Are you attempting to set up the best possible cage for your chameleon?
Are you thinking about getting a chameleon, but aren’t sure what kind of products you need for their enclosure?
When you are looking into setting up a cage for your chameleon, your research might make you wonder:
What is the best mesh for a chameleon cage?
A good mesh option for a chameleon’s cage is standard window screen material.
Continue reading this article if you are looking to learn more about the best mesh to use for a chameleon cage.
Table of Contents
Best Mesh For A Chameleon Cage
Vinyl window screen is an easily accessible option if you are looking for a great mesh for your chameleon’s enclosure.
Mesh cages will provide good ventilation for your chameleon and prevent the air from the inside of the cage from getting stale.
Choosing a window screen is a great option because it is widely available at your local hardware store.
This mesh will also be strong enough if your chameleon attempts to climb on.
Another reason this is our top choice is the size of the openings and the tight weave on the mesh.
The mesh weave size will not allow bugs you feed to your chameleon to escape through the small openings.
The window screen material comes in a few colors, but we found black is an ideal option as it will not create a glare from the UV lighting like the silver-colored mesh will.
What Other Kinds Of Mesh Can I Use?
Window screen mesh is not the only option available on the market.
There are plenty of other options, but there are drawbacks.
Some mesh commonly used is hardware mesh or even plastic mesh used in gardens.
The openings on some of these meshes are much larger than the openings found on window screens.
WIth larger openings, you have to live with the likelihood of some of the insects you feed your chameleons escaping.
Some of the garden plastic mesh will not be strong enough to support your chameleon if they start to climb on it.
Chameleons are arboreal creatures, meaning they spend the majority of their life living in the trees and climbing branches.
Odds are they will consider climbing the mesh.
Chameleon Cage Options
Chameleons are extremely sensitive creatures and require a specific environment to survive at optimal health.
There are only a handful of chameleon species who make good pets because so many require such a specialized environment you cannot recreate or maintain in your home.
If you are looking into welcoming a chameleon into your home, you will need to provide a proper enclosure.
There are many prebuilt options available for purchase by searching the internet.
They range in price, materials, and style.
You should choose a cage-style you enjoy looking at, but ultimately a good fit for your animal.
If you cannot find a pre-made cage you like, build your own.
Before you do build a cage for a chameleon, be sure to do your research on supplies you will need, the best materials to use, and the size of the enclosure.
How Big Of A Cage Should My Chameleon Have?
A chameleon cage should be well ventilated, but it should also give the chameleon room to roam a little.
Your chameleon’s cage should measure at least 16″ x 16″ x 30″ inches, but bigger is better.
The cage should have enough room to house a few branches, plants, or artificial limbs to allow your chameleon to climb as they do in the wild.
Again, these animals spend the majority of their lives in the wild climbing from tree to tree, so branches in their care is a must.
When your chameleon is a baby, the cage you use can be smaller, as this will give them a better chance of catching their daily meals.
If the cage is too large for the baby chameleons, the prey has a better chance of hiding, and your chameleon will not be able to eat what they need each day.
As they grow, increase the size of the cage to accommodate the growing animal.
If your cage is too small or you leave an adult chameleon in a cage meant for a baby member of the species, there could be adverse effects on the health of your chameleon.
Your chameleon can become stressed, leading to a shortened lifespan, or their growth may be stunted.
What Kind Of Enclosure Should I Avoid?
It is not a good idea to put your chameleon in an aquarium.
Aquariums were used by owners in the past, but have since been cast out by the chameleon owner community.
Originally it was believed a lack of airflow made aquariums a poor home for chameleons in captivity, but more recently, the reflection of the glass is being held responsible.
The aquariums create a reflection of the animal, causing a great deal of stress for your chameleon.
Chameleons as a whole are extremely anti-social and very territorial.
In the wild, they choose to live a solitary life, only coming in contact with other members of their species to mate.
This trait is so deeply ingrained in their DNA; it’s something even captive-bred chameleons still display.
Seeing another chameleon triggers an aggressive and stressed reaction in male chameleons, and it has been observed a reflection is enough to trick the chameleon into believing there is another chameleon in their vicinity.
Because chameleons are easily stressed, and stress reduces their lifespan, it is best to avoid an aquarium.
Conclusion
When you are looking into creating an ideal enclosure for your chameleon, it is best to do your research, so you are creating a safe environment.
Chameleons and their stress levels are affected by their environment.
A window screen mesh found at your local hardware store is a top option for a chameleon’s cage.
After reading this article, it is our hope you have a better understanding of the kind of mesh you should use in your chameleon’s cage.
