood (NON treated!). Thickness and quality depends on your enclosure....I would use at least 1/2" if you will have some plants and whatnot off the back wall. If it will be a bare wall, you can get away with thinner.

Pretty much regardless of what wood you use, you need to seal it. There ARE some woods that do not need to be sealed but for all intents and purposes you will not find them (not at home depot for sure).

For a sealant, on 2x4's and lesser exposed areas I use All-Weatherproofing Stain (rated for snowstorms and blizzards)

For wetter areas I use DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer (latex based, but it covers up the wood grains so it looks dull)

For waterPROOFING I use 635 US Composites Epoxy (this should be too strong and too expensive for your purposes...this stuff can be used to make wooden aquariums and whatnot).


although that is an aside, waterfalls also introduce risks of drowning and all forms of bacterial growth....

 

[xxzmmorexx]

Thanks a lot! You have given me a lot of useful information. I'm going to have to start over again and do some thinking. I guess for now I will have to use a smaller cage that I already have. Thank you!

 

[xxzmmorexx]

Hey everyone I re made that cage and it's way way way better