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The 8 Best Cages For Chameleons
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Chameleons are a well-liked option for exotic lizard pets. However, if you have never owned a lizard as a pet, a chameleon may not be the best choice for your first reptile. Maintaining chameleons is labor-intensive and expensive.
These creatures are renowned for their capacity to alter their body color. Darker colors signal that the lizard is under stress, whilst lighter hues indicate that the animal is happy and comfortable.
One of the most difficult aspects of caring for chameleons is providing them with suitable housing. These lizards require wide enclosures with trees and vegetation to replicate their native environment. Additionally, you must supply them with enough lighting, ventilation, and heating.
Although there are several possibilities for chameleon cages, it might be difficult to choose the best one. Fortunately, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has completed the laborious tasks for you. Following are evaluations of the best cages for chameleons currently available on the market.
Reviews
Zoo Med Labs Nano Breeze Aluminum Screen Cage
The Zoo Meds Nano Breeze is a medium-sized chameleon cage that requires minimal installation space and is 10 x 10 x 12 inches. Additionally, it weighs only 2.4 pounds, allowing for easy portability.
The Nano Breeze Screen Cage is composed of anodized aluminum of the highest grade, which is an exceedingly durable material. In addition to boosting the endurance of the cage, anodized aluminum is also resistant to corrosion.
Chameleons thrive in humid situations, thus the perfect chameleon cage should be constructed from a material that is resistant to corrosion.
Regarding looks, the Nano Breeze is pretty attractive. It has a stunning design that enhances the décor of any space in which it is placed.
This cage’s transparent acrylic front door, which provides an unimpeded view of the cage’s inside, is a feature you will really like. This makes monitoring the small animal much simpler. The remainder of the cage is composed of a durable screen mesh. This not only provides the chameleon with protection but also permits ventilation.
The beautiful and practical design of the Nano Breeze Screen Cage makes it a fantastic environment for pet lizards, which is why it is our top recommendation. It is also quite simple to construct.
Pros
- Minimal and lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Durable
- Transparent acrylic front door for an unimpeded view
- Mesh screen for optimal ventilation
Cons
- Potentially unsuitable for bigger lizards
Zilla Fresh Air Screen Reptile Habitat
The Fresh Air Screen Habitat by Zilla is an enclosure suitable for all sizes of lizards. It is available in two sizes, although the bigger one is the most popular. With dimensions of 18 x 30 x 30 inches and a weight of under 1 pound, this cage provides adequate space for your pet chameleon and is easy to transport.
This means you can even bring it outside so the lizard may receive natural sunshine.
The Fresh Air Screen Habitat also has a set of twin front doors that open wide, allowing you to easily access the interior for maintenance.
The cage’s structure is composed of anodized aluminum, a material that is sturdy and resistant to corrosion. In order to improve safety, durability, and ventilation, the enclosure is additionally surrounded with a sturdy, escape-proof black mesh.
The bottom of the cage is composed of PVC plastic, an easy-to-clean, water-resistant substance. Even a chord connector is provided so that you may include lighting within the cage.
Equipment and decorations must be purchased separately, which is one potential disadvantage of this product. Furthermore, it is subject to bending when improperly handled.
When all of this cage’s qualities are taken into account, its pricing is a steal. This makes it the most cost-effective chameleon cage available.
Pros
- Excellent for chameleons of all sizes
- Made from durable, corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum
- PVC plastic cage base that is easy to clean and water-resistant.
- Durable black mesh
- Large doors to provide access
Cons
- The frame is vulnerable to deformation when subjected to force.
Zilla Vertical Tropical Kit
The Vertical Tropical Kit by Zilla is a tall reptile cage designed to meet the requirements of arboreal reptiles like chameleons.
This cage is made of glass and measures 12 by 12 by 18 inches while weighing 16.75 pounds. Even though it is very tiny, it is constructed with durable materials to increase its longevity. It is therefore the ideal cage for traveling with your pet chameleon, as it is resistant to harm.
In addition to a substrate and food dish for the lizard, the cage has a decorative background for aesthetic purposes. It also features a tiny halogen dome with a light bulb to offer heat and UVB rays for the chameleon.
This radiation is necessary for vitamin D synthesis in chameleons. In the wild, chameleons are exposed to UVB radiation. Vitamin D is required for the normal functioning of the immune system and the creation of stronger bones and teeth.
The front door is spacious and equipped with a locking latch to ensure the lizard’s safety and security.
At the top of the cage is a hinged door with a black mesh screen covering it. This provides an alternative way of access to the enclosure. The mesh guarantees that the cage receives adequate air circulation and is sturdy enough to sustain the included equipment.
Pros
- Halogen lighting dome fixture
- Temperature and relative humidity indicator
- Aesthetic allure
- Durable mesh top
- The dish for feeding and substrate
Cons
- Not suitable for big chameleons
REPTI ZOO Large Reptile Glass Terrarium, 34 Gallon
With dimensions of 24 x 18 x 18 inches, the Reptile Glass Terrarium from Repti Zoo is a spacious enclosure that can accommodate even the largest chameleon species.
In addition, it is made from robust, high-quality materials, which contribute to its 38.5-pound weight.
The glass sides of this cage give an uninterrupted view of the animal. The cage’s front features a series of doors that open independently of one another. The aperture is big to provide simple feeding and maintenance access inside the cage. In addition, the doors have a unique locking mechanism to safeguard your pet chameleon.
The elevated bottom of Repti Zoo’s reptile terrarium allows for the installation of a substrate heater. In addition to being waterproof to make cleaning easier, it has a foam background to replicate a chameleon’s natural habitat.
The top of the cage is constructed with a robust screen to facilitate ventilation and admit infrared and UVB radiation. There are also tube and wiring inlets that may be sealed if you wish to install lighting fixtures in the cage.
This terrarium is simple to make, requiring less than five minutes to construct.
Pros
- Sturdy, sturdy construction
- Aesthetically attractive
- Large enough for all chameleon species
- Detachable upper screen
- Double doors
- Raised, watertight base
Cons
- Decorations and equipment are available separately.
Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit
For budding herpetologists, the Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit by Hagen is an ideal first chameleon cage.
This enclosure is 18 x 18 x 24 inches, making it a medium-sized terrarium suited for most chameleon species. It is nonetheless fairly hefty at 47.7 pounds.
It includes two front doors that open wide, allowing you easy access to the cage for feeding and cleaning. It also features bottom openings for removing the substrate and doing cage maintenance.
The Exo Terra Habitat also has a fluorescent lighting system and a vented top screen to guarantee that the terrarium has sufficient lighting and airflow.
The cage comes with an installation handbook that not only guides you through the assembly procedure but also demonstrates how to include decorations.
Pros
- Superior, durable glass
- Lighting apparatus
- Exceptional front window ventilation
- Top-screen ventilation
- Simple to install
Cons
- Certain components are sold individually.
Zoo Med Repti Breeze Chameleon Kit
Zoo Med’s Repti Breeze Chameleon Package is another starter kit for chameleon owners. It has all the required characteristics to ensure the lizard’s health and happiness.
The Repti Breeze, measuring 16 x 30 x 16 inches and weighing 10.9 pounds, is a tiny cage that requires little room for assembly. As a result, it is appropriate for chameleons of small to medium size.
In addition to the cage, the kit includes characteristics that replicate a chameleon’s natural surroundings, such as a realistic-looking vine, naturalistic plants, and a green cage carpet.
The cage is also equipped with a UVB light and a heat lamp to provide the lizard with sufficient heat and radiation. The set includes a digital thermometer for maintaining the ideal temperature.
The Repti Breeze is simple to install, requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes.
Pros
- Excellent beginning cage kit for beginners
- A variety of characteristics keep a chameleon content and healthy.
- Sturdy, resilient construction
Cons
- Expensive
What to Look for When Buying Cages for Chameleons
Here are some considerations to make while selecting a cage for your pet chameleon.
Cage Size
The majority of a chameleon’s time is spent on trees and plants. Consequently, a lizard’s cage must be large enough to accommodate vegetation for lounging.
It should also be large enough to allow heating and lighting equipment, which assist chameleons maintain a healthy body temperature.
Again, you must have sufficient space in your home to house a chameleon. In all directions, there should be at least two feet of space between the cage and any things in the home. This guarantees that air may easily enter and exit the cage.
Type of Glass or Screen
Glass, screens, or a mix of both can be used to construct chameleon cages. Before purchasing a house for your pet, you must consider the inherent advantages and disadvantages of each of these possibilities.
In addition to being good at maintaining proper ventilation, screen cages are also easier to maintain. Glass, on the contrary, is more resilient. However, it is difficult to maintain and might impede the free movement of air.
You and your chameleon may enjoy the best of both worlds with hybrid chameleon cages that combine glass and screen.
Moisture and Temperature
As with all reptiles, chameleons are cold-blooded. This indicates that individuals have difficulty controlling their body temperature. Therefore, it is essential that the cage has ideal temperatures during the day and night.
Even though optimal temperatures vary across chameleon species, most thrive at daytime temperatures between 77 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit and nocturnal temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chameleons likewise enjoy humid environments, with the majority of species preferring humidity levels between 50 and 70 percent.
As a result, it is essential to have a temperature and humidity gauge within the cage in order to maintain appropriate temperatures and humidity levels.
Lighting
Lighting is an essential aspect of chameleon maintenance. In addition to being a source of heat, appropriate lighting is also a source of UVB radiation, which aids in vitamin D synthesis in chameleons.
This vitamin is essential for the growth of healthy bones and the maintenance of a robust immune system.
The sun is the source of UVB radiation for wild chameleons. Since your reptile will be kept indoors, you must give it with an artificial source of radiation.
The ideal lighting sources for the cage are basking bulbs and heat-emitting bulbs, as they release heat that does not scorch the plants inside the terrarium. Ensure that the light source you use produces ultraviolet B (UVB) rays as well.
Classifications of Plants
The majority of chameleons’ time is spent on plants. Therefore, it is essential that their cage have plants that imitate their native environment.
However, you must select your plants with care. First, check that the plants you select will not outgrow the cage after they have reached maturity. Additionally, ensure that the plant is not harmful to the chameleon, since certain types of plants might make them sick.
Corrosion Resistance
If you want the chameleon to be comfortable and content, you will need to increase the humidity within the cage, as the majority of chameleon species thrive in humid conditions.
Due to the frequent exposure to moisture, however, the cage will be subject to corrosion. Therefore, you need a cage constructed from rust-resistant materials to assure its longevity.
Different species of Chameleon
Due to the fact that chameleon species vary in size and demand, it is essential to choose a cage that is prepared to meet the animal’s specific requirements. Therefore, investigate the demands and requirements of your pet chameleon before purchasing a cage for it so you may make an informed selection.
Conclusion
Keeping a chameleon as a pet is intriguing, and seeing them go about their daily activities is pretty fascinating. Due to their specific requirements, however, their care can be rather difficult.
A suitable chameleon cage should make it easier to care for the lizard. The difficulty is in locating the perfect cage for your pet. Our buyer’s guide should assist you in locating a suitable cage for your pet chameleon.
For the best cages for chameleons, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) recommended the Nano Breeze by Zoo Med if you are short on time, as it offers all the characteristics essential to keep a chameleon happy and comfortable. Additionally, it is beginner-friendly and crafted from high-quality materials.
Consider Zilla’s Fresh Air Screen Habitat for the greatest value, since it offers everything a good chameleon cage should have without breaking the budget.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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