I know that it's more practical to have a screen cage, lighting, and a plant and that's pretty much it for the chameleons living environment, but it seems like that just doesn't do these animals justice. I think to truly enjoy just looking at your chameleon, or any reptile, their surroundings should look like they would in the wild. Does anyone here go to great lengths to do that, or is it just not worth the trouble of maintaining? Any input would be appreciated.
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Creative cage?
dragunzfyre
Dec 03, 2004 01:19 AM
Replies (2)
cricketscritters
Dec 03, 2004 07:38 AM
Actually, quite a large number of herp keepers go the extra mile. Personally, while I can by no means make a habitat exactly like their natural environment, I do my best to create one similar. Once we've taken it upon ourselves to CAGE a herp, it's up to us to make sure all the needs are met. Of course we can't give them all acres of their own space, but we can provide correct foods, lights, heat, humidity requirements, etc; and huge enough enclosures to keep them happy & healthy.
Actually, most herps can live a longer more healthier life than they naturally would. We provide them with proper vet care and fecal exams to keep them parasite free. And when we breed, we keep the eggs from rotting or otherwise being eaten by predators. That's something they wouldn't get in the wild.
My $.02,
Cricket
MdngtRain
Dec 03, 2004 05:16 PM
I would have to agree w/Cricket. I try to the best of my ability to re-create their natural environment. Needless to say, I am far from it. There are a couple of really good naturalistic cage examples here, tho I cannot remeber the posts off-hand. Aside of the basic Heat, Light & Humidity requirements that go along with caging, Definatly get creative with the accessories (tho read up on safe & not safe plants first). I try to provide as many basking sites, sticks & natural plant cover as I can for my chams. I'm still working on it tho...
Good luck. And if you are planning on setting something up, show it off when you are done. 
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1.1 Crazy dogs (Sandy & Gizmo)
1.2 Vacationing Kitties (Puddy, PeeWee & Mikey)
1.1 Veiled Chameleons (Charlie & Emma)
0.1 Collard Lizard (Jimmie)
0.1 Leopard Gecko (Lily)
0.0.1 AWOL Leopard Gecko (Eddie)
0.1 Amazing Fiance =o)
