Humidity concearn

[Scphishkid77]

My humidity levels are fluctuating from dry to comfortable throughout the day! Is this normal? Should I be keeping constant humidity throughout the day! It seems as though when I mist the enclosure in the day time it stays humid for a while then decrease to dry, until I mist again! The humidity level stays at a comfortable level at night when the light go off for the night! Mist machine soon to be added! Currently no veiled Chameleon in the enclosure. any suggestions???

 

[Daniel266jz]

My humidity levels are fluctuating from dry to comfortable throughout the day! Is this normal? Should I be keeping constant humidity throughout the day! It seems as though when I mist the enclosure in the day time it stays humid for a while then decrease to dry, until I mist again! The humidity level stays at a comfortable level at night when the light go off for the night! Mist machine soon to be added! Currently no veiled Chameleon in the enclosure. any suggestions???

Id try adding some shower curtain liner the clear one on atleast 3 sides of the cage that should keep it humid. I do this for my Gracilior which needs high moisture and humidity. I would get a Mist King for your mister and your cham should be good. You dont need crazy high humidity for veileds anyways.

 

[Daniel266jz]

Id try adding some shower curtain liner the clear one on atleast 3 sides of the cage that should keep it humid. I do this for my Gracilior which needs high moisture and humidity. I would get a Mist King for your mister and your cham should be good. You dont need crazy high humidity for veileds anyways.

I used magnets to keep the curtains in place.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

I actually just bought and sized a painter's plastic dropcloth from my local home improvement store and attached it with some tape on the bottom side of the bottom of the enclosure (the chameleon has no access to the tape). It keeps the humidity in and it keeps the mister from getting water all over my walls. You can also use a humidifier every few days just to boost the humidity levels if they are getting low. I use that method as well since I live in a desert.

 

[dshuld]

What are the percentages you're seeing during the swings?

 

[Scphishkid77]

Percentages are: like 38% (bad) & 50 to 70% when good!

 

[dshuld]

I would start off with what the others mentioned then. Use either a shower curtain or plastic table cloth to enclose the back and 1 side to start and go from there. From what I recall veiled need 50-60% so you're only needing a small boost on the low end. Any live plants in the enclosure?

 

[Scphishkid77]

Yes, 2 live plants! So I should have a constant humidity level between 50 & 60%, & I should not allow it to dip below %50????

 

[jamest0o0]

You can do those suggested, but honestly it sounds fine. Swings are a good thing. People keep Parsons and other montane chameleons(known to be from cool and very humid rainforests) perfectly fine outside in places like Southern California so a veiled shouldn't have problems. That's not to say you shouldn't offer good misting time, but as long as it's not extremely dry like a desert you should be good. Don't sacrifice airflow for slightly higher humidity. 40-60%ish is good!

 

[Scphishkid77]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate all the suggestions & advice!

 

[dshuld]

Do you have room for another live plant or two in there? That would likely help bring you up a bit too before trying to cover sides.

 

[Scphishkid77]

I have 2 live plants now, I could potentially hang another live plant!!!

 

[Scphishkid77]

I have placed a cool mist humidifier on a milk carton behind my Veiled Cham enclosure, this seems to help keep a realtive good humidity level. I am hoping that when my mist system arrives I will be able to control the humidity level even better. Thanks to all that have provided wonderful suggestions.

 

[Sassyxo]

What humidity would you guys consider to be too high and too low? My Chams enclosure is at 35% was just at 75 about around 7am. It is now 10:30am

 

[jamest0o0]

No humidity is too high if there is good air exchange, too low depends on how long it stays that way. If it's less than 30% all day rather than a couple hours I'd be concerned. Don't overthink it though. As long as you're misting a lot you'll be fine. You're not keeping montanes idt? So it shouldn't be a problem if they're being misted enough. People that live in very dry regions can always cover 2-3 sides of their enclosures or even consider a glass enclosure if humidity is a real problem for them.

 

[Scphishkid77]

No humidity is too high if there is good air exchange, too low depends on how long it stays that way. If it's less than 30% all day rather than a couple hours I'd be concerned.

 

[Scphishkid77]

I’m no expert, but the info that I have received: as long as you are misting & you are getting your humidity in the 50 to 70% range you are ok! Again, I’m not an expert, but I don’t think you want to hit 100% humidity, that’s simply wet!!!!! I have placed a cool mist humidifier behind my enclosure & it kicks on periodically during the day to help stabilize at 50-60% humidity! I suggest you just experiment until you get a comfortable result! In the end this is all for your little buddy!!

 

[Sassyxo]

Okay thank you! I just wanted to make sure he was getting the proper amount. He seems to be shedding well. I actually went out and bought a humidifier just for him in the winter season cause I heard it can be tough because it’s gets really dry .

He just got his 2nd mist today and he was sitting at a high 30 and after the mist he’s now creeping past 50! I’m just going crazy over here because I heard humidity is a big part of your Chams life.

Tysm

 

[jamest0o0]

Humidity is overrated in a lot of ways, but don't take that as meaning it isn't important. Bad air exchange kills more chameleons than low humidity by a longshot. Also, good luck hitting 100% humidity while also having good air exchange. I'd challenge someone to be able do that.

People get hung up on stability with reptiles. Whether it's humidity or temperatures. They're not SW fish, they go through periods of high and low temps and humidity from day to night. It is good to have swings. Just like us, we don't experience the exact same conditions every day. My issue with humidifiers is they could easily lead to an RI and aren't necessary for 95% of chameleon keepers outside of looking cool. Mist a lot, spend your money on a mistking. And you'll be good.

 

[Scphishkid77]

Thanks James0o0 on the tip about the humidifier! I sure did get caught up on humidity levels! At this point I am fine tuning my enclosure, as we do not have a Cham yet! We are trying to get the enclosure/habitat right! Before we bring I appreciate all your our advice!!