Paper towels or drainage for Veiled?

[colorchanger]

First time poster, no chameleon yet here.

I have seen recommendations to not use substrate and just put paper towels in the bottom of the enclosure. When the paper towels get dirty, just change them out - keep things clean.

I have seen other posts outlining drainage systems that catch all of the water from the bottom of the enclosure.

For a Veiled, which approach should I use? I had planned to hand mist a few times a day and use the cheap "cup with a hole in it" dripping onto a leaf for water. I thought I would go with the paper towel idea for the floor of the enclosure.

Please let me know what to do; maybe the elaborate drainage systems are for species other than Veileds.

thanks!

 

[xephyr17]

I have 2 veiled chams and have drainage for both. STRONGLY recommended. Way easier on cleanup of feces, etc. And you don't have to change out paper towels every other day to prevent bacteria, etc...

Sometimes people use paper towels because they help keep the humidity up, but I just have tons of live plants in my enclosures (which they love to eat, by the way) and the humidity is great in there. Also adds more of a natural touch

 

[SaintJimmy]

Paper towels are really only recommended as a temporary fix before you get a drainage system.

Drainage systems are an absolute must if you're misting your chameleon correctly If you use a mist king, aqua zamp, or other misting product, you'll need drainage.

Since there is no dirt allowed to pick up all the water, it would wreck the bottom of furniture or whatever the cage is standing on. Paper towel's wont help at that point.

If you're hand misting, you probably won't need drainage though. But you have to be diligent about changing the towels.

 

[colorchanger]

Thank you - I'll set it up to drain, probably down a hose into a bucket or jug.

 

[SycoSquirl]

when I had my veiled I planned on setting it up on a metal one of these, I have a small one already.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Excel-Hardware-All-Purpose-4-Tier-60-Wide-Chrome-Shelving-Rack/36783902
but I was going to set it so the cage was ontop, and then underneath I would have a storage bin, so all the water would drip straight into the bin under it, meaning less supplies needed and then dump the bin once or twice a week depending on how full it would get. Before my guy passed I had a water tray under his cage that caught the water and when that would be almost full I just had a bucket that I would use when i had the flu and a plastic tubing from an old fishtank pump and sucked in one end while the other was in the water and let the water then drain into the bucket then when the tray was empty (or nearly empty) I would take the bucket and dump it down the drain of my shower and wash everything up after to keep it clean.
Just some ideas for you that are relatively cheap, good luck with your cham when you get it and remember to take your time with holding it as to not stress it out. Veiled are amazing to keep