Ughhh

[ayiaskepi]

I really messed up last night. I must have overlooked something on the timer for my misting system when setting it. I realized this morning that it went off at midnight and did not stop until it ran out of water. There was only about four inches thick of water in the bottom of the reservoir, but still!!! My cham is housed on a screened in porch and the temps were around 68 according to the weather channel. Though it is not my main concern, I really hope the pump's motor did not burn out. It was running when I arrived. The biggest thing is my cham. He was dark as anything this morning. I got him to the basking area and he warmed up and his colors look better. He ate only one cricket (it had gotten loose. He stays away from the food cup a lot). Should I be concerned? He seems o.k. now, but I am a bit paranoid about URIs, etc.

Also, what do you guys use for a feeding cup. I am using a pretty deep Tupperware container, but the worms are climbing out and the crix get out if there is water on the sides. It makes it easier for them to climb out.

 

[Nicodemayo]

Keep a close eye on any respiratory issues. They can get URI if they get wet while theyre sleeping. As for feeding cups i just use a tupperwear cup/deli container, poke some holes in it and but twist ties on it and secure it to the screen, branch or w/e. Just dont put the the cups near the misters so the crix cant climb out. Not to mention you have to clean the feeding cup cause it'll fill with nasty water.

 

[Tygerr]

Sorry to hear about your mess. I have made plenty of messes myself using automated misting systems (always check that those hose connections are on tight ).

What pump have you got? Most of the good misting pumps sold to herpers can run dry without burning out (as well as those from Shurflo, etc).

Your cham should be fine though. Make sure you give his cage a good chance to dry out, and don't let the humidity in there stay so high that it becomes dank and muggy.
URI's generally only develop over a longer period of time where the cham is exposed to a constantly wet environment. That's why it's always important to time your mistings so that the enclosure has enough time to dry out thoroughly before the next misting session.

As for feeding cups, I use Bill Strand's Quick Feeder for tough customers. Just cut up a well cleaned milk container and use hot glue or silicone to get mesh up the back. If you leave the sides deep enough and don't paste the screen too close to the edges, the crickets shouldn't get out.

 

[ayiaskepi]

Thanks.

The humidity here is like 85% right now as it is. Should I cancel my misting sessions for today? The other problem I am running into is that my cham will not come out of hiding hardly at all. I know it is normal. He is getting used to his new surroundings. But he will not eat. He only ate one cricket today! He is not even going to where it is warmest in the enclosure the ambient temperature right now is only 66% with the basking spot reading around 78%. He is staying where it is cooler! I don't get it. Add this to teh list too... I have standing water underneath my enclosure. My cage is from Tyler at Bluebeast it has that pvc bottom which just lays on top of the frame. So Water is getting through the sides and is sitting between the base and the counter top I have it on. I really cannot lift the cage because I installed a drainage system which connects the base to the drain to the pipe. I notice some water is getting in the sides of the drain as well. Can I use silicone and put it around the edges of the frame and the drain? Anyway... any additional advice on these things??? I apologize for all the questions. I just want to do everything right for the sake of the health of the cham... and for efficiency with the cage too.

 

[Tygerr]

Maybe if you post some pics of your setup we can make a few suggestions on how to improve it.

How is your cham today? The wet cage could be upsetting him a bit. Try to get it dried out thoroughly before you commence misting again.

How old is your cham? As babies or juveniles they should be feeding quite aggressively. You could probably also up your basking temps to about 85 degrees. That might improve his appetite a bit.