Drainage Systems - Bowl in bottom of cage?

[AlphaChameleon]

Hello, everyone!

I'm thinking of purchasing a chameleon in approximately a year or two and want to do the proper research so that I can give whatever chameleon I decide to get a happy, healthy life.

I'm going down the list of main questions I have regarding proper husbandry techniques and one of which was concerning drainage systems; as they are very vital to the prevention of disease.

Is it okay to put small bowls at the bottom of the cage to catch the water- replacing them daily? I'd like to know of a cheap but effective way to handle the draining without harboring bacteria and other pathogens.

Thank you,
AlphaChameleon

 

[MelissaB]

The easiest way I've seen and used, is using a drain and pvc pipe to drain the water into a bucket under the cage.

 

[Wowbango]

You can certainly do this as a temporary measure, but that would require a lot of daily upkeep. I would try and build a drainage system to keep it automated and make it as easy as possible. Dragon Strand now makes cages that come with draining system built in. I would take a look at those for starters. A lot of people have been creative about their systems. Visit the ongoing thread and you can see pictures and get ideas of your own.

 

[JoeVet]

Another question related to drainage is how much water do people see going onto their walls and floors from automatic misting systems? How common is it to use the shower curtains or is that mainly to help hold in humidity?

I am also still doing my research.

 

[Wowbango]

Another question related to drainage is how much water do people see going onto their walls and floors from automatic misting systems? How common is it to use the shower curtains or is that mainly to help hold in humidity?

I am also still doing my research.

I have a mistking system with one sprayer in my cage. I have very minimal water/overspray outside of the cage. Most of the time if any water is being sprayed towards the walls, it beads up and just rolls down into the cage. I have not needed a shower curtain to help with humidy but that all depends on where you live. In Southern California I can hold 70-80% humidity with a lot of ease.

 

[Carlton]

Another question related to drainage is how much water do people see going onto their walls and floors from automatic misting systems? How common is it to use the shower curtains or is that mainly to help hold in humidity?

I am also still doing my research.

I've used them a lot ever since I first started keeping chams back in the 90s, but it depends on where I happen to live. Very dry climates or houses with forced air heat or AC just suck the cages dry. Shower curtains provide more surfaces to hold droplets, slow down air exchange, protect walls and floors around the cages, and help maintain humidity a bit longer. And, they are easy to install or remove seasonally.

 

[Carlton]

Hello, everyone!

I'm thinking of purchasing a chameleon in approximately a year or two and want to do the proper research so that I can give whatever chameleon I decide to get a happy, healthy life.

I'm going down the list of main questions I have regarding proper husbandry techniques and one of which was concerning drainage systems; as they are very vital to the prevention of disease.

Is it okay to put small bowls at the bottom of the cage to catch the water- replacing them daily? I'd like to know of a cheap but effective way to handle the draining without harboring bacteria and other pathogens.

Thank you,
AlphaChameleon

You could do this depending on how your plant pots are arranged. You could also use paper towels, cloth towels, or sponge up the water by hand. You can tip the cage frame slightly so water collects in one corner or drains into a bucket underneath too. The main thing is not to leave accumulated water long enough to collect feces and other grunge, or to allow molds to grow. I don't mop up clean water daily, but I do keep the floor of the cages clean regardless.

 

[Revival]

When I was in the hunt for my set up, I found the dragonstrands along with the drainage tray, and it was a done deal for me. I have done the DIY projects in the past with my big fish tanks but this time around, I just wanted to buy a complete set up and be done with it.

 

[Wowbango]

When I was in the hunt for my set up, I found the dragonstrands along with the drainage tray, and it was a done deal for me. I have done the DIY projects in the past with my big fish tanks but this time around, I just wanted to buy a complete set up and be done with it.

Yep, that's the way to go if you can. This is what I'm doing for Nigel's "Big boy" cage.