Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It seems like my Jackson's spends more time climbing on his cage bars
(which are spaced 1/4" than he does in his ficus tree or on his grapevine.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how to discourage this? I guess it doesn't
really matter, but I would like to see him spend more time in his foliage. Seems like more natural behavior.

Would it help to provide more climbing surfaces/pathways in the center of the cage, or plant it thicker? I don't really have it planted very thick. Is his cage bar-climbing behavior a sign of unrest? Would he spend more time in the foliage if it were thicker, perhaps feel safer? Any thoughts are appreciated.

thanks

As I can't see your cage setup I can only guess, but chams climb for several reasons. Males roam when they are in breeding condition and searching for females. They climb more if the cage is too small or doesn't provide a good gradient of warm to cool, open to secluded, humid to less humid. They may climb more because they are stressed and feel too visible (no place to hide). Also, if there aren't enough interesting pathways in the foliage or perches.

You need heavy foliage so he can feel secure and to keep the humidity up. You also need wider, stronger climbing surfaces than most plants provide. Go to the hardware story and buy about 20' of 3/4" thick rope. They prefer hemp or Sisal to the nylon stuff. Use it to provide lots of horizontal climbing paths,
Ed