Should I even use substrate for my male Jackson chameleon

[Chameleonsthecoolest]

Hi, I was wondering if it is required to have a substrate for my Jackson chamelon because it ends up being soaked at the end of the day anyway.

Btw I use paper towels

 

[carol5208]

no you are better off without it especially if it stays wet. You don't want it breeding bacteria. Paper towels are ok but ask Hoj who had his cham get a mouthful of paper towel when he shot for a cricket and you might change your mind!!!

 

[Chameleonsthecoolest]

Ok thanks I took them out (ewww) should have never put them in there lol

 

[drcrossfire]

Most suggest against substrate-- it can and has been done, but can be an unnecessary risk to your chams health. I just drilled holes in my bottom piece and put a drainage catch underneath. Works well if you have a mister system and run a lot of water~!

 

[Elizadolots]

Most suggest against substrate-- it can and has been done, but can be an unnecessary risk to your chams health. I just drilled holes in my bottom piece and put a drainage catch underneath. Works well if you have a mister system and run a lot of water~!

Yes, this. Maybe put something heavy in the middle of the cage to pull the water toward the center so it drains better.

 

[drcrossfire]

Yes, this. Maybe put something heavy in the middle of the cage to pull the water toward the center so it drains better.

Potted plant works well as the "something heavy"

 

[LT2012]

Hi, I was wondering if it is required to have a substrate for my Jackson chamelon because it ends up being soaked at the end of the day anyway.

Btw I use paper towels

We're new owners of a jackson cham and we started with paper towels, but just built a new stand so we could have a tray underneath for draining. We drilled holes in the bottom of the cage and it's so much easier on us, and him to not be drying it out.

 

[Chameleonsthecoolest]

I already have holes in the bottom of the cage that drain down into a bucket works great!