When setting up for a pet chameleon the cage aspect is among the most important parts to get right. As chameleons are more exotic pets it’s difficult for a first time chameleon owner to know what to house them in.
I was just as confused as you when I got my first chameleon but I did plenty of research to find out what was right for my pet.
So, what is the best cage for baby chameleons? The best cage for baby chameleons is one that is all screen with 16x16x30 inch measurements. A cage this size helps you monitor your new pet more closely and makes it easier for the chameleon to find live food in their cage.
Does a baby chameleon need a small cage?
I asked myself this exact same question. Logically you think they don’t because eventually they will grow into adults so you might as well save yourself the time and money from the outset and buy a full size cage, right?
Plenty of people do this for their baby chameleons and have no major problems. There are several reasons as to why you should consider getting one though, especially if you have a chameleon aged around 2 or 3 months.
- Easy to monitor – Baby chameleons are cute, fragile little creatures so you’re going to want to keep a close eye on them for any possible health problems, to make sure they’re eating and drinking enough, to check their poop, and monitor their temperature and humidity levels. Having a small cage makes all this so much easier.
- Easier to feed – A small cage makes it easier for your baby chameleon to find food. This means you can release feeder insects into the cage freely, enabling your chameleon to learn hunting skills while they’re young. It also lets you see if they’re drinking when you mist them.
- Easier to find – For me part of the fun of having a pet chameleon is trying to find them in their cage. While they’re young though you’ll wanna make it easier to find them so you can check on them. Note I said easier, they’ll still give you a good game of hide and seek!
- Creates a suitable environment – Baby chameleons require smaller branches and smaller plants for little feet to grab onto and climb. A small cage is better at enabling this baby friendly space.
- Mimics wild habitat – In the wild, baby chameleons don’t wander far and stay in small bushes where it’s cooler and safer. A small cage mimics this perfectly.
- Less chance of injury – All baby chameleons fall when they’re young it’s all part of growing up and learning to climb. Baby chameleons can fall from quite high up and be OK but the less height they fall from the less likely they will hurt themselves.
- Great for travel – A baby chameleon cage may seem like a waste as you’ll only use it for a few months before they grow but you can still get use out of it after they’ve moved to a larger cage.
Baby cages are great for transporting them if you have to take them to the vet, have to go away for a few days and can’t leave them alone, or if you just want to get them out in the sun for a few hours a day.
The only real downside to buying a baby chameleon cage is the extra money you spend for something they will mainly use for just 3 months or so.
What to look for when buying a baby chameleon cage
Due to their small size there are more options available for baby cages than their full size counterparts.
Adult chameleons can be housed in glass or screen cages but for baby chameleons I would recommend an all screen cage. Again this to allow for better monitoring and to give them a better chance at staying healthy in this fragile stage of life.
Screen cages for babies are best because they allow for:
- Better ventilation – All chameleons need good airflow but babies more so. Poor airflow can cause respiratory infections which baby chameleons have less chance of surviving because of their under developed immune systems.
- Temperature/Humidity Regulation – Screen cages are much better suited to preventing overheating and allows for easier monitoring of temperature and humidity levels.
Before I list my recommended baby chameleon cages if you’re not convinced you need one you can check out my recommendations for full size cages here.
Even if you do want one be sure to look at that list as baby chameleons are ready for a full size cage at around 6 months old.
Best Baby Chameleon Cages
My #1 Pick: Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage Medium
I recommend the Reptibreeze XL as my number 1 pick for full size cages and that recommendation remains for a baby chameleon.
It’s easily available on Amazon and it has everything you need to keep a baby chameleon happy and healthy and healthy while they’re young. Also great for adult chameleons if you need to travel with them.
It has the all important screen sides for good airflow and comes in at a size that’s neither too big or too small for your baby chameleon to learn to hunt its tiny insect prey.
My best budget pick: RESTCLOUD 30″ Large Monarch Butterfly Habitat Cage
Now you may be thinking wth? This is a butterfly cage why is this being recommended?
I recommend it because it’s actually perfect for a baby chameleon to spend a few months learning to hunt and climb.
It’s the same size as the reptibreeze and is all screen. It is not as robust though as it uses a zip to open rather than a hinged door.
I think that’s a fair trade off for a cage that is cheap to buy on Amazon and for one you’ll only need a short time in your chameleon’s life.
To Wrap Up
I hope you found this article useful and that it helped to determine not only what cage you need for your baby chameleon but the benefits of having also.
Feel free to browse the site for more info on chameleon care and if you have any questions or comments please leave them below and I’ll do my best to get back to you.
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