Things You'll Need
- Real, non-toxic plants
- Substrate
- Spray bottle
- Thermometers
- Humidity gauge
Instructions
Incorporate real plants into the decor of the habitat alongside of or instead of fake ones. While it's perfectly acceptable to use artificial plants that are easy to clean and maintain, real plants retain and produce more moisture in the terrarium.
Place thermometers around the reptile housing room and inside the terrarium itself. You will want to monitor the temperature of the veiled chameleon's habitat since temperature directly affects humidity. 78 to 84 degrees F is the most common temperature range for maintaining optimum humidity levels.
Use a moist substrate to provide constant evaporation. You can choose from a variety of substances including leaf litter, sphagnum moss, and mulch-type substrates such as crushed nuts. Whatever you choose should be able to retain moisture well.
Drip water into the veiled chameleon's habitat using a drip system with de-chlorinated water. A constant drip of water into the environment will help keep humidity levels around 30 to 60 percent.
Mist the veiled chameleon and his surroundings at regular intervals several times a day. This is absolutely one of the most important steps in keeping the chameleon's habitat humid. Spray continuously for at least 5 minutes, three times a day. Avoid spraying the chameleon directly for the entire time.
Ventilate the area properly. Too much ventilation will dry out the chameleon's habitat. Too little ventilation and you have the problems of stale air, mold and inadequate oxygen on your hands. A partially enclosed mesh habitat with a screened cover is an example of a good choice.
Purchase a humidity gauge to keep inside your veiled chameleon's habitat. This is a very useful tool in monitoring humidity levels.