Effects of Improper Humidity

[GlennFrog]

I know that proper humidity levels are very important, but I'm not exactly sure why. What are the effects on cham health when humidity is too high or low?

 

[Teal Beauty]

Well, good question! For one, if the humidity levels are low, chameleons dehydrate more easily and therefore have to drink more to stay hydrated! Also, comes shedding time, it is harder and takes longer for chameleons to complete the shedding process in a area with a low humidity. Hope this helps!

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Well, good question! For one, if the humidity levels are low, chameleons dehydrate more easily and therefore have to drink more to stay hydrated! Also, comes shedding time, it is harder and takes longer for chameleons to complete the shedding process in a area with a low humidity. Hope this helps!

Nicely said Teal Beauty!

 

[jajeanpierre]

I know that proper humidity levels are very important, but I'm not exactly sure why. What are the effects on cham health when humidity is too high or low?

I suspect that, as with humans, that too low humidity dries out the nasal passages/sinuses making them more vulnerable to infection.

 

[wodesorel]

Just think about how uncomfortable you would be if it was always 90% (dripping sweat just moving around) or if it was always 10% (skin drying out and cracking). And we humans have the ability to live in almost any place. Chameleons are adapted to only the part of the world they live in, and they need that particular climate. Even if there are no direct effects, an improper humidity level is completely unfamiliar and unnatural - and that is something that easily cause them stress. They are already so delicate, why add something extra for them to have to deal with?

 

[Carlton]

Well, good question! For one, if the humidity levels are low, chameleons dehydrate more easily and therefore have to drink more to stay hydrated! Also, comes shedding time, it is harder and takes longer for chameleons to complete the shedding process in a area with a low humidity. Hope this helps!

Dehydration affects the glands on their tongue...it won't produce as much mucous so it won't be as "sticky". Dehydration affects digestion, as the GI tract tries to reabsorb moisture. This slows things down and concentrating urates...they end up not being expelled as easily or as often. Part of the reason they look more orangey or brownish. They are harder and denser too. Dehydration makes it a bit more difficult to expel sperm plugs too.

 

[Carlton]

Just think about how uncomfortable you would be if it was always 90% (dripping sweat just moving around) or if it was always 10% (skin drying out and cracking). And we humans have the ability to live in almost any place. Chameleons are adapted to only the part of the world they live in, and they need that particular climate. Even if there are no direct effects, an improper humidity level is completely unfamiliar and unnatural - and that is something that easily cause them stress. They are already so delicate, why add something extra for them to have to deal with?

And, humid air that isn't circulating breeds mold and bacteria in enclosed spaces. When a cham is in a huge humid rainforest, the climate of the whole area may be humid and oppressive, but at least the air is MOVING. In a relatively enclosed small area like a cage, they are much closer to bacteria-supporting things like their own feces.

 

[GrimCamel]

RI is also at higher risk with too high humidity levels

 

[JoshSmithua]

I know someone covered shedding but I would also like to bring up the fact that if your chameleon is a male he may also have trouble getting rid of his sperm plugs in low humidity.