Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been getting info over the past month about screening for my veiled cham cage im building and I think Im more confused than when I started!
Can you tell me what you guys have used in your home built cages?
Ive heard the metal screening can cause mouthrot, the nylon screening rips out their toenails, the pvc is harder to find than the holy grail, and the plastic screeening I bought to begin with wont hold up with the overhead lights I believe, and I dont have a way to hang them anywhere above the cage.... arg....

What is the easiest screening (and easiest to find) that I can use in the cage that wont hurt the cham. If it is small enough to prevent cricket escape that would be the best, but it's not a necessity.
I am using the chameleon's paradise 2x2x4 cage plan for references. I already have the wood stained and ready just need to get the last piece of the puzzle! I really want to get the cage built by this weekend if possible.

Thanks for any replies! I really appreciate it!

Erin
Cage plans

Maybe I've been lucky, but I have used metal wire mesh without problems. The mesh is much larger than toes and I usually go over it all with a wire brush to smooth out any rough edges before the cham goes in the cage. I have experimented with spray painting the mesh with acrylic baby-safe paint too, and it does help coat the surface somewhat. To keep smaller crix or flies in the cage I have made a fine mesh "bag" to drape over the cage so escapes can't get very far. But, I usually live where the plastic meshes other folks on this forum have used aren't available. I have also used fiberglass window screening. As long as the screen is not in intense sunlight every day the fiberglass doesn't necessarily breakdown or shed fibers. I do use regular hardware cloth or wire for the cage top to support the lights. My cages are stuffed with plants and perch walkways so I don't see my chams climbing the screen much at all.

I use a 1/8 metal mesh, then buy a can of this plastic dip spray stuff by rustoliam(spell??) the mesh is pretty expensive tho, but like 3 coats of this spray paint platic and a day or 2 to dry, and its waterproof, and so far very durable.