Parsonii Enclosure Prototype 05-31-2007 |
| Like
most keepers, I have always kept my chameleons in open-air enclosures.
However, it is almost impossible to maintain appropriate humidity levels
in such enclosures for montane species such as quadricornis and parsonii.
Closing off the enclosure is not something we would typically consider,
however, creating an enclosure that can be opened and closed to facilitate
humidity management might be a new direction to go in. This prototype has such functionality as it is designed with multiple removable panels. The frame of the cage was built with 2X2’s with ½ X 1 inch PVC coated mesh on the inside (from Pointer Hill Pets) and a combination of framed-screen and plastic/plexiglass panels on the outside. There are two small screen vents in the front and one on top that also can be adjusted to allow free airflow and closed off to bring up humidity when needed. The mesh will provide the ability to climb without the risk of breaking toenails if the chameleon decides to scale the walls. It will also act as a trellis for the pothos and other vines to attach and grow on. The misting system was acquired from Bob at ProMist. Two nozzles are used, one on each side pointing to the center. Lighting consists of two T12 Reptisun 5.0 tubes housed directly in the enclosure (in the upper front pretty much out of cham reach, either way they are only warm to the touch and do not present any danger). The bulbs are held in place by rubber end caps powered by an external power-friendly ballast which all were included in the Foster and Smith Coralife E-Z ballast kit, which was very easy to install. Dimensions are 6 feet high (including the legs and lower shelves), 5 feet wide and about 3 feet deep. The lower 10 inches are a combination of plastic panels and glass in the front and are sealed to allow an appropriate water-tight cage lining. Water runoff from heavy misting and cleaning will go strait to the drain. The front has massive 29X25 inch sliding glass doors that allow a maximum viewing area. The heavy duty tracks for the glass were found at C. R. Laurence Co., Inc. Click on below images for full size
Questions? Email Lou
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