Newbie here

cdross · Jan 20, 2013

okay so I have done some research on my veiled chameleons habitat, and most everyone said to only put paper towel in the bottom of his enclosure. Thats what i said to a sales person in a pet store. They insisted that i use a fine coconut substrate. I live in Colorado where we have a pretty dry humidity anyway (more like desert)and they said it helps retain moisture to help with the humidity....any other suggestions because i love my new addition to the casa and really want to keep him as happy as possible.

DavidBuchan · Jan 20, 2013

Hello, welcome to the forum

In general people here don't use any substrate. Live plants and misting (plus a dripper) are how humidity is provided. I however have a mix of soils and sand......there are different methods, here is a link to an enclosure thread for inspiration - https://www.chameleonforums.com/official-enclosure-picture-thread-2-post-your-pics-94781/
Here is a great basic caresheet I recommend to everyone with Veileds - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html

CarlyMK · Jan 20, 2013

I've read that substrate is dangerous as it can cause impaction if ingested. Also, the crickets will climb down and burrow within the substrate so you really can't tell how many your cham is eating, and how many are left in the cage over night, which can
create other problems. I don't have anything on the bottom of the cage, but I use paper towel before their bedtime to make sure theres no still water left. I think if you left paper towel in there, there is a possibility it could create bacteria if not regularly changed.

If you're having humidity issues you can cover 2-3 sides of the cage with a garbage on the outside. Just my opinion, hope it helps!

Neonchams1 · Jan 20, 2013

I recommend no paper towel and no substrate, it makes it easier to clean and the pot that your palnt would be in (if you have a live plant) or you could use a few reptile carpets and those would hold humidity too.

sarahlynne · Jan 20, 2013

i would just use paper towels because all you have to do is take them out and put new ones in when you want to clean it; but you'd have to change them often otherwise bacteria will grow fast.

Vmag86 · Jan 20, 2013

I use coconut substate and it helps a lot with keeping my humidity up. However if your going to do this, handfeeding and or a feeding cup is esential. Otherwise you cham is going to get a mouthful of substrate with his prey... Hope this helps

cdross · Jan 20, 2013

Im a little worried. I just brought him home today and I know he is stressed but when should he start eating. He totally isn't into being hand fed, i have a small dish with mealworms in it..do they have to be moving for chameleons to want to eat them? I have the coconut substate now im thinking of taking it out.. my humidity bounces from 50 down to 25 then i spray the leaves. when i do this he is thoroughly upset. Is the coconut substate suppose to be dry, damp or soaked?

DavidBuchan · Jan 20, 2013

cdross said:
Im a little worried. I just brought him home today and I know he is stressed but when should he start eating. He totally isn't into being hand fed, i have a small dish with mealworms in it..do they have to be moving for chameleons to want to eat them? I have the coconut substate now im thinking of taking it out.. my humidity bounces from 50 down to 25 then i spray the leaves. when i do this he is thoroughly upset. Is the coconut substate suppose to be dry, damp or soaked?

It often takes a while to settle in to a new house (and get eating!). How old is he? Do you have any pics?

It's recommended to give him as much privacy as you can for at least the first week. If you leave the substrate it is best just a little damp. For hand spraying I use a pressure pump sprayer with lukewarm water. A constant, fine mist is less upsetting for the chams (but don't expect him to love it straight away....) - http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?hl=e...50&start=20&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:22,s:0,i:154

sandrachameleon · Jan 20, 2013

cdross said:
okay so I have done some research on my veiled chameleons habitat, and most everyone said to only put paper towel in the bottom of his enclosure. Thats what i said to a sales person in a pet store. They insisted that i use a fine coconut substrate. I live in Colorado where we have a pretty dry humidity anyway (more like desert)and they said it helps retain moisture to help with the humidity....any other suggestions because i love my new addition to the casa and really want to keep him as happy as possible.

welcome to the forum and the joy of chameleon keeping.
Some people do use a substrate with complete success, but its easier not to. If your humidity is low, use a cage that is mostly solid-walled, to help retain the moisture, along with Live plants, a dripper and misting/spraying and well hydrated prey.

cdross said:
Im a little worried. I just brought him home today and I know he is stressed but when should he start eating. He totally isn't into being hand fed, i have a small dish with mealworms in it..do they have to be moving for chameleons to want to eat them?

cdross · Jan 21, 2013

Thank you everyone for all the advice. Great news "Thore" ate a few meal worms off a leaf..lol I went ahead and took the substate out, and since we live in desert like conditions i bought a fogger. Now that the fogger is going the humidity stays above 70 tropical..is that too much? Im not really sure how old he is i was going to see if anyone could help me with that.

I had another question.. i didn't want to spend a ton of money on 2 different enclosures so i bought an 18x18x ? I dunno how tall it is, and was wondering if i need to shorten it up some how since he is smaller.

DavidBuchan · Jan 22, 2013

From the pics I guess age at 2-3 months, but it is impossible to be certain. They grow at different rates, and there's no way to tell how much food he got........Can't even be certain he is a 'he' - does he have spurs on his back ankles?
Humidity of 70 won't hurt, but a little lower is fine too.
Enclosure size is fine for now, but he could get to almost 2 feet long eventually.........You have plenty of space so more small branches/vines and foliage would be good so he can comfortably explore all of his home. Branches from outside are cheapest and can be replaced as his little feet grow!
I assume that dish is for worms, not to catch dripper water. If it does have water it would be best to cover it with mesh to prevent any accident.

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