Chameleons are popular as pet creatures, but they are somehow different than other pet creatures. We need to know a bit about their habits and nature before getting one to our house. Not only you need to provide the chameleon with adequate time and quality of food, but you need to them an enclosure, which is not required by most of the pet creatures.
Contents
What should be the ideal size of the chameleon cage?
Chameleons are a solitary creature. They do not love to stay with other creatures, not even other reptiles or chameleons. When they live in the jungle, they chose a tree for each of them were no other chameleons come to live.
So if you are planning to get them a terrarium, it must be large and wide enough to make it feel the solitary state.
Never plan to keep two chameleons in the same terrarium, even if that is a wide place. They prefer to live alone and do not allow the presence of other chameleons other than the time of mating. Keeping the space vertically high is necessary as chameleons are used to with climbing high places.
Why screen cage is better for chameleons?
Screen cages allow the fresh air to pass through the cage which is a much-needed thing for any reptile. So keeping the creatures in a screen cage rather than fully blocked wall is always advised. You can also learn How to Make your Own Screen cages for Chameleons?
Why cage is needed for chameleons?
Keeping chameleons as a pet is a nice idea. Some owners like their pet to roam around their house and they do not prefer to keep the creatures caged. But chameleons are not supposed to be left open and here are the reasons why.
Chameleons are easily harmed by many insects and other creatures. It can get bitten or simply get under any situation which can be proven harmful for it. They are originally the creatures of nature and they are adjusted with the wild surroundings, but their instinct will not work as much if they roam inside the house and get caught by any electronic gadget. So you should play the role of a safe parent and keep the chameleon in a cage only.
Another reason for keeping the chameleon inside the cage is, you can keep all its food, water and everything else inside the cage, where it will be able to pass the day without bothering you. As chameleons are not like other pets, it is difficult for the owners to train them for having food at a particular time and also defecate at a certain place. So when they stay inside the cage it also ensures its own safety and comfort.
You can leave it to roam within the house or in your backyard for a few minutes though, as it is necessary and enjoyable for them to stay in sun. You must be there to keep a check on the reptile and make sure that it does not eat any toxic or random insects or leaves.
Chameleons are much territorial in nature and they prefer to stay in a solitary way. In the wilderness, they stay in a tree where no other chameleons come to live. But when you keep the chameleon out in the house, it may see other pets or other family members living and moving around there, which can stress it. So keeping them in a wide and spacious cage is necessary to make it safe and healthy.
Top 5 Chameleon Cage Kit
Now we can offer you a few ideas about which cage kits are good, and which ones should you buy for your pet chameleons.
1. Repti Zoo Reptile Glass Terrarium
This terrarium is a wide one and it offers wide space for the reptiles. There are three size variations available for this branded terrarium. Screen ventilation on the top of this cage makes the breathing of the chameleon easy and also keeps the chameleon refreshed and healthy. The terrarium is a black framed terrarium with glass walls surrounding from four sides.
The double hinged door of this terrarium helps the owner to access the reptile or feed it. Also, it will help the owner fill the water bowl or clean the terrarium. There are side meshes included in the package which will allow you to put these meshes on sides. If you think glass walls are not allowing enough air to pass through the terrarium change it with mesh.
There is a specially designed lock which keeps the chameleon safely protected inside this terrarium. The doors can be opened each at a time so you can open the one which is necessary to be opened. This will help you to reach any corner of this terrarium without much hassle. As the mesh can be removed from time to time, you can be assured of having ample infrared and UVB rays to come inside, which is good for digestion and overall health of the chameleon.
The base of this terrarium is waterproof. You should not be afraid of leaking as it is made by water-resistant material. The base is raised so the substrate heater does fit at the bottom and it does not burn the reptile by any chance. The installation process is much easy and a directional note is included with the package. The package can be easily handled and transported as it is packed safely.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Healthy atmosphere
- Allows infrared rays to enter
- Waterproof base
Cons:
- Some users received damaged pieces
2. Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 With Light and Heat
This is again a glass made a terrarium. This is a small one and is usually used by the first time pet owners. Chameleons of smaller and medium breeds stay happily inside it. There are two reflective domes attached on the roof which ensures plenty of heat and light reflection.
Light fixtures available with this terrarium allow your pet to get ample light and you do not have to buy extra lights or fixtures for this terrarium. The screen cover allows fresh air movement which means your pet chameleon will not suffer from the lack of air.
When you are adopting a chameleon which is originally a creature of the desert, you can safely try this terrarium. The glass walls of this terrarium make it easy for the light to penetrate through them. Your desert chameleon will be happy to get such a well lighted and freshly aired living place. The base of this terrarium makes the water pass through it so when you drip or mist the plants within the terrarium, the water does not accumulate and let the bacteria grow inside the terrarium.
You can arrange for many internally required items like feeding dish, hammock and thermometer to make this kit complete as these items are not included in the package. This is a clean and long-lasting terrarium which can hold chameleons of small and moderate sizes. If you adopt a baby or juvenile chameleon which grows large with age, you need to change this terrarium after it reaches 6 months of age, which is the age of maturity for the chameleons.
Pros:
- Light fixtures available
- Mesh top to allow air
- Water does not accumulate
Cons:
- Not for large ones
3. Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
Mini halogen light is an additional attraction of this vertical terrarium. This starter kit will allow your reptile to move into higher parts of the terrarium and it will be happy to climb up to the ceiling. As the owners of the chameleon know this reptile loves to loiter around the high areas, this terrarium will give it that freedom.
There is a system for water accumulation so if your chameleon is a water creature, then you can use this facility to keep water inside the terrarium. But for the tropical and desert chameleons, this feature is not needed. This terrarium is adequate for the small-sized chameleons and does not buy it if you have adopted a large-sized one.
The packaging of the product is outstanding. It will reach you without any damage as the brand offers the best packaging for this terrarium kit.
Pros:
- Good packaging
- Useful items included
Cons:
- Good for small chameleons only
Most of the users are happy to use this terrarium. This is a rather well-made terrarium which will fulfil the needs of the pet chameleon. Along with a good amount of protection this terrarium offers clear daylight and sunrays. The price of this product is moderate but the amount of help it offers to keep the chameleon healthy is unlimited. There is the food bowl within this package as well as background and bedding.
The food bowl may seem small so you can replace it with a wide and more durable one. But for the baby chameleons that one is pretty useful. This kit is complete with so many accessories and you need to buy only a few items to make it the best resting place for your chameleon.
4. Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open-Air Screen Cage
This open-air cage comes with all the necessary hardware. You just need one screwdriver to fix the whole thing. As it can be opened from all directions you can access it and clean it without much trouble. The brand Zoo med always offers the best quality products for pets so we have included more than one item from their range.
The dimensions that are available on the online portals are true to sense so you will only be able to get them for your matured chameleon. Get good bedding for your pet and see how it enjoys living inside this cage. As this is an open-air cage, the pet of yours will enjoy a good amount of sunray and fresh air. Along with comfort this cage also offers safety, you can be assured that your reptile will not be able to move away from this cage.
There are quite a few users who will swear by its long lastingness. This one keeps the pet chameleon healthy and hearty. It serves them more than years before you need to get another one. The price is not really pocket-friendly but if you want a good quality cage for your chameleon, you should invest in this one.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Allows air and light
- Safe and secure
Cons:
- Priced high
5. Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium
This brand is not new but when you compare the other two or three brands mentioned in this list, it will be a new entry. But notwithstanding its newness, this brand offers a variety of models for the cage for the reptile pets. This custom cage terrarium that we are discussing here comes with sliding doors which securely keeps your pet inside and does not let any accident happen.
The model used by the brand is known as bio dip model and it does not allow water to accumulate at the base. The waterproof base is much needed for tropical creatures like chameleons. There are various sizes available for this terrarium, so you can get medium, large or extra-large sized one based on the requirement of your chameleon.
The packaging is taken care of by Styrofoam and extra tough cardboard so you will receive the product in intact condition. The removable mesh top allows you to feed the chameleon by your hand when you feel like bonding with it. Also, this space allows the fresh air to pass through the terrarium so the inside area remains stench and bacteria-free. The customer service of this brand is pretty good so if you face any issue after receiving the product or placing the order, you can get in touch with them. They try earnestly to sort the matter on your favour.
Pros:
- Removable top mesh
- Nice and large interior
- Various sizes available
Cons:
- Glass is not much thick
Conclusion:
After getting the proper terrarium, you must make some effort to give it a homely look for the chameleon. You may decide to add some live plants or false plants, a good quality substrate that will keep the humidity level adequate. The look and feel of the terrarium must be lively so the chameleon feels happy to stay in it.
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