ThatOneDisease
New Member
Yeah, that would be much better-
Help me! New chamleon owner!
- Thread starter ThatOneDisease
- Start date
IrohtheVeiled
Established Member
Your plants and hardscape in your cage offer a benefit when it comes to the water cycle and that is they are a humidity buffer (live plants and soil more so than plastic)
But you’re right that they will keep water from swamping your cage.
You do want to make sure your floor isn’t too drenched as it is a contamination risk with poop
But you’re right that they will keep water from swamping your cage.
You do want to make sure your floor isn’t too drenched as it is a contamination risk with poop
ThatOneDisease
New Member
I assumed that. I've been cleaning the bottom. Today actually I want to take all the plants out and clean them(with them being fake I'm 90% that can carry bacteria so I wanna make sure I'm cleaning it).
Also what kind of substrate on the bottom when I upgrade or even now if it's something like soil. I know I should NOT use any store substrate or towels or anything like that. I heard sand is on the no list as well-?
Also what kind of substrate on the bottom when I upgrade or even now if it's something like soil. I know I should NOT use any store substrate or towels or anything like that. I heard sand is on the no list as well-?
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
Bare floor is best, unless you set up a true bioactive. Usually that is best left for after you get the hang of the basics, so bare floor for now.
ThatOneDisease
New Member
I clean a little in his cage today but I noticed there are still spots and I can't really get to those while he is inside. Also, there was three crickets at the bottom of the cage and eceeytime I tried the get them they jumped and the cage would shake-
He is still getting used to me and definitely won't climb on my hand(unless he just uses it as a brach to get to another)
Is there anyway I can carefully get him out, without stressing him too much? Whether it be him on a branch or anything?
He is still getting used to me and definitely won't climb on my hand(unless he just uses it as a brach to get to another)
Is there anyway I can carefully get him out, without stressing him too much? Whether it be him on a branch or anything?
ehdee6
Avid Member
I usually use a (shop) vacuum cleaner to suck out the remaining escape crickets... Ain't nobody got time for a cricket hunt, unless you're the animal trying to eat it! 
For a drainage try on the bottom, we all get a little creative. There are lots of ideas in this thread: https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/drainage-systems-for-cages-get-creative.102038/
I use this washing machine drain pan from Home Depot. It gives you a bit more room to open the bottom screen. I can also add a hose to drain into a bucket below. I've drilled holes in the floor panel of the cage where the water pools, so there's no stagnant water in the cage. The tin pan underneath collects the water where the holes are drilled. I toss the tin pan out once a month and put a new one in... I also caulk the bottom rim of the cage before I put it together. The water and dead bugs that can collect in there drove my OCD nuts, it call it a death pool germ slurry.
For getting him out to clean it's best to find a place to him first. If you're not comfortable leaving him in a plant somewhere safe, some people put them in a shoe box with a stick and towel on the bottom. Then put the box in a safe dark place, he'll go to sleep in the dark until you bring him back out. You'll have to corral him into your hand, or a stick; but never just yank them out. It can take awhile... Just be patient, and if they're being stubborn walk away and try again later. I usually have a lure mine with treats.
For a drainage try on the bottom, we all get a little creative. There are lots of ideas in this thread: https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/drainage-systems-for-cages-get-creative.102038/
I use this washing machine drain pan from Home Depot. It gives you a bit more room to open the bottom screen. I can also add a hose to drain into a bucket below. I've drilled holes in the floor panel of the cage where the water pools, so there's no stagnant water in the cage. The tin pan underneath collects the water where the holes are drilled. I toss the tin pan out once a month and put a new one in... I also caulk the bottom rim of the cage before I put it together. The water and dead bugs that can collect in there drove my OCD nuts, it call it a death pool germ slurry.
For getting him out to clean it's best to find a place to him first. If you're not comfortable leaving him in a plant somewhere safe, some people put them in a shoe box with a stick and towel on the bottom. Then put the box in a safe dark place, he'll go to sleep in the dark until you bring him back out. You'll have to corral him into your hand, or a stick; but never just yank them out. It can take awhile... Just be patient, and if they're being stubborn walk away and try again later. I usually have a lure mine with treats.
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ThatOneDisease
New Member
Yeahhhh they got them mini vacs at target, might be my best option.
As for drainage and what you all recommended, they seem pretty simple and even the Chamleon academy was useful. It's just as of now, he's on VERY temporary table. Once we replace that(which would have to be when I upgrade), we can drill those holes and such. I watched Neptune's videos on it and maybe we can do the stands she has with holes in it and maybe do tubes? We'll see what's best depending on the table.
Also thank you! ToT I'm probably gonna have to just wait til he's super relaxed and on his big branch. I'll just pull that out and set him somewhere safe, maybe give him a Worm too.
ThatOneDisease
New Member
I just watched some more of Neptune's videos on Panthers and she mentioned the fogger being used at night however on here I've also seen people saying not to really use it is night temps are 70(which in the house its typically 72-74 at night)
