Hopefully this section can help new chameleon owners avoid some of the issues that are commonly caused by husbandry problems and be a great starting point for using the forums and getting to know the community here. As always, please utilize the search feature for answers to your questions, and also create your own threads for specific questions.
Unfortunately, many first time posters on the forums are here because they are already in need of advice because they are having issues with an animal due to bad advice from a pet store or uninformed supplier. Many chameleons do not show signs that something is wrong until it is pretty far along. For newcomers to the hobby this can be a bigger issue because they do not know what to look for. Although your answer is likely already discussed in the forums and could be found by using the search function, for many new members that are not familiar with the structure of the site they may be more comfortable just asking advice...
First thing to do is not to do this...
HELP!!!
O.K., this may not be an actual question, but it is one of the most common thread titles found on the forums by new members. Advice here... add a little more description to the thread title.
Help, my chameleon won't eat... Help, my chameleon is walking funny... Help, my chameleon is hanging upside down from the screen... Help, my chameleon doesn't like me...
A little more info will get better responses.
A great answer to many questions will often be to fill out the "How to ask for help" form. This is a great tool for us to help identify husbandry issues. Be very specific and include as much detail as you can. Here is the link from the Health Forum...
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
Chameleon Info:
Cage Info:
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
Pictures are helpful
You simply copy and paste into your new thread and answer the questions.
Unfortunately, many first time posters on the forums are here because they are already in need of advice because they are having issues with an animal due to bad advice from a pet store or uninformed supplier. Many chameleons do not show signs that something is wrong until it is pretty far along. For newcomers to the hobby this can be a bigger issue because they do not know what to look for. Although your answer is likely already discussed in the forums and could be found by using the search function, for many new members that are not familiar with the structure of the site they may be more comfortable just asking advice...
First thing to do is not to do this...
HELP!!!
O.K., this may not be an actual question, but it is one of the most common thread titles found on the forums by new members. Advice here... add a little more description to the thread title.
Help, my chameleon won't eat... Help, my chameleon is walking funny... Help, my chameleon is hanging upside down from the screen... Help, my chameleon doesn't like me...
A little more info will get better responses.
A great answer to many questions will often be to fill out the "How to ask for help" form. This is a great tool for us to help identify husbandry issues. Be very specific and include as much detail as you can. Here is the link from the Health Forum...
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
Chameleon Info:
- Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
- Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
- Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
- Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
- Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
- Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
- History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
Cage Info:
- Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
- Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
- Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
- Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
- Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
- Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
- Location - Where are you geographically located?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
Pictures are helpful
You simply copy and paste into your new thread and answer the questions.
