5 Best Chameleon Cages

33.33% of users selected Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit, 33.33% selected Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen, 33.33% selected Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat, 0.00% selected Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen and 0.00% selected Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

There are many chameleon cages on the market today, but not all of them are created equally. It can be tough to find the best option for your pet without doing a lot of research. That’s why we put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide so you could get an idea of what is out there and how they compare to each other!

Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit PT2604A1

This screen let’s UVB light and infrared through the top. The back of the screen has 5 holes, one on each side. You can put things like rocks and waterfalls in these holes. It also raises the bottom of the tank so you can mount a heater to heat part of it. Exo Terra is a company that makes a lot of things for reptiles. One thing they make is a window. This window can be used to put things on, like reptile substrate for aquariums, and it is the same color as other Exo Terra products.

Exo Terra has a wide range of accessories, decor, and terrariums for a variety of reptiles and amphibian pets, including bearded dragons, geckos, snakes, crested geckos, turtles, chameleons, leopard geckos, lizards. Reptile heat lamps, reptile heating pads, reptile thermostats, reptile humidifiers, reptile mister, reptile thermometer, Reptilian water basins (fake plants), Reptilian fogger, chelonian lights (fake plants), fake trees for reptiles (reptiles can’t climb real trees), vines for reptiles.A reptile cage terrarium is 24 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 12 inches tall.

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Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage, 18 x 18 x 36-Inches

The black anodized aluminum makes this look nice. Beautiful, durable, and corrosion resistant black anodized aluminum screen cage. A versatile reptile cage can be used for iguanas or chameleons. It includes hardware and is easy to assemble with a screwdriver.

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Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat

This is the perfect environment for tropical fauna. 10-inch glass terrarium with a fresh air screen cover. includes one five and a half” reflective dome light fixture, white spot bulb, little heat mat, green terrarium liner, and humidity/temperature gauge.
All of the above items are included within this package. It is packed in reinforced packaging to safeguard the product.

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Zoo Med Repti Breeze Screen Cage

All of the hardware is included, and assembling it is a cinch with just a screwdriver. It is simple to use and maintain. It is also easy to access and clean.

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Zoo Med Zoo Med Repti Breeze – X-Large

Large front door for easy cage access and bottom door for simple substrate removal. Beautiful corrosion-resistant black anodized aluminum screen cage.

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Buyer’s Guide

How to Buy the Best Cage for Your Pet Chameleon?

There are a few things that you should be looking for when shopping for your chameleon cage. The first thing is to make sure that the product has been made from high-quality materials or at least one of them, such as metal wire mesh and steel tubing. You need to choose an enclosure with two doors so it would be easy for you to feed your pet chameleon and clean its cage.

Size

Some chameleons are very small, while others can be as large as a man’s arm. If you have one that is especially big or extra tiny, choose the appropriate size of cage for it!

Cages should be at least three times the length of your chameleon. You can always use multiple levels within one cage, but remember that it needs to still fit in an appropriate size.

Temperature and Humidity

Their environment needs to have just the right temperature and humidity levels for them to thrive in. Otherwise they could get sick or even die from being too cold or hot, etc., so it’s important not to ignore what your pet’s home should be like, and how much it should cost you to maintain.

Lighting

Just like any reptile, chameleons need to bask in sunlight. They also require a UVA/UVB light source to absorb vitamin D and synthesize calcium for healthy bones. You can use both natural or artificial lighting with UV bulbs, but don’t worry if the latter is your only option – most experts agree that it is just as effective. Chameleons need about 12 hours of light per day, so it’s best to buy a fixture that has both lights and timers.

Accommodation of Plants

If you want to fill the habitat with plants, it is best that they are non-toxic and safe for your chameleon. Fake or silk plants will not last long in a reptile’s cage but live ones can be expensive! You could ask friends if they have any spare pots of succulents lying around which could be a good start.

Cage Positioning: In or Out?

The habitat can be positioned either inside or outside, it depends on how much time your chameleon spends in the cage. It is best to have a nice sunny spot for them if they are going to spend most of their time indoors as this will provide UVB rays and heat -don’t place near windows though as direct sunlight can scorch the plants and your chameleon.

Resistance to Rust

Chameleon cages that have a powder-coated finish will prevent rusting, whereas chameleon cages with a painted coating may eventually begin to chip away, which leads to the possibility of rust forming.

Ventilation

Ventilation is vital for most chameleon cages, especially enclosures that house larger species. Providing proper ventilation helps prevent respiratory problems and other health issues. It also ensures your pet can properly regulate their body temperatures by allowing them to breathe fresh air while still maintaining a warm environment in which they feel secure. While some people use screen tops for their cages, this is not recommended. Chameleon’s are able to climb and can easily escape through the top of an enclosure if it doesn’t have a secure lid. Some people use mesh but I recommend using plexiglass or another type of solid plastic that will protect your pet from escaping while still allowing humidity to build up in the cage.

Pleated paper filter inserts should be used for screen tops or mesh enclosures to prevent chameleon`s from escaping and ensure proper ventilation is maintained. Mesh lids allow heat and humidity to escape, decreasing the effectiveness of your enclosure as a whole. Pleated filters can often be found at office supply stores or ordered online.

To create a proper ventilation system in your chameleon’s cage, you should use two or more small lamps and place them on one side of the enclosure. This will allow for airflow while still ensuring that all areas of the cage are warm enough to maintain optimal conditions for your pet. The size and wattage of the lamps used depends on the size of your cage and how much ventilation you need.

Weight

Weight your cage when choosing your chameleon cage, the weight is an important consideration. Chameleons are quite active and you will want to make sure that they can run around when in their cages. To do this, the best chameleon cages should be sturdy enough that it does not move or tip over easily when your pets jump on the shelves or branches.

On the other hand, you also do not want to choose a cage that is too heavy for your chameleon since it will be difficult to move around and clean.

WHAT DO CHAMELEONS NEED IN THEIR CAGE?

Chameleons are generally not picky, but it is very important to make sure that your chameleon’s cage has everything he needs.

Live Plants

Chameleons like to climb and bask, so make sure you have a tall cage with plenty of foliage for your chameleon. Live plants also provide humidity and absorb bad odors from the food bowls. Chameleons might nibble on live plants which can be beneficial as it is natural behavior. Just remember that if a plant is dying, so will your chameleon.

Live vines let the chameleon climb to bask in sunlight while live broad-leaved foliage gives them a place to hide from the light when they want to sleep.

Branches and Vines

The branches and vines of a chameleon cage should be easy to adjust for the needs of your pet. The branches and vines should be easy to replace when they are worn out. They must also fit inside the cage in a way that is not dangerous for your pet chameleon. This means that you need to make sure the branches do not have any sharp points or ends, so it does not poke at your reptile pet. A chameleon cage that is made out of metal may be more durable than one with plastic vines or branches, but this does not mean the pet will feel at ease in a metal habitat. The type of material used for any part of your reptile`s home does not matter as much as how easy it is to use and replace when it is no longer in good condition.

Tree Trunk

The tree trunk inside of a chameleon cage should be sturdy, but this does not mean it needs to be extremely thick or heavy. A thicker, wooden trunk will usually take up more room than one that is made out of metal wire with multiple branches available for your pet. The thickness of the trunk is an important factor in how easy it will be to clean, but you should also consider if this type of material will make your chameleon feel comfortable when he or she is inside their cage. If a tree has a very thick base that makes it difficult for smaller reptiles to climb around easily, this is not a good option for an enclosure.

Heat lamp

A heat lamp is a must-have for chameleons that are nocturnal. They need the light to help them regulate their body temperature, which they control by changing color. As long as you follow our guidelines below on how much wattage to use and where exactly to place it in the cage so your pet doesn’t get burned, you will be fine.

UVB bulb for chameleon

In the wild, chameleons get UVB from sunlight. In captivity, it is important to provide a non-negotiable source of this essential light ray for health and well being. The best way to do so is with a special bulb designed specifically for reptiles called a UVB Bulb or Reptile Bulb. The best UVB bulb for chameleons will be the one that provides the right amount of intensity (measured in microwatts per square centimeter or µW/cm²) and wavelengths (UVA, UVB, UVC). The range is generally between 290-320 nanometers.

UV light helps with the process of photosynthesis in plants, which is why they need it. Chameleons are no different; the one major difference being that chameleon skin does not have any pigments to protect them from UV light , so they rely on their environment for protection. For this reason, you should never use a regular incandescent lamp as a UVB source for your chameleon.

Since it assists with photosynthesis , this means that a chameleon without sufficient access to adequate amounts of UV light may not be able to properly synthesize food from his environment- leading to calcium deficiencies. This is especially harmful for female chameleons with developing eggs inside of them, making it crucial that they get adequate amounts of UVB light in order to form healthy eggs.

Thermometer/Hygrometer

A thermometer and hygrometer are important for knowing the temperature of your enclosure. The ideal temperature for a chameleon is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 Celsius), while humidity should be around 60%. You can get an accurate reading with these tools by putting one inside each cage area.

Fogger

The fogger is a must have for any chameleon owner. The fogger adds humidity to the cage which helps make your lizard healthy and happy. Foggers can be added for under $20, making them one of the least expensive ways to add humidity to an enclosure.

Glass or Screen Type of cage

There are two types of chameleon cages you should consider when buying one. One is the screen type, which allows more airflow and can be placed on a hanging mechanism so your pet gets even better ventilation. The second option is the glass type enclosure that provides good insulation against humidity loss and makes it easier to control temperatures inside the cage than with screen cages.

One of the most important components of a good chameleon cage is the lid, which should be made out of durable material and have proper ventilation openings to provide airflow inside your pet’s enclosure as well as protection from predators that may enter your home. In addition, it should also fit tightly enough not to let your pet escape.

One thing to consider when buying chameleon cages is height, as these reptiles are curious and like to climb up objects in their habitat. This means that you should provide them with enough space to move around high above the ground, but also make sure they have a branch or other object on which they can hide underneath if needed.

There are plenty of chameleon cages available on the market but before you decide to buy one, determine what type will best fit your pet’s needs. While some people prefer glass enclosures that can hold humidity better than screen types, others prefer these because they are easier to clean and have more ventilation options.

Species of Chameleon

There are over 160 species of chameleons.

Unlike some other lizards, they cannot blink and their eyes move independently from each other so sometimes it looks like they can see behind themselves! Some types of Chameleon tend to be more popular than others such as the Panther or Jackson’s Chameleon but we love them all.

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FAQs

What type of cage is best for chameleons?

This is a question we get all the time and it really depends on what you would like to keep in your cage.

Cage Flooring: It’s best practice to have either sand or soil substrate such as coconut fiber with some live moss growing throughout for hiding spots and humidity levels. A few inches of dry sand can also be placed at the bottom of your cage to keep humidity levels low and prevent mold growth.

Cage Size: For a baby chameleon, we would recommend three food bowls (small), one water bowl (large) and one piece of bark for climbing inside the cage that is about 30 inches long by 16 inches wide. As they get older, you can increase the size of your water bowl and food bowls.

Cage Setup: Chameleons are arboreal so they love to be able to climb vertically in their cage. A good rule of thumb is that if it fits inside the cage, a chameleon will try climbing on it! Some safe options include cork bark, drift wood and potted plants.

Where to place the cage: We recommend placing your chameleon in an area of your home where there is plenty of natural light but minimal sunlight so you don’t burn them! A good option would be on a bookcase or wall unit somewhere that isn’t too hot or cold.

Is a glass cage better for a chameleon?

This is another question that we get asked a lot and it really depends on what you would like to keep in your cage.

Glass cages are great because they provide good visibility of the chameleon at all times which can be important for observation purposes but if not set up correctly with plenty of climbing structures, humidity levels may drop too low.

Do chameleons need misters?

Yes! A chameleon’s main source of moisture comes from water droplets. If you notice your chameleon is very active during the day, it probably means they are looking for a drink of water so be sure to mist them frequently throughout the day with either distilled or rainwater.

Useful Video: Buy Chameleon Cage – Don’t Buy a Chameleon Cage Before Watching This!

Conclusion

There are a ton of great cages out there for your chameleon. You should be able to find one that fits your budget and needs easily!

Don`t forget to take a look at your chameleon’s cage before buying it! Think about what kind of design would best fit your home, and also make sure that the model you pick has plenty of space for your pet chameleon to move around in.