Reptile & Amphibian Forums

O.k. I must admit some confusion about the screen issue.

I have read in many places that using aluminum screen can pull the toenalis out of the chams, but it seems that all the top cage manufactures are using this.

So, can it be used alright? Is there a certain size to need to get to prevent problems?

I assume the larger the hole will prevent toenail problems, but then it seems that crickets will be able to pass through?

Any info/insight here will be greatly appreciated.

Bob

I have never had a reptile lose a nail due to aluminum screen. They have the wider spaced which will allow crix to escape. Then the smaller which some have had chameleons lose nails.
I use many plants and highways of vine in my enclosures and they very seldom climb the screen.
As for crix escaping i cup feed and keeps majority of them in and panthers get the rest.
I use pothos only as ficus are too delicate for me but the pothos hang to bottom (about 4 feet) of the cage which they climb along and sleep on. I say this as it covers a large portion of my cages which they use instead of climbing.
Good Luck..

I use 1/4 inch screen, there is no way that they will loose toenails in this! I don't think full grown crickets can get through it, but a few might squeeze through. You can try cup feeding or just see if the crickets get out, I don't think many will. The 1/4 inch screen alows them to grip it with their feet instead of their nails. Everybody has probably had different experiences, and there is no 1 right way to do it. 1/8 might be big enough, especialy for some smaller or medium sized chameleons. I've never used it though, so I can't tell you from first hand experience if 1/8 inch is big enough. Good Luck!

If you want to build your own as I am...

I am putting 1/4" on the inside...then on the outside Im putting in alum screen. that way I rid myself of the toe nail issue as well as the escaping cricket issue. Yes, it takes away from some visability, but my cham ould prefer that anyhow.

I still cup feed, but every once in a while on gets out and I dont want my wife to find a loose cricket. Id never hear the end of it...
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Adam
Portland, OR

1.1 Jacksons Chameleons (Female is red phase)
0.0.4 Rhacodactylus ciliatus
0.1 Uroplatus Phantasticus