Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I a mister for my veiled chameleon, but i was wondering how often the mister should go on, and how long should it mist?
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~Julie~
0.1 Southern Alligator Lizard
0.0.3 Southern Alligator Eggs
1.0 Christmas Toad
1.1 Pacific Tree Frog
1.0 White Tree Frog
1.0 Veiled Chameleon
0.2 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Patterdale Terrier

Here is my schedule:
7AM - Lights come on
8AM - 2 minutes of misting
8:15AM - 5 minutes of misting
9AM - 1 minute
10AM - 1 minute
11AM - 2 minutes
12PM - 1 minute
1PM - 1 minute
2PM - 2 minutes
3PM - 1 minute
4PM - 1 minute
5PM - 2 minutes
5:15PM - 5 minutes
7PM Lights off
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Joe
- www.chameleonkeepers.com

I know that Veileds and Panthers have different needs, but I can't help but think that that's a little bit of misting overkill. That's a lot of mist!

I hand-mist three times a day (60 "pumps" per cage)---but mine aren't veileds.
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5 Month Old Ambanja Male I - LESTER
5 Month Old Ambanja Male II - SHOGO

I don't think it's overkill at all. Can you add more to your statement? Why do you think it is overkill?
The only downside I can think of is higher maintenance. (You have to clean up all that mist) But thats about it.
In fact, the 1 minute bursts every hour keep the humidity perfect in my place.
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Joe
- www.chameleonkeepers.com

Yes, I can elaborate: It sounds to me like you are misting more then the chams may need. But, then again, I don't keep veileds so this could be perfectly normal to keep them healthy.

The reason people should care is because this much misting at those frequent intervals could create mold and/or mildew issues inside a house, which could pose a health risk to people. Mold is a serious issue and if the automated misting system is in anyway saturating drywall or wood in the room through the screen mesh, then the potential for growing mold increases. It may seem far-fetched, but there have been serious consequences to mold spores in homes over the past few years.

A lot of this would depend on the misting system itself. if it is an extremely fine mist and a very low volume (or usuage) of water, then the potential for mold decreases. However, many people have tried rigging-up "outside" misting systems for use indoors, and this is when the volume may be a little heavy for indoor applications.

I do know that this would be too much mist for Panthers or other chams that do not need this high of an increased humidity level as it could potentially result in respiratory problems for the chams.

Just my $0.02...
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5 Month Old Ambanja Male I - LESTER
5 Month Old Ambanja Male II - SHOGO

I believe one should err on the dry side, compared to other chameleon species. Veild's inhabit drier regions than other chameleons, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. I searched on the net and found that the average afternoon humidity in Sana'a, Yemen is 27%, about 63% in the morning (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/weather/longterm/historical/data/sanaa_yemen.htm). I know that these chameleons have been kept outdoors in the desert of Arizona successfully without extensive misting. Masterplan and Chameleoncrow both made good points regarding mold/mildew growth and animal respiratory problems related to too much moisture.

That's my two cents.

Patrick

Yes, i agree with masterplan.I do believe Too much mistings could be more detrimental than benificial. Other than promoting the growth of bacteria, too much misting can cause respiratory problems to your chams. I would think that Veilds require much less humidity than panthers, since panthers do come from a tropical climate. Julie, i suggest you mist your chameleon 3-5 times a day, with minutes ranging from 2-5. Just use your best judgement. In addition to that, with an ordinary "cup-on-cage" dripping method, your cham should be well hydrated.