Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone! I have really wanted a chameleon for quite a while now. I have a cage and almost everything else I need. I also have done a LOT of research and even have a few books on chameleons. I wanted to ask other people that have tried different things and I wanted to see what works best for you guys. I am looking into misting systems, waterfalls, and drip systems. I really want to get something that is going to do exactly what the animal needs but I know that chameleons can be sensitive so I want to make sure that I get it and have it right PRIOR to getting my pet. What have you guys found that works best for you?

Thanks a ton for everyone's input!!!
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3.2.1 Leopard Geckos
2.0 Bearded Dragons
too many snakes to list
1.0 rescued dog (my baby)

Don't bother with a waterfall. They are hard to keep clean, won't raise the cage humidity much, and most chams won't use them for drinking water. If you have one cage, a full blown misting system won't really be necessary unless you live in a bone dry climate. If you plan to have multiple cages, a misting system will be less work. I find what works best for me is the combination of an ultrasonic humidifier rigged with pvc pipe attached to the spout and aiming the fog into the cage along with hand spraying. The humidifier cycled on a multiple setting lamp timer will keep the cage more humid when I am not there, and the daily spraying provides direct drinking water by droplet on foliage. Not all chams will go to a dripper to drink, and drippers won't raise the cage humidity. I would suggest setting the cage up with everything you have, start misting it as if the cham is there, and start watching the cage humidity with a gauge. Based on the species you are going to keep (montane or not) you can get an idea how humid you want the cage to be and what may be necessary to achieve it. Take in to consideration how you heat or cool your house, your local climate, cage size, amount of live foliage, etc.

Drippers are the easiest, least expensive way to go. I have multiple cages and use home made drippers. i dont need to mist much at all. Local ambient humidity here is close to adequate, and by keeping all the chameleons on one room I am able to easily keep the humidity up to the right level in there.

I agree with C that a waterfall is a bad idea
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Sandra
BC Canada

Thank you very much for your input - BOTH of you!!

And setting up the enclosure and monitoring it for a few days is an excellent idea
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3.2.1 Leopard Geckos
2.0 Bearded Dragons
too many snakes to list
1.0 rescued dog (my baby)