Probably a stupid question but I'm bored and figure what the heck. I'm wondering if it would be possible to keep a chameleon in an "open air" enclosure, meaning to create a terrarium where the branches that the chameleon would live in would project out from the top of the cage. So effectively you'd have an enclosure for the chameleon where it wouldn't really be enclosed in a cage. This is all assuming one would be able to figure out how to keep temps and humidity at approriate levels, of course...Thoughts?
Chameleon in "open air" enclosure?
- Thread starter rudukai13
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Would the cham try to move down and get out of the bottom enclosure? I'm thinking I'd start with a small rimless cube enclosure to put a substrate for plants and to anchor the branches overall but that the branches and plants could grow out from the top of that.
My friend made something similar for his Jackson a few years ago. Then I got a call from him saying he couldn't find the Chameleon anywhere. I stopped over and in less than 2 minutes I found it. It was sitting on the top of a curtain rod on the other side of the house. Somehow it managed to not get eaten by 2 dogs and a cat while it was making it's journey.
I think the idea has a lot of potential, it's just that you'll have to make it escape proof.
I think the idea has a lot of potential, it's just that you'll have to make it escape proof.
It has been a long time since I had a chameleon, but I believe they do best in open air if possible anyways. Something like a screened tank is always best. Having a terrarium with an open top would make it easier to maintain temperature and humidity, but you have the chance of escape then. I would think a single piece of wood coming out of the center would make it hard for the chameleon to escape. I just don't see a chameleon making a jump without knowing it could make it. Keep cords away from the sides of the tank too and I would think you would be ok. I also would not try this if you have other animals in the house that could get at the chameleon.
Open air, as in, no sides at all? You're going to lose your chameleon that way.
I remember seeing something similar to this a few years ago:
Not recommended, though. Most chameleons need more ventilation that other reptiles... but you can't completely eliminate the sides and expect your chameleon to stay in the greenery and not explore the house. Just add mesh sides and you're good to go.
I remember seeing something similar to this a few years ago:
Not recommended, though. Most chameleons need more ventilation that other reptiles... but you can't completely eliminate the sides and expect your chameleon to stay in the greenery and not explore the house. Just add mesh sides and you're good to go.
Although now that I think of it, I think they designed it in a way so that the chameleon can't leave. Can chameleons jump? Or extend themselves on their tails to reach the rim of that bottom part? It's not worth it, IMO.
Mine works great no escapes at all. I have two one for my male and one for his girl and so far this year I got to batch's of eggs so I'd have to say they must like there homes. They cost about two hundred with the two lights and dripper and about a hundred without.
coreyweinkoetz;4652853; said:
I think your design is the best... it's hanging from the ceiling, it's got nothing around it, it's got edges on the top mesh part so that the chameleon can't climb up atop the mesh.
I'm assuming chameleons don't throw themselves from branches (the way iguanas do)... if that's the case then this probably would work.