Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the best screening/mesh to use on a chameleons cage? I hard that metal screen may hurt there claws when there climbing on it.

Keepers have used various types of screen including fiberglass window screen, the so-called "petscreen" from big box home improvement stores, as well as galvanized or plastic coated metal mesh. All can cause foot damage if the mesh opening size is too small to allow the cham's claws to pull in or out easily. Metal mesh can have sharp edges from the galvanizing process. You can paint metal mesh with the paint for hand tool grips so the sharp edges are covered. You can buy coated metal mesh from ag supplies (sold for building rabbit or guinea pig cages). I've used both metal and fiberglass screen. Fiberblass screen can be a problem for larger species because of the size of their claws. But, it is also flexible and soft on the cham's feet generally. If you have indoor cages out of direct sun the fiberglass doesn't tend to degrade and flake. I make sure there are climbing branches or even a soft netting on the inside of the cage walls to keep the cham from climbing on the screen itself. Most chams learn what is easier to climb on. Some chams just insist on climbing the screen. If I choose metal mesh because I can get it with larger openings (ie hardware cloth), I go over it with a wire brush to break off burrs and edges first.