Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am buying a 3 month old panther chameleon from Amazing Blue Reptiles after Christmas. They suggested a screen cage about 20"x14"x14". I have one cage that has the front and back glass and 2 sides of screen. It measures about 24"tallx15"x15". I'm guessing the size is okay but I wonder if the two glass sides are a major problem. Do you think this cage will suffice?

If not, I will buy an all screen cage online. Eventually I will buy an all screen cage when the chameleon is older. One seller on Ebay said some companies sell screen cages with sharp burs, cages that don't assemble properly, etc... (of course, his don't have any of these problems) Anyways, is buying a cage online good? In general, how is the quality of these cages? Many of the companies selling cages seem to sell the same product because their descriptions seem identical. Is this right?

Any input or feedback is welcome for this 1st time chameleon owner. Thanks ahead of time.

Ideally you should get an all screen cage. I'm currently using both aluminum screen cages and Reptariums. the problem with aluminum is that the bottm starts to rust after awhile. I havn't had any problems building putting them together. I like the aluminum cages because its easy to open and close.

the good thing about reptariums is that they are cheap, and come in a variety of sizes. the bad thing about them is that its a bit harder to get into because they have a zipper door. One other thing to watch out for is that crickets can chew thru them. If possible, train your cham to cup feed, and this won't be a problem.

The two main places I've been ordering from is Reptiledepot.com and LLLreptile.com.

Advantage of reptiledepot is that they have the best prices. Sign up for the club member discounts. Biggest advantage is $3.90 shipping for unlimited items. Disadvantage is that they can be very slow to deliver, and they lack good communication. For instance, if something is wrong with your order or they are out of stock, they DO NOT TELL YOU. You will have to be the one to call them once you notice its been 2 weeks and you still have not received your order. One other experience is that I sent a defective product back and didn't hear from them for nearly 3 weeks. I finally called and asked for a status, and they said they would send me the defective product back so I could send it to the manufacture. I don't have a problem with that , but they should have at least called me, or sent it back ASAP.

LLLReptile is a bit more expensive. But not much more expensive. I have not had a problem with them yet with late orders.

You can use the 2 side glass or all screen. Some raise babies in rubbermaids or aquariums for the first few months.
Heck, i put mine directly in a 4X2X2 cage and works fine. Do what works for you and your chameleon.
As for where to buy cage, i would stay away from the place described below. I also was sent junk (flourescent hood) and avoid them like the plague when i attend the San Mateo show..
I've never had a prob with LLL although i only buy supplies occasionally.
Try Scales in the classified great guy and responds to emails and ships fast.
Good Luck..

Hi Ken,

I order my repti-glo bulbs from petguys.com. They have great prices on most items as does bigappleherp.com. I too am under the impression that there is really only 1 cage manufacturer out there and they supply everyone. Everyone seems to have the same cage design but the prices do vary widely depending on where you shop. I have used LLL before with good results as well as Petsmart and Petco (supplies only). Sometimes you can get a great deal on supplies from the breeder you buy from if you bundle it in with the cham purchase. If you're handy with tools, you can build your own cage to resemble the ones you see advertized online for a lot cheaper than buying them. Essentially, they are all screens (like the ones on your window) that are cut to size and screwed in on the corners. Very easy to build but attaching the screening to the frame is a royal pain in the bubcus....I know...I built 9 new cages just recently...if I never see another screen again, it will be too soon....but I got 9 nice cages for about what I would have paid for 1 nice on online.

Welcome to cham keeping.....have fun and ask lots of questions. We're all here to help!
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Raf

1.2 Jacksons Adults (Frank, Patty, Lucille)
0.0.1 Jackson's baby (George, R.I.P. 11/17/2003)
1.1 Nosy Be's (Mars and Roja)
1.1 Veiled - No Names Yet
0.1 Adult Sulcatta (POOPIE,I bought it from Victor at Kobey's in SD)
0.0.2 Baby Sulcattas (frick and frack)
1.0 Home's Hingeback Tortoise (SPEEDY, From Victor as well)
1.2 Red ear slider babies (Hingis, Dingis and Dorkus)
0.0.1 3 toed box turtle - No Name Yet
0.0.1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle - No Name Yet
1.0 Red Siberian Husky (Harley)
0.1 Black Lab (Krissy)
0.1 English Bulldog (Alice)
0.1 Blue Merle Great Dane (Wednesday)
Saltwater Fish and Inverts too

Call Amazing Blue Reptiles for a screen cage! I got 3 from them on Sunday. They have great prices and all different sizes. For a new panther (3 month) I would start with one they have that's 16x16x29 inches, that's what I got 3 of. It'll last until he's about 7-8 months, then he'll need a bigger one. Scales also has nice screen cages check them out at www.exoticlizards.com. Good luck!
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

Yeah when i went to the IRAB show...i bought a new cage. 18" by 29". I got it from Reptile Depot though..

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Chameleon's Natures Best Kept secret's.

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