Can I Use a Glass Cage for My Chameleon?

Different species of chameleon have very different requirements when it comes to their enclosure, so you must research your particular pet's needs and provide an appropriate home. A glass vivarium is unsuitable for most types of chameleon because reflections can cause stress and encourage aggressive behavior. Chameleons require a humid, well-ventilated environment to prevent mold growth and respiratory problems; a mesh or adapted wooden vivarium is a more suitable choice than a glass cage.

  1. Large Chameleon Species

    • Large chameleons that grow to 12 to 24 inches are often the grumpiest chameleons and prefer a solitary existence in captivity. Never house two veiled chameleons together or mix one species with another. Veiled, Jackson's and panther chameleons are the large species found in pet stores. They are all highly territorial and defend their home aggressively if threatened. Reflections in the sides of a glass vivarium look like an intruder to a large chameleon, and it will lunge at the glass in attack, damaging itself in the process. Even if your chameleon does not physically attack its reflection, it may live its entire life in a stressful state thinking there is another creature in its home. Mesh enclosures provide excellent ventilation and a healthy environment for large chameleons.

    Small and Medium Chameleon Species

    • Small to medium chameleons between 3 and 12 inches also like to live alone and will display territorial behavior in a glass vivarium. Fischer's chameleons grow to around 8 to 10 inches and require a mesh or cage enclosure with good ventilation. Chameleons feel safe and act less stressed in a well-planted enclosure with a variety of hiding places and basking sites. Tall vivariums are more suitable than wide ones because chameleons are predominantly arboreal creatures that love to climb.

    Dwarf Chameleon Species

    • Some small species of up to around 3 inches long, such as pygmy bearded chameleons, live successfully in mixed gender groups in a glass vivarium without any of the territorial problems associated with veiled chameleons and similar larger species. Reflections in the glass do not bother social groups because they are familiar with the sight of other creatures around them, but it is still advisable to provide a densely planted vivarium. There are very few types of chameleon that you safely can house in colonies, and Rhampholeon brevicaudatus is very unusual in that more than one male can be part of the group. Before you commit to buying a chameleon, do some independent research and do not rely on how many chameleons are in a tank at a pet store as an indicator of whether they are a group or solitary species.

    Adapting a Wooden Vivarium for a Chameleon

    • Wooden vivariums are suitable for chameleons if you make a few alterations to provide extra ventilation. Cut away approximately half of the back panel using a jigsaw, or remove it completely and replace with a sheet of mesh screening. Alternatively, cut an 8 by 8 inch hole in each side panel and cover with mesh. Airflow is essential to a chameleon's health and upper respiratory diseases occur when mold or bacterial spores infect their lungs from a damp, unhealthy atmosphere. If you have reasonable DIY skills, replace one or both of the front sliding doors with a custom-made screen door. Leave a new or adapted enclosure to run for a day with the heat and lights on before adding your new pet. Monitor temperature and humidity readings during this time to ensure the environment is stable.