Hatchling Rack and watering option

[rafasani]

I think it could be an extra water source, not the only one.

 

[Yamori]

Ive never used a water bowl as most reptiles simply will not drink still water in a dish.

I simply mist the tanks every other day, my geckos and other reptiles rush out of their hides the moment they can smell it in the air and then go on a licking frenzy, licking the glass, rocks and furniture.

So, do i think the condensation in moist hides can be a water source? Definitely not, humid hides should never be soaking wet for one and two, there is no substitute for fresh, clean water. How would you like to drink stagnant ,dirty water?. Misting is best imo.

Just my 2 c

 

[privatejoker]

I use water bowls and they work well. I do use a hide box and spray it twice a week. As a poster above wrote, use what works for you, not all animals are the same, so what works for one may not work for you.

 

[T-ReXx]

I use water dishes for hatchlings and adults, even if some don't use it often, some do and I'd rather it be there than not. On the other hand, I don't use humid hides for hatchlings. I simply spray the paper towel under the hide every other day or so, more often if I notice the gecko is in shed. Never had any shedding problems. In a 6 qt shoe box, the water dish and keeps things pretty humid.

 

[Misstasha]

I personally have both, humid hide and water dish in all my tanks, I find that some of my leos drink from their moist hides and some drink from the dish - It's best to provide both - Just use a 2L bottle cap and put fill it wit water !!! That will be suficant enough!

 

[Taquiq]

You could just use gatorade caps

 

[Landen]

I don't use water dishes in my hatchling racks. The tubs are a snug fit with fewer air holes so they're naturally more humid. I dampen paper towels as needed. Less for them to mess up too.
My adult rack I do provide 2" PVC end caps with plenty of water. They're heavier and don't knock over and the adults don't tend to be as destructive as the hatchlings. Plus my racks are almost 1/8" clearance from tub to shelf which will evaporate much quicker.
My community tanks have two large rock water bowls mainly for decoration.

Whatever your set up, do what works right for you. Plus if your providing the correct husbandry then you'll be able to spot problems before they do damage to your animals. Just me attentive and try new things to see if it works or improves.

When asking something basic or controversial like this maybe try advising us all of what you've done and what your set up is like so you don't get some people shocked that you'd ask such a thing.


Which just for the record I think it was a great question.....

Let's all try helping each other.....

 

[GeckoGathering]

Water,Water,Everywhere,and not a drop to drink.

Water on the sides of the humid hide can be a water source but not the only source of water. Maybe ditch the humid hide and just spray down the tubs once every day and twice a day during shedding? Just a thought.

Sorry, B.B.....not a good idea to
spray tubs or tanks.
Too much humidity can cause
respiratory problems, vet fees,
and possible death.(as I know)
In the wild they are in dry conditions.
Take care. HJ

 

[Kellyr]

a water source- yes, the only water source - no

 

[CapCitySteve]

i voted Yes that condensation in the moist hide could serve as a water source, but i would not advise having it as the only water source. Always keep a small dish of water in the tubs.

 

[thegeckoguy23]

no u need to have fresh water avable and so do ur geckos at that matter

 

[Adinar]

Too much moisture in the air can cause respritory infections. I'd rather less space than more vet bills.

 

[Russellm0704]

I personally do not use any water dishes, my hatchling racks(6qt tubs) get sprayed down every other day and the moisture dries very quickly on the warm side since I keep my hatchlings at a slightly higher temp than the adults. In My adult rack(32/28qt tubs), each tub has a humid hide with paper towel that gets sprayed down 4-5 times a week. I used to use water dishes and personally never saw one drink from them(which doesn't mean they never did), but almost every time I spray, I see most of the geckos licking the moist hide condensation.

 

[stager]

Put water on top of hides it will save floor space

 

[Terrain_pull up]

I always put water dishes in for adults and hatchlings. I've seen all of them drink from the bowls but I also have seen them lick condensation off the inside of hides and sides of the tub

 

[svanten]

I also use dishes in all of my enclosures. I could not sleep well at night without being sure that they have enough food and water.