Mesh terrariums for chameleons

Why a mesh terrarium for a chameleon?

A mesh terrarium is the only suitable option for a chameleon because it is the only one that provides constant ventilation. A chameleon needs high humidity and misting several times a day; in a glass terrarium, that humidity and heat build up in stagnant air, the perfect environment for pathogens and a direct cause of respiratory problems. In mesh, the air circulates and the walls dry out between mistings.

There is a second reason: the chameleon is highly territorial and always lives alone, whether male or female. The reflection in glass makes it believe there is another animal in its space and causes chronic stress. Metal mesh also lets UVB radiation through, so the lamp can sit on top of the terrarium without losing effectiveness. That is why our terrariums for the panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and Trioceros jacksonii or hoehnelii are all mesh.

Which mesh terrarium size should you choose?

The size of the mesh terrarium depends on the sex and size of the chameleon: 45 × 45 × 80 cm is the minimum for an adult female and 50 × 50 × 100 cm for an adult male. To give it as much space as possible, our guide recommends 50 × 50 × 100 cm in both cases. The black mesh terrarium is made in three sizes:

• 32 × 32 × 46 cm (€69): for early stages or small species.
• 45 × 45 × 80 cm (€119): the minimum for an adult female.
• 50 × 50 × 100 cm (€139): the recommended size for adult males and females.

As the chameleon is arboreal and almost never comes down to the ground, a terrarium that is taller than it is wide is always better, and if in doubt, go for a larger size.

What is the mesh terrarium for chameleons like?

The mesh terrarium for chameleons is a frame of aluminium profiles with black-lacquered metal mesh and a moisture-resistant PVC base. The aluminium makes it light and durable, and the PVC base withstands water from misting and the misting system without deteriorating.

• Assembly: it can be assembled and dismantled without tools, so it works both as a permanent and as a temporary set-up.
• Finish: no visible screws and easy to clean.
• Compatibility: supports UVB lighting and misting systems.

If you would rather not look for each part separately, the same terrarium is sold as a kit with lighting and a thermometer in chameleon kits, from the basic kit with a UVB 5.0 bulb to the professional kit with a T5 5.0 tube.

How do you keep humidity up in a mesh terrarium?

Humidity in a mesh terrarium is maintained by adding water several times a day and using live plants, because mesh ventilates a lot and the air dries out quickly. That is the price of good ventilation, and this is how you make up for it:

• Automatic misting system: set it to run 3-4 times a day; it raises humidity and gives your chameleon water to drink even when you are not at home. The professional misting system supplies more than 20 nozzles.
• Hand sprayer or dripper: as a supplement, 2-3 times a day over the plants.
• Live plants: pothos, schefflera or hibiscus hold the droplets and add dense foliage.
• Fine-mist foggers: they regulate ambient humidity but do not replace drinking water.

Excess water is removed by hand or through a drain in the base. The full set-up is in our chameleon terrarium guide.