Chameleons by Michael Fry

Keeping your chameleon(s) well hydrated by providing water in appropriate amounts is one of the most vital aspects of chameleon husbandry. Most chameleons commonly sold in the pet trade come from areas of the world that receive between 60 and 120 inches of rainfall annually. Those chameleons which come from dryer areas are generally found near a water supply of sort.

Failing to provide water in an appropriate way and in sufficient quantity can cause serious problems. Chronic, low-level dehydration - which may be imperceptible to the eye - can lead to kidney failure and death.

Few chameleons will ever learn to drink water from a standing water dish. In the wild, chameleons lick dew and rain droplets off of leaves, or are attracted to moving water. Many chameleons will simply let rain water run down their casque and into their mouths. This means that in captivity, special watering techniques need to be used to keep chameleons healthy and hydrated.

Chameleons are naturally attracted to droplets of water which are reflecting light, and pendulous drops of water hanging from leaves of plants. Keepers of these lizards can take advantage of this by designing water systems which take this natural behavior into account.

The amount of water required by a chameleon will vary depending on size and species of the animal. Smaller chameleons require less water, in general. Larger chameleons can require copious amounts of water.

Following is a list of the most commonly used methods for providing water for chameleons. I have rated each of these types on a scale of 1 - 5, with one star indicating a very poor rating and five stars being the highest possible rating. I have also listed the primary advantages and disadvantages of each watering method.

Rating Method Advantages Disadvantages

In-Cage Rain Systems
In-cage rain systems deliver large amounts of dripping water throughout a chameleon's living area. These systems can be created a number of ways. Most commonly, some sort of pvc tubing is uses which is connected to a water supply. The tubing contains holes which drip water onto many locations throughout a chameleon's living area. A valve of some sort is generally required to control water flow.
Because these systems are capable of delivering large amounts of water, it is essential to plan for some soft of water collection/removal system. These can be as simple as buckets or trays of water under the cages, or as sophisticates as complete drain systems.
The benefits of this type of watering system can not be understated. This is the most natural way for a chameleon to receive its water. Some keepers will automate the water delivery and removal by hooking the system to timers, thus eliminating a significant portion of the daily maintenance requirements of their chameleons.
While delivering needed water, these systems also increase the relative humidity in the area.
The primary disadvantage to this type of system is the level of planning and effort to get them working efficiently. However, this disadvantage is more than offset by the tremendous advantages received once they are functioning.

Drip Systems
Drip systems are the most common form of chameleon watering system. They generally consist of a container of water which sits above the animals enclosure. A plastic tube runs from the water container and into the chameleon cage. Water drips out of the end of the plastic tube. Pre-made drip systems are available at many reptile-oriented pet shops and generally include some sort of adjustment to control the rate at which water drips from the tube. These systems differ from rain systems by offering water in a more issolated area. Therefore, they, generally, deliver smaller amounts of water.
A dripper can be placed directly above a plant in the chameleon's environment causing the water to cascade over a somewhat larger area. The more water that moves through the drip system, the more chameleons will tend to be attracted to drink.
These systems are available for sale from a number of suppliers. They can be set up in minutes and, if properly used, can deliver water sufficient for many species of chameleons. Because of the limited range of water delivery, drip systems are generally best used in smaller spaces and for smaller chameleons. Daily maintenance is required to fill them. Water collection and removal is also required.

Automated Misting Systems
Automated misting systems are much like rain systems. Rather than dripping water from holes in the hose, misting systems push pressurized water through special heads which create a fine mist.
Small dropplets of water fall over a broad area. When these droplets collect on leaves, they eventually form drops of water which fall like rain.
These systems offer many of the same advantages as rain systems. Some smaller chameleons seem to prefer the smaller droplets of water, and are attracted to the mist. Some chameleons may drink by sitting in the falling mist. The water collects and rolls down the casques and into their mouths.
Commercial systems are available for purchase. They can also be made from supplies found at most larger garden supply stores.
Because the water is pressurized, problems of flooding can occur if hoses become damaged or loose. Misting heads are prone to mineral deposits which can cause them to clog.

The "Shower" Method
Some chameleon dealers recommend moving chameleons into a bathroom shower stall where a small tree or large plant has been placed. Shower water is then gently run over the plant/tree to provide drinking water for the chameleon.
The shower stall provides a readily draining area in which large amounts of water can be run, without risk of flooding. This method can be used in emergency situations quite well. I have used this method of watering when taking in rescue animals. I will leave them in the shower with a very gentle rain falling for an hour or more, while I am establishing a more permanent situation for the animal. My assessment of this watering technique was done based on its potential use in everyday husbandry, where I feel this technique has little or no use. On the surface, this watering method can sound appealing. There is no investment in equipment. There is no up-front cost. However the appropriate uses of the shower for chameleons are pretty limited, and the risks fairly high.
The amount of work required to haul trees or large plants to the shower regularly is prohibitive. Additionally, while the animal is in the shower, it is important to monitor water temperature, pressure, and the animal to ensure no problems occur. Some animals become distressed at being relocated. Stressed animals then become startled when the water begins to fall. Fractured limbs from falls and scalding injuries from hot water have all been reported as a result of this sort of activity.

Manual Misting
Another method of watering your chameleon is to simply mist the inside of the enclosure once or twice per day with a clean spray bottle. Chameleons will eagerly lick water off plants, as well as the sides of the enclosure.
This technique can work well for smaller chameleons, whose water needs are less than those of larger chameleons. It also works well to increase the relative humitidy in the immediate environment. It is difficult, or impossible, to provide sufficient amounts of water for larger chameleons using this technique. But with larger chameleons, it can be used as a method of increasing the relative humidity in their environment.
The manual nature of this technique is also a major drawback.

Melting Ice
Using this technique, ice cubes are placed in a container that has a hole in its bottom. As the ice melts, water drips down through the container and into the cage.
This method can deliver small amounts of water over an extended period of time. Water delivery can last for as long as it takes for the ice to melt. Water volume and flow are difficult to control using this technique. Water temperatures near freezing are also not recommended to be used for tropical lizards.

Rating	Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
	In-Cage Rain Systems In-cage rain systems deliver large amounts of dripping water throughout a chameleon's living area. These systems can be created a number of ways. Most commonly, some sort of pvc tubing is uses which is connected to a water supply. The tubing contains holes which drip water onto many locations throughout a chameleon's living area. A valve of some sort is generally required to control water flow. Because these systems are capable of delivering large amounts of water, it is essential to plan for some soft of water collection/removal system. These can be as simple as buckets or trays of water under the cages, or as sophisticates as complete drain systems.	The benefits of this type of watering system can not be understated. This is the most natural way for a chameleon to receive its water. Some keepers will automate the water delivery and removal by hooking the system to timers, thus eliminating a significant portion of the daily maintenance requirements of their chameleons. While delivering needed water, these systems also increase the relative humidity in the area.	The primary disadvantage to this type of system is the level of planning and effort to get them working efficiently. However, this disadvantage is more than offset by the tremendous advantages received once they are functioning.
	Drip Systems Drip systems are the most common form of chameleon watering system. They generally consist of a container of water which sits above the animals enclosure. A plastic tube runs from the water container and into the chameleon cage. Water drips out of the end of the plastic tube. Pre-made drip systems are available at many reptile-oriented pet shops and generally include some sort of adjustment to control the rate at which water drips from the tube. These systems differ from rain systems by offering water in a more issolated area. Therefore, they, generally, deliver smaller amounts of water. A dripper can be placed directly above a plant in the chameleon's environment causing the water to cascade over a somewhat larger area. The more water that moves through the drip system, the more chameleons will tend to be attracted to drink.	These systems are available for sale from a number of suppliers. They can be set up in minutes and, if properly used, can deliver water sufficient for many species of chameleons.	Because of the limited range of water delivery, drip systems are generally best used in smaller spaces and for smaller chameleons. Daily maintenance is required to fill them. Water collection and removal is also required.
	Automated Misting Systems Automated misting systems are much like rain systems. Rather than dripping water from holes in the hose, misting systems push pressurized water through special heads which create a fine mist. Small dropplets of water fall over a broad area. When these droplets collect on leaves, they eventually form drops of water which fall like rain.	These systems offer many of the same advantages as rain systems. Some smaller chameleons seem to prefer the smaller droplets of water, and are attracted to the mist. Some chameleons may drink by sitting in the falling mist. The water collects and rolls down the casques and into their mouths. Commercial systems are available for purchase. They can also be made from supplies found at most larger garden supply stores.	Because the water is pressurized, problems of flooding can occur if hoses become damaged or loose. Misting heads are prone to mineral deposits which can cause them to clog.
	The "Shower" Method Some chameleon dealers recommend moving chameleons into a bathroom shower stall where a small tree or large plant has been placed. Shower water is then gently run over the plant/tree to provide drinking water for the chameleon.	The shower stall provides a readily draining area in which large amounts of water can be run, without risk of flooding. This method can be used in emergency situations quite well. I have used this method of watering when taking in rescue animals. I will leave them in the shower with a very gentle rain falling for an hour or more, while I am establishing a more permanent situation for the animal. My assessment of this watering technique was done based on its potential use in everyday husbandry, where I feel this technique has little or no use.	On the surface, this watering method can sound appealing. There is no investment in equipment. There is no up-front cost. However the appropriate uses of the shower for chameleons are pretty limited, and the risks fairly high. The amount of work required to haul trees or large plants to the shower regularly is prohibitive. Additionally, while the animal is in the shower, it is important to monitor water temperature, pressure, and the animal to ensure no problems occur. Some animals become distressed at being relocated. Stressed animals then become startled when the water begins to fall. Fractured limbs from falls and scalding injuries from hot water have all been reported as a result of this sort of activity.
	Manual Misting Another method of watering your chameleon is to simply mist the inside of the enclosure once or twice per day with a clean spray bottle. Chameleons will eagerly lick water off plants, as well as the sides of the enclosure.	This technique can work well for smaller chameleons, whose water needs are less than those of larger chameleons. It also works well to increase the relative humitidy in the immediate environment.	It is difficult, or impossible, to provide sufficient amounts of water for larger chameleons using this technique. But with larger chameleons, it can be used as a method of increasing the relative humidity in their environment. The manual nature of this technique is also a major drawback.
	Melting Ice Using this technique, ice cubes are placed in a container that has a hole in its bottom. As the ice melts, water drips down through the container and into the cage.	This method can deliver small amounts of water over an extended period of time. Water delivery can last for as long as it takes for the ice to melt.	Water volume and flow are difficult to control using this technique. Water temperatures near freezing are also not recommended to be used for tropical lizards.