Moisture sources?

[RPCV]

Can chams get sufficient moisture from other sources besides drinking? Moisture content in food or respiration during misting when humidity is high?

I've had my cham for about a month (3.5 month old panther) and have never seen him drink but his turds look fine and a check-up with a vet yesterday showed no signs of dehydration. Perhaps a closet drinker but I don't think that is the case because we've been keeping a close eye on him.

Just curious - thanks!

 

[ChamOh]

Insects do contain small amounts of moisture, but I think the cham really needs to be drinking to get enough water daily. If he's not dehydrated it's my guess that he is sneaking drinks in. I don't think breathing in moist air does anything for them in the way of hydration -- and I know that being in conditions that are too moist for too long can cause respiratory infections.

Please keep in mind, i'm far from an expert. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in.

 

[reptoman]

Yes. Gutloading feeders with fresh veggies helps with hydration and using silkworms or hornworms are a good source of moisture. I have had a dehydration issue with my male ambilobe and was able to remedy that by feeding silkworms and hornworms. He had a slightly orange urate but it was white after a couple of days with silkworms.

PS. if his urate is white he is most likely drinking while you are not watching. Just make sure he has water available several times a day and he should be fine.

 

[ChamOh]

oh and turds look fine as in having white urate?

 

[pssh]

Feeders have moisture in them (after a few hornworms sometimes the poops get watery!) and they don't actually draw in water from the humidity, but I've heard that they become dehydrated more easily in a drier environment (so they can loose moisture when it's too dry, and stay hydrated more easily with a good humidity.) that doesn't mean that you should be soaking the cage to get 70+% all the time though. 45-60% dry is good, 80-90+% after misting, and 60-70% for an hour or two after misting is good.

 

[Elizadolots]

I'm not anything near an expert either. But, from what I've learned, if the poop looks good then things are going well.

The sad thing is, your chameleon probably doesn't want you to watch him drink. If he knows you are in the room, there's a fine chance that he will refuse to drink.

Yet, you will be asked: do you see him drink?

It's a conundrum.

So, make sure water is available (through misting on leaves and use of a drip system) and then check the poop. It's all you have to go on.

 

[Karma11]

showers are always good for chams....mine anyway, perks him up, both the water and the steam that builds in the bathroom....and a great opportunity for him to get hydrated.

 

[draetish]

One thing to keep in mind. Chronic Dehydration leads to renal (kidney) disease which is:

RENAL DISEASE

One of the most common causes of death in chameleons is renal disease. One of the most likely causes of these renal changes would be chronic dehydration. Exposure to low humidity or inadequate watering methods could lead to renal failure, especially in conjunction with other factors. Clinical signs are usually vague, but include anorexia, depression, weight loss, and weakness. Other common signs include gular edema, generalized edema, exophthalmia, and sunken in eyes. Ensuring adequate hydration by maintaining proper humidity – and providing a method to encourage - and monitor water intake is critical. Also, showering chameleons with a misting system or on a wooden perch in the bathroom shower for 20-30 minutes once to twice weekly may be helpful in avoiding sub-clinical dehydration.

Just FYI - On and Off days of white then orange urates is not healthy.