cage by a window

[wyattroa]

I have a quick question. Right now I have my chameleon cage set up on the desk by a window. The shade is halfway down the window. The cham cage covers 3 inches on the side of the window. the only point the sun gets into the cage is at high noon to the end of the day and only enters the bottom 1/4 of the cage.

Humidity; I have a pothos and a umbrella plant in the cage and mist three times a day. The humidity has a heck of a time staying above 40%. If I have the window open with the fresh air and breeze the Humidity drops like a rock to 25%. With the window open the breeze comes in and moves the plants around like it would in the wild. Should I even open the window when I have the Chameleon. I currently do not, I am trying to get all my levels correct. I am going to cover the two sides which face the wall with plastic wrap to try and help with humidity and also protect the wall from water. But, I wanted to keep the one side open to the desk and window.
Robert

 

[summoner12]

You are using a UVB lamp, and not relying on the sun light for UV, right? Just asking.

If you have issues keeping humidity up, I would keep the window closed. in summer you shouldn't have much issue with humidity... but ambient might be a bit hot for the cham.

 

[wyattroa]

You are using a UVB lamp, and not relying on the sun light for UV, right? Just asking.

If you have issues keeping humidity up, I would keep the window closed. in summer you shouldn't have much issue with humidity... but ambient might be a bit hot for the cham.

Yes, using 5.0 uvb. I just figure it would be nice for the Chameleon to get a breeze every now and then and feel the wind, see the leaves move and what not. I live outside of chicago, so I am guessing once summer starts going humidity will not be an issue, but I still think I am going to be purchasing a humidifier. Do you run these all day or only during certain times?
Robert

 

[Texas Panther Man]

What type of cham do you have? Do you run a dripper at all or just mist. Because before i started messing with a humidifier i would set up a dripper. That will help increase your humidity level. I try to make mine drip into a container at the base of the planter so when the basking bulbs on it helps to speed up evap of the water and the humidity rises. But I live in texas so my hum never drops below 50% even in winter.

 

[wyattroa]

What type of cham do you have? Do you run a dripper at all or just mist. Because before i started messing with a humidifier i would set up a dripper. That will help increase your humidity level. I try to make mine drip into a container at the base of the planter so when the basking bulbs on it helps to speed up evap of the water and the humidity rises. But I live in texas so my hum never drops below 50% even in winter.

Yes I have a dripper set up. I am going to be receiving our 4.5 month old panther friday morning. I just want to make sure everything will be to his liking..lol
Robert

 

[jessica]

You can put plastic wrap or a cut shower curtain and put it on the back or the side of the cage to help hold in humidity until summer.
Just an idea

 

[kinyonga]

Be aware that in the winter/cooler weather, if there is any draft/chill/dampness in the cage at night, your chameleon could get a respiratory infection or skin fungus.

 

[wyattroa]

Be aware that in the winter/cooler weather, if there is any draft/chill/dampness in the cage at night, your chameleon could get a respiratory infection or skin fungus.

Yes, I have thought about this. Our upstairs tends to get cooler in the winter. I would move the cage to the first floor during the winter months. Would this be too much added stress for him to move every winter?

I added the plastic wrap to the two sides of the cage and am hoping this will help me out a little.
Robert

 

[tkilgour]

Yes, I have thought about this. Our upstairs tends to get cooler in the winter. I would move the cage to the first floor during the winter months. Would this be too much added stress for him to move every winter?

I added the plastic wrap to the two sides of the cage and am hoping this will help me out a little.
Robert

Instead of moving the chams. and depending on the type of chameleon. In the winter you could buy a small space heater for $10 and it works great. You can also buy a humidifier for night time use and they are about $40.

 

[wyattroa]

Instead of moving the chams. and depending on the type of chameleon. In the winter you could buy a small space heater for $10 and it works great. You can also buy a humidifier for night time use and they are about $40.

i am going to look into the humidifier tomorrow at walmart. I am very hesitant about the space heaters though. I am a paramedic and have be to a good about of fires which were caused by those things.
Robert