Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am new to chameleons, and I am in the middle of the research stage before buying one (I was hoping to get a panther chameleon). I read that chameleons are very sensitive to mold and bacteria, so are my rainbow boas. I would like to make a screen vivarium for a chameleon. I have made a vivarium for my rainbow boa using coco bark as a substrate, because it is so basic(or was it acidic) that mold doesn't grow in it. She is very healthy and happy and seems to have no problems with her cage. I know substrate is not recommended for chameleons, but vivariums aren't recommended for rainbow boas either. And I have very sucessfully made a vivarium for my rainbow boa(she has been in her vivarium for several months now with no problems, problems being mold or bacteria growth) Are chameleons more sensitive than rainbow boas? Has anyone been able to sucessfully make a vivarium for their chameleon? Why don't I see any chameleon vivariums, even though it is relatively easy to keep them free of mold and bacteria growth?
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-Jasmine

1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boas
(Mercutio and Kajika)

Good for you for doing research before buying.
Large screen enclosures are the way to go for Chameleons, with no substrate (except when females are egg laying). Substrate can be ingested when they hunt prey, is harder Impossible really) to clean, and the bottom of the cage will be wet(misting multiple times a day as well as dripping water at least, and better three times a day).

I have a good care document I'd be happy to share with you by email. I covers what do to (and not to do) for enclosures.

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Sandra
BC Canada