Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I work full time 5 days a week and no one is at home to mist the cage manually during my work hours.

1)Would an automated misting device be ideal?
2)The pros to having an automated misting device are pretty obvious, so what would be some cons to having an automated set up?
3)What is a good brand or model to look into? Is it a good idea to build your own?
4)Do you know of any online detailed documents that show an automated setup? I looked but couldn't find anything that is detailed.

Thanks in advance,
Runski

I dunno lets see how long you can go with out water!

I'd say for anyone working a full time job it is a requirement. even if you are working nights when the chameleons are sleeping the auto misters makes it so much easier to sure your chameleon is getting enough water. currently i use both the Mr. Moisture and the Rainmaker Jr. I like the Rainmaker better. It seems to run a little quieter and I haven't had any leaks like I did originally with the Mr. Moisture. if you want to Build one yourself here is a excellent link to a DIY mister in the Ezine.

Dennis

DO IT YOURSELF MISTING SYSTEM

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Hi Runski,

There is a lot of debate as to the best source of water for chams. If you do a search on the cham forum for this subject you will see lots of the discussions. I work from home so I do have the luxury of checking on Luna regularly (she is in my office) however, in the winter months in New England the air is very dry and I opted for a humidifier as well as her dripper (a must even if you are there all the time, in my opinion). I use a Sunbeam humidifier and have it on the top of her cage and it is "rigged" to send the mist directly into her cage. it is on a timer to go on a few times a day for 15-30 minutes. Personally, I feel that the humidifier has less potential for problems than the misters if I am not around - just my opinion. this is the one I have: www.sunbeamhealth.com/productdetail.asp?id=27

Here is a link to a homemade misting system www.chameleonnews.com/year2004/jan2004/misting/misting.html

and here is a review on ZooMed's Habba Mist www.kingsnake.com/productreviews/view.php?id=19&market=reptiles

lele
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia (both MIA
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog (for summer)
0.5 Mad. Hissers (for summer - all girls, no little ones, whew!)

I agree, humidifiers are a must. I don't use one during the summer, it gets around 70 or 80% here most days, but in the winter i have one running a lot.
I don't use a mister, I live in an apt and can't afford to have it break. I hand mist really well once daily and also give her some water with an eye droper once she starts to drink, then i mist quickly one or two other times during the day for moisture. Some weeks she just won't drink even with the misting so i put her in the shower. She's been strange with eating and drinking ever since i bred her last year. I also have a dripper but she doesn't seem to like it. I would say that it depends on your chameleon. If you can get it to use a dripper that would be enough water then mist at night or have a humidifier on a timer depending on your climate. You can fill the dripper up before you leave for work and it should run for a good 1/2 hour or hour depending on it's size. Your cham should learn to drink when it wakes up, and also you can fill it again after you get home. Just set it up on something and have a stick that goes near the drip, then put a dish under to catch the water. Just keep an eye on his/her urates to make sure it isn't dehydrated.

There are a lot of strict rules it seems, but there are many many different ways to raise chams. you just have to be careful and keep an eye to see how your animal is doing with the husbandry you provide.
~Lindsay

Hello,

How did you connect the humidifier to the cage? Do you have any pics of your setup?

Thanks for the advice.

-Runski

Still need idea of how to hook up a humidifier?
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I use a Habba Mist and modified the remote nozzle into two nozzles with parts from home depot. I also run a modified humdifier. My jacksons in a converted dresser . =)
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I like yourself put a search on here asking about misting system. I read all that I could on the opinions out there on the subject. I finally got to see a system at a show. It's called the PM-60 made by pro-products. It is the finest mist you could ever want. It collects and causes all of your branches and leaves to drip depending on how long you let it run. It comes with a time and can have up to 15 nozzles or you could just do one. One nozzle works well with my 2'X 2'X 4' cage. Definitely check this out. It has freed my time up so much. I own 3 business and have 11 chameleons and it has made it much easier for me. Just having to feed and clean. The mist is so fine it doesn't bother the chameleons eyes as some misters do and will also provide you with great humidity. Here's the website for this product.

http://pro-products.com/promist.html

Hope this helps.
-Michael