The 10 Best Cages For Chameleons
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Chameleons are amazing animals, so it is understandable why people keep them for pets. It is important to realize, however, that the chameleon is not your average pet – it has specific needs for care that make it very challenging to keep. These pets are for experienced reptile keepers only.
On top of a balanced diet, you also need to provide your chameleon with a habitat that is properly outfitted.
At A Glance: Best Cages For Chameleons To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Cages For Chameleons
|
Materials
Metal, wire mesh screen |
Materials
Metal, wire mesh screen |
Materials
Metal, wire mesh |
Materials
Glass, wire mesh |
Materials
Screen |
Materials
Metal, wire mesh |
Materials
Glass, wire mesh |
Materials
Aluminum, wire mesh |
Materials
Glass, wire mesh |
Materials
Glass, wire mesh |
|
Size
16x16x30 inches |
Size
24x24x48 inches |
Size
18x18x24 inches |
Size
18x18x24 inches |
Size
18x12x20 inches |
Size
18x36x36 inches |
Size
50 x 20 x 12 inches |
Size
24x24x48 inches |
Size
36x18x18 inches |
Size
12x12x18 inches |
|
Features
Comes with lighting and decorations |
Features
Large front door, bottom door, ventilated |
Features
Large hinged door, corrosion-resistant |
Features
All-glass, double door, wire top |
Features
Open air, dual front doors |
Features
Corrosion-resistant, double door |
Features
Waterproof base, hinged doors, key entry |
Features
Aluminum frame, LED lighting system |
Features
Double doors, raised bottom |
Features
Lighting included, mesh top |
What To Look For In Cages For Chameleons?
When shopping for chameleon cages, you’ll find that there are many generic reptile cages and terrariums out there. These are usually a good option because they are designed with reptiles in mind but be sure to consider your chameleon’s unique needs in terms of the dimensions of the cage.
Here are some important things to look for in chameleon cages:
- High-quality construction. Chameleons are very clever, so make sure the cage is made from high-quality materials and constructed well. It also needs to retain heat and humidity but be ventilated to let in air and natural light.
- Holds humidity, but with adequate ventilation. One of the hardest aspects of caring for a chameleon is avoiding dehydration. Most species live in a very humid environment, and if they don’t have high humidity, they’ll become severely dehydrated quickly. However, with poor ventilation, the cage may grow molds that can lead to respiratory infections
- Plenty of vertical space. Your chameleon needs plenty of room to climb, so choose a cage that is taller than it is wide and provide lots of plants for it to climb on.
- Adequate dimensions. An adult chameleon can measure up to 27 inches long in some species, so it is best to provide adults with a cage at least 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 4 feet tall. Young chameleons need, at a minimum, 16x16x30 inches.
- Customizable for lighting. Chameleons need 10 to 12 hours a day of UVA and UVB light in addition to several basking areas, so your cage needs to be customizable or at least have places to put these fixtures.
Our Top Picks For The Best Cages For Chameleons
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a chameleon cage, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best chameleon cages.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best chameleon cage:
Overall Best
1.
Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Chameleon Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Metal, wire mesh screen
- Size: 16x16x30 inches
- Features: Comes with lighting and decorations
Pros
- Perfectly sized for young and small chameleons
- Comes with lighting kit and thermometer
- Mesh sides for ventilation and natural light
Cons
- Included lighting may not be adequate in some climates
- Mesh is somewhat fragile, handle with care
- With mesh on all sides, it can be difficult to maintain the required humidity
If you have no idea where to start in finding the right cage for your chameleon, you can’t go wrong with the Zoo Med Repti Breeze Chameleon Kit. After all, it has the word “chameleon” in the name!
This kit is designed to be a starter kit for chameleon owners, so it measures 16x16x30 inches, an ideal size for young chameleons. It works for all chameleon species and comes with most of the necessities including the Repti Breeze open air cage, a digital thermometer, tropical lighting kit, and a number of decorations to get you started. It even comes with supplement samples.
Runner Up
2.
Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage
Product Info
- Materials: Metal, wire mesh screen
- Size: 24x24x48 inches
- Features: Large front door, bottom door, ventilated
Pros
- Large size for adult chameleons
- Big front door for easy access/cleaning
- Corrosion-resistant materials for durability
Cons
- Not a complete kit, doesn’t come with lighting
- Requires some assembly
- May be difficult to maintain humidity in some areas without blocking 1 or 2 sides
If you like the idea of the Zoo Med screen cage above but you want something that will last throughout your chameleon’s life, consider a larger option like this Zoo Med Repti Breeze Open Air Screen Cage.
It measures 24x24x48 inches, providing plenty of vertical space for your chameleon to climb. It is made from sturdy materials with a metal frame and wire mesh to allow ventilation. It also has a large front door for easy access and a bottom door for cleaning the substrate.
Best Affordable
3.
Exo Terra Screen Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Metal, wire mesh
- Size: 18x18x24 inches
- Features: Large hinged door, corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant materials for durability
- Swiveling bottom door for substrate
- Large front door for easy access/cleaning
Cons
- May not be as sturdy as some models
- May be a little small for very large chameleons
- May be difficult to maintain proper humidity
Another option in a starter cage for chameleons is this Exo Terra Screen Terrarium Small. It is made from corrosion-resistant materials which is important for a rainforest habitat. It also features a large hinged front door so you can easily access the cage for misting, cleaning, or handling your chameleon.
4.
Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, wire mesh
- Size: 18x18x24 inches
- Features: All-glass, double door, wire top
Pros
- Double front door for easy access
- Includes lighting system and ventilation
- Natural-looking rocky background
Cons
- Bulbs need to be purchased separately
- Some of the decorations may not be the highest quality
- Good only for younger, smaller chameleons
If you’re concerned about keeping your chameleon’s cage warm enough and humid enough, a full screen cage might not be the right choice. This Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat is a great option because it is a full-glass terrarium with a mesh top for ventilation. It features dual front doors for easy escape-free access and comes with a compact lighting system as well.
5.
Zilla Fresh Air Screen Habitat for Reptiles
Product Info
- Materials: Screen
- Size: 18x12x20 inches
- Features: Open air, dual front doors
Pros
- Fresh air screen habitat to customize
- PVC bottom is durable and water-resistant
- Double front door for escape-proof access
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any accessories or equipment
- Materials may not be as sturdy as some models
- Mesh on all sides may make it difficult to maintain good humidity
Starter kits are great, but sometimes you just want to customize your chameleon cage with the accessories and decorations of your choice. This Zilla Fresh Air Screen Habitat for Reptiles is the perfect place to start because it is a fresh air screened-in habitat designed specifically for reptiles.
It features a double front door to prevent escape without compromising access and a PVC-bottom that is durable and water-resistant. Just add your chosen decorations and equipment!
6.
Exo Terra Screen Terrarium, Large
Product Info
- Materials: Metal, wire mesh
- Size: 18x36x36 inches
- Features: Corrosion-resistant, double door
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant, high-quality frame
- Large hinged front doors for access
- Cricket-proof screen provides ventilation
Cons
- Small insects may be able to slip through frame
- Some assembly required
- May be difficult to maintain humidity unless sides are blocked
If you want to customize your own chameleon cage but the model above is too small, try the Exo Terra Screen Terrarium Large. It measures a full 18x36x36 inches with a high-quality, corrosion-resistant black anodized aluminum frame and durable mesh screen. It has the same double-door front with a swiveling bottom door for easy access for cleaning.
7.
Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, wire mesh
- Size: 50 x 20 x 12 inches
- Features: Waterproof base, hinged doors, key entry
Pros
- Extra-large and tall dimensions
- Hinged double doors for easy access
- Key-lock security to prevent escape
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other options
- Some assembly required
If you don’t have a particular budget in mind and you want something that is going to last your chameleon’s entire lifetime, consider this Carolina Custom Cages Extra-Tall Terrarium. Made from high-quality materials with a 12-inch deep waterproof base and sliding doors, this cage is a work of art.
8.
Zoo Med ReptiBreeze LED Deluxe Open Air Aluminum Screen Habitat
Product Info
- Materials: Aluminum, wire mesh
- Size: 24x24x48 inches
- Features: Aluminum frame, LED lighting system
Pros
- Deluxe open-air habitat, well ventilated
- Comes with LED lighting system for visible light (not UVB)
- Easy to assemble, hardware included
Cons
- Mesh is somewhat fragile, handle with care
- Included lighting is not enough, UVB isn’t included
Another option from Zoo Med is this Repti Breeze LED Deluxe Habitat. It measures a full 24x24x48 inches which makes it larger than some models but still has the ventilated screen mesh sides. It also comes with an LED lighting system to get you started. UVB lighting MUST BE added for the health of your chameleon.
9.
REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, wire mesh
- Size: 36x18x18 inches
- Features: Double doors, raised bottom
Pros
- Tough screen top for ventilation
- Double doors for easy access to clean
- Raised bottom frame with waterproof bottom
Cons
- Lighting not included
- Maybe too small for some larger adults
Though not designed specifically for chameleons, this all-glass terrarium is a decent option. It features a mesh top for ventilation and a raised bottom that can be used with a substrate heater. It also has double front doors for easy access.
10.
Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, wire mesh
- Size: 12x12x18 inches
- Features: Lighting included, mesh top
Pros
- Dimensions are taller than they are wide
- Glass terrarium holds up to 5” water
- Mesh top for ventilation
Cons
- Too small for fully grown chameleons
- Less durable than other models
- The enclosed light doesn’t provide UVB
If you’re looking for a small terrarium to use as a temporary tank or to house a baby chameleon, this Zilla Vertical Tropical Kit might work. It is too small for an adult chameleon but can be used in a pinch. You must add a UVB light to this kit for the health of your animal.
Tips For Housing Your Chameleon
Before you bring your chameleon home, you need to have its habitat set up and ready to go. Keep in mind that chameleons can be territorial and temperamental, so plan to keep no more than one chameleon per cage. When you’re ready to look for a chameleon, be sure to purchase a captive-bred specimen because they are generally healthier and better adapted to captive environments.
Here are some simple tips for housing a chameleon:
- Know your chameleon’s expected adult size and choose a cage that is big enough for its entire lifespan – chameleons can grow up to 27 inches (tail included), depending on the species.
- Choose a cage that is taller than it is wide – chameleons are arboreal creatures, so they need plenty of plants to climb on and lots of vertical space.
- Aim to provide a cage at least 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 4 feet tall – younger chameleons can be kept in smaller cages, but more space is always better.
- Provide branches of various diameters and lots of plants for your chameleon to climb on – make sure they are all-natural and non-toxic.
- Make sure your chameleon has several basking areas of various temperature in the enclosure – different chameleons have different preferences.
- Outfit your chameleon cage with a drip system, automatic misting system, or plan to mist the cage several times a day – chameleons drink droplets off leaves, not from a dish.
- Provide your chameleon with lighting that provides both UVA and UVB rays and keep them on 10 to 12 hours a day. Change the bulb every 6 months.
Now that you have a better understanding of what it takes to keep a chameleon as a pet, you may be wondering whether it is the right choice for you. If you’re not able to provide for your chameleon’s specific nutritional needs and give it a habitat that is properly outfitted, consider another pet.
Final Remarks
Keeping a chameleon as a pet is a challenge but it is also very rewarding. These animals are different from any other pet out there and they can be very amusing and entertaining to keep. If you’re committed to providing your chameleon with the best care possible, start by choosing an adequate habitat and outfit it properly to provide for your pet’s needs.
If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a chameleon cage, try out one of the top 10 best chameleon cages we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
