Misting/Hydration ??

[claythomas]

I have a few "lower" maintenance herps already, but am considering a veiled at this point. The answers to these questions may be the linch pin as to yes or no.

1. I have a hardwood floor where the cage would go. I understand that there needs to be some sort of catch basin for the water in the BOTTOM of the enclosure, but 2-4 minutes of misting 2-3 times a day is a good bit of water. What I'm wondering is, does much of this misting water make it out the sides of the screen and onto the floor, or are the holes small enough in the screen to catch most of it?

2. I'm away from home overnight (just for one or two nights) every so often, and was wondering how others handle this situation, as far as misting. Is a drip system good enough to "fill the gap" until I get home or will I need someone to do it while away?

3. If I go forward, my plan was to by a juvenile veiled male. Generally at what size are they big enough for an adult sized cage, as to not buy/or make two different sized cages?

Thanks in advance. CT

 

[Ulrich]

For sure you will need a good misting system if you are traveling frequently.

But it depends on where you live also. If your temperatures and humidity levels suit the native environment of the Veileds it should be less of a problem.

If you get a misting system you will most likely install the nozzle inside the cage. So water will marginally get outside the screen. However you will need drainage, which is easiest to drill a hole into the cage bottom.

 

[Hoj]

Hello and welcome to the forum!!

Yes, some water will escape the sides and good area rug is often helpfull.

Going away for one or two nights is not a big deal, longer than that can require a bit of planing, a good misting system is essantial for this.

A juvi veiled say 3-4 month old will take about 4-6 months to grow to a size that will require a adult cage. Approx 5-6" snout to vent.

 

[GarynTampa]

I have a 24 X 14 x 53" custome screen enclosure and use the MistKing starter system. It is set up for misting 4 tinmes a day for 2 minute cycles.

If you have good, thick live plant(s), and play with the nozzle-head to hit the center of the enclosure, you really will NOT have a drainage problem. We are talking a fine mist...not a flood of water.

My plastic catch basin beneath my enclosure has hardly EVER seen any water.

I also have a thick pressed coconut mat that lines the floor and that too catches any drops that make it that far down.

You'll just have to experiment with the adjustable nozzle to ensure the bulk of the mist hits the canter of the enclosure.

If you are still concerned, the area rug idea is great as well.

Gary
Tampa, FL