Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Mass. How do keep up humity levels in the cold season when you also need to have a screen cage for ventilation. If I were to purchase one would I have to refrain from using my fireplace?

Could I set up a humidifier right on or near the set up or would this have too much of a cooling effect considering it would be running constantly? Could I set this up on a timer or should I just go ahead and spend the money on a Zoo Med automister?

How do other northern dwellers do it?

You will need some type of a humidifier aimed right into the cage. Ultrasonics are great as they produce a settling fog, so put it up high near the cage top if possible. Cycle the fogger using a multiple setting lamp timer that lets you run it for specified amounts of time several times a day. Run the fogger until the cage humidity in the cooler areas reaches the level you need. Turn it off and watch how long before the cage gets too dry again in the same spot. This gives you an idea how often and how long to run the fogger. Also add lots of live plants in larger pots to help hold spray. Even putting other house plants around the cage helps. You can drape plastic sheeting on back and sides of the cage. It reduces circulation, but not too much. Can you put the cage in another room away from the fireplace? Wood heat is extremely drying and the cham won't want to be too warm at night anyway.