Humidity with screen/mesh cages

[Leilaskeeper]

What does everyone do in order to keep the humidity up? I've always used glass but recently switched to a larger enclosure (100G flexarium). Misting isn't enough, I have a drip going and I am using my sons vaporizer for humidity to keep it at the appropriate humidity level. But is there any other options?

I have the vaporizer going 24/7, I have three plants (2 scheffleras/ficus potted in organic soil) and two fake plants ... I'm starting to think glass is the better way to go. I live in Canada btw so temps are cold and central air is in effect.

 

[OOOst16]

I'm in ohio wich is at 7 degrees at night curently....sooo I have same issue....first off I have a legit high end therm/hydrometer from zilla (digital from lllreptile.com...site sponser) for acurate readings.....second I have 5 large plants in my 2x2x4 lll reptil screen cage. And thrid I mist 5 times a day and 4th I use a nice humidifyer. I put it on high and put it directly next to the cage....this solves my humid issues.

 

[Leilaskeeper]

I'm in ohio wich is at 7 degrees at night curently....sooo I have same issue....first off I have a legit high end therm/hydrometer from zilla (digital from lllreptile.com...site sponser) for acurate readings.....second I have 5 large plants in my 2x2x4 lll reptil screen cage. And thrid I mist 5 times a day and 4th I use a nice humidifyer. I put it on high and put it directly next to the cage....this solves my humid issues.

Okay thanks for confirming with me. I am guessing the vaporizer is necessary afterall

 

[Ange]

When my humidity goes way too down i put a rock (about the size of a hand/palm) in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds and then put it about half way in water, the steam causes humididty instantly and it last as long the rock stays hot.... i spray the rock on top a couple times it works pretty well for me hope this helps.... (and put it at the bottom of your cage where the chameleon wont get to it)

 

[pssh]

Be careful about microwaving a rock, if it has a high metal content it may start to spark...

Another things that helps with humidity is to cover a two or three sides of the screen with shower curtain.

 

[Leilaskeeper]

Be careful about microwaving a rock, if it has a high metal content it may start to spark...

Another things that helps with humidity is to cover a two or three sides of the screen with shower curtain.

That's a great idea! Thank you, thank you!

 

[Elizadolots]

It might sound weird, but check out a cooking store. There are microwavable "hot trivets" out there. I think they are usually marble. As long as you put it where your chameleon couldn't "land" on it in a fall, it could be very helpful in maintaining temperatures. They are designed for parties and stuff where you need to keep food hot for hours. I believe they allow for the idea of soaking the marble. I'll see if I can find more on that for you.

Also, I have a terracotta "garlic roaster" that is usable in the microwave and is intended to be soaked in water before being microwaved.

Unless I bought it as "intended for microwave" I'd be wary of putting terracotta in a microwave because there is no quality control on that at all...though, as long as you are standing right there, the worst that can happen is there's a spark and you hit the "open" button.....maybe have the fire extinguisher close by, just in case....

 

[sandrachameleon]

What does everyone do in order to keep the humidity up? I've always used glass but recently switched to a larger enclosure (100G flexarium). Misting isn't enough, I have a drip going and I am using my sons vaporizer for humidity to keep it at the appropriate humidity level. But is there any other options?

I have the vaporizer going 24/7, I have three plants (2 scheffleras/ficus potted in organic soil) and two fake plants ... I'm starting to think glass is the better way to go. I live in Canada btw so temps are cold and central air is in effect.

One of the reasons I do NOT use screen is that heat and humidty escape far too quickly. I use peg board for the back and sides (home made cages), so as to create a slower moderated gentle humidty and temp escape. PM me if you want to know more.

You could cover the back and sides of your screen cage with plastic or a sheet.

 

[Leilaskeeper]

It might sound weird, but check out a cooking store. There are microwavable "hot trivets" out there. I think they are usually marble. As long as you put it where your chameleon couldn't "land" on it in a fall, it could be very helpful in maintaining temperatures. They are designed for parties and stuff where you need to keep food hot for hours. I believe they allow for the idea of soaking the marble. I'll see if I can find more on that for you.

Also, I have a terracotta "garlic roaster" that is usable in the microwave and is intended to be soaked in water before being microwaved.

Unless I bought it as "intended for microwave" I'd be wary of putting terracotta in a microwave because there is no quality control on that at all...though, as long as you are standing right there, the worst that can happen is there's a spark and you hit the "open" button.....maybe have the fire extinguisher close by, just in case....

My temps are spot on .. I"m just concerned about using and having to fill up my vaporizer all day long/night. I'm a little weary of potentially putting my house on fire ie microwaving things that may have metal compounds. lol But I do appreciate your input nonetheless. I'll look into the hot trivets .. do a little reading on them.

 

[warpdrive]

I personaly could NOT put anything in a cage that SCREEMS hot.
I just see an toasted cham waiting to happen.

Harry

 

[TheLivingLegend]

Yup, one stupid thing happens, and the cham will have 3rd degree burns. Bit of a safety hazard.

 

[AZgirl]

Just an idea from a new chameleon owner. I understand the hot item and water thing. My thought would be a container + hot item + some sort of screen top. Assuming the item isn't so hot that is causing billowing amounts of steam the screen would protect from a fall into hot water or onto the hot item. I would be curious if just adding a pail of water with a screen top would raise the overall humidity. I know people recommend a open (screened) container of water in a dubia roach farm will raise the humidity for the roaches. I would think something similar would help with the screen cage. The question is, how much it would raise the humidity? I know in AZ where I am from, that the water would at least be evaporated by the time I get home. Even using the stone method right outside of the cage might also work and still protect the chameleon.

Just my two cents.