Hi Everyone,
Brazil, my 7 month old male panther chameleon, has started keeping his mouth open starting yesterday. He doesn't keep his mouth open all the time he is awake but it is definitely something that has me worried. Initially I thought he might be too hot but he is not pale and his basking temperature (90F) has not changed. Today I caught him with his mouth open even when he was at a cooler spot. Here are info about him and his cage and some pictures.
Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Sambava x Ambanja cross, Male, 7 months old. Been in my care since early January.
Handling - Not too often. At the most once a week.
Feeding - Crickets and roaches (Dubia and lobster). I add superworms and butterworms as treats. This week I started feeding silkworms. I feed in the morning an hour or two after the light comes on but sometimes due to work schedule it is later but no later than noon. The feeders are gut loaded using a puree of mixed greens+ fruits or using water crystals and cricket crack.
Supplements - Minerall O dusted on feeders three times a week, Minerall I on 1st, 15th and 30th/31st and Herptivite once or twice a month.
Watering - I have a dripper that is on for 5 -7 hours and it is filled in the morning after the lights come on. I also have a misting system setup that comes on three times a day and stays on for 8 minutes. I have seen my chameleon drink when I used to mist by hand but haven't monitored latey but urates look white.
Fecal Description - Never been tested for parasites. Good poop form and texture.
History - No previous health issues.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - 18x18x36 screen cage.
Lighting - On from 7.30 - 5.30. 50watt halogen lamp for basking and 18" reptisun 5.0 for UVB.
Temperature - 70F at floor and basking spot at 90F. Lowest overnight temp is not lower than 70F. Temps measured using temp gun and remote probe digital thermometer.
Humidity - Regular humidity between 60% - 65% in room with spikes after misting. Using the digital thermometer to measure humidity.
Plants - Yes, schefflera plant.
Placement - Cage is in living room but not high traffic area during day time. Not near vents. Top of cage is about 7 feet from floor.
Location - Northern CA.
Current Problem - Keeps his mouth open. Not all the time but quiet a bit. Just started this in the last couple of days.
Thanks for all the feedback.
Michael
Brazil, my 7 month old male panther chameleon, has started keeping his mouth open starting yesterday. He doesn't keep his mouth open all the time he is awake but it is definitely something that has me worried. Initially I thought he might be too hot but he is not pale and his basking temperature (90F) has not changed. Today I caught him with his mouth open even when he was at a cooler spot. Here are info about him and his cage and some pictures.
Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Sambava x Ambanja cross, Male, 7 months old. Been in my care since early January.
Handling - Not too often. At the most once a week.
Feeding - Crickets and roaches (Dubia and lobster). I add superworms and butterworms as treats. This week I started feeding silkworms. I feed in the morning an hour or two after the light comes on but sometimes due to work schedule it is later but no later than noon. The feeders are gut loaded using a puree of mixed greens+ fruits or using water crystals and cricket crack.
Supplements - Minerall O dusted on feeders three times a week, Minerall I on 1st, 15th and 30th/31st and Herptivite once or twice a month.
Watering - I have a dripper that is on for 5 -7 hours and it is filled in the morning after the lights come on. I also have a misting system setup that comes on three times a day and stays on for 8 minutes. I have seen my chameleon drink when I used to mist by hand but haven't monitored latey but urates look white.
Fecal Description - Never been tested for parasites. Good poop form and texture.
History - No previous health issues.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - 18x18x36 screen cage.
Lighting - On from 7.30 - 5.30. 50watt halogen lamp for basking and 18" reptisun 5.0 for UVB.
Temperature - 70F at floor and basking spot at 90F. Lowest overnight temp is not lower than 70F. Temps measured using temp gun and remote probe digital thermometer.
Humidity - Regular humidity between 60% - 65% in room with spikes after misting. Using the digital thermometer to measure humidity.
Plants - Yes, schefflera plant.
Placement - Cage is in living room but not high traffic area during day time. Not near vents. Top of cage is about 7 feet from floor.
Location - Northern CA.
Current Problem - Keeps his mouth open. Not all the time but quiet a bit. Just started this in the last couple of days.
Thanks for all the feedback.
Michael