OUTDOOR CAGING ALERT

When spring arrives and the sun begins to shine brightly, there is a strong temptation to place chameleons outdoors to bask in the natural sunlight, breathe fresh air, and experience the increased humidity and cool, refreshing nights. While these conditions are highly beneficial for chameleons, it is crucial to proceed with caution and take the necessary precautions to prevent any adverse effects.

It is important

not to place a fine-mesh cage directly in the sun.

In such cases, ventilation may be insufficient, causing the temperature inside the cage to rise significantly higher (by 5 to 10 degrees) than the surrounding ambient temperature. Under such conditions, chameleons are at risk of dehydration and heat stroke, which can be fatal. If you choose to position mesh cages outdoors, ensure they are placed in a shaded area or at least partially shaded. Rest assured, chameleons can still receive adequate UV exposure from diffused sunlight.

It is essential to remember that finer mesh poses a greater risk of overheating. This is due to the fact that air openings constitute only part of the enclosure's surface area, accounting for approximately 70% with fine mesh. In contrast, larger openings result in a different, typically lesser reduction. The most significant reduction in ventilation occurs with perforated aluminum/steel plates and very fine mesh due to the proportion of openings to the total area. Always consider the area covered by the material when calculating ventilation. Additionally, turbulence may further reduce airflow.