Are Coconut Shavings Okay?

[aj.daniels]

I'm new to the chameleon world and would really LOVE some advice! I got my chameleon, Yoshi, as a birthday present from my parents in February. My mom said that the people at the pet store said Yoshi was about 8 weeks old. Up until recently, I thought Yoshi was a male but now he's started digging in the coconut shavings that are in the bottom of the cage, which makes me think that a.) Yoshi is a female and b.) I need to get something for her to lay eggs in. She's been digging in the coconut shavings for a couple of weeks but doesn't seem to have gained weight, lost or increased appetite, sleeping during the day, and she hasn't gone under any major color changes. Are the coconut shavings okay to have in the bottom of the cage? She hasn't been eating them or anything, she just keeps getting the shavings on her face that I do my best to get off by spraying. Is it could be because she's bored? Should I put a sand dish in her cage for her to lay in? Should I get her checked out by a vet?

 

[Tiosk]

My girl does this from time to time. I offer her the laying bin. But I don’t get any eggs. I think it is just a phase. He will grow out of it I think.

 

[jamest0o0]

She could be getting ready to lay. If she sees you, she will stop and become eggbound(which kills them). Definitely not something to just brush off. Please fill out the help form, add a suitable laying bin asap. And dont let her see you. I cover all sides of my enclosure. I've never seen a cham dig that wasn't laying.

 

[ToxiccKiwii]

I'm new to the chameleon world and would really LOVE some advice! I got my chameleon, Yoshi, as a birthday present from my parents in February. My mom said that the people at the pet store said Yoshi was about 8 weeks old. Up until recently, I thought Yoshi was a male but now he's started digging in the coconut shavings that are in the bottom of the cage, which makes me think that a.) Yoshi is a female and b.) I need to get something for her to lay eggs in. She's been digging in the coconut shavings for a couple of weeks but doesn't seem to have gained weight, lost or increased appetite, sleeping during the day, and she hasn't gone under any major color changes. Are the coconut shavings okay to have in the bottom of the cage? She hasn't been eating them or anything, she just keeps getting the shavings on her face that I do my best to get off by spraying. Is it could be because she's bored? Should I put a sand dish in her cage for her to lay in? Should I get her checked out by a vet?

Welcome!

Could you post a good picture of her/him?

Also, if you fill out the form below, it'll give us a good idea of how s/he's been taken care of so far.

Chameleon Info:

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• Fecal Description -
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Cage Info:

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Current Problem -

 

[aj.daniels]

She could be getting ready to lay. If she sees you, she will stop and become eggbound(which kills them). Definitely not something to just brush off. Please fill out the help form, add a suitable laying bin asap. And dont let her see you. I cover all sides of my enclosure. I've never seen a cham dig that wasn't laying.

How long should I not let her see me for? Do I cover her and leave her be for a couple of days?

 

[jamest0o0]

Yeah, assuming you have a laying bin. Can you post a picture of the set up and of your cham

 

[aj.daniels]

I just put out a laying bin with sand that isn’t play sand mixed with a bit of coconut shavings. The mixture is in a five gallon bucket that I filled about a quarter of the way up. I opened her cage and put a stick in the bucket to help her get in and out. Does this setup look alright?

 

[jamest0o0]

I would have the laying bin in the enclosure. You want whatever you use to be fire enough to make a tunnel so sand is good. You can tell if you're able to dig a hole that doesnt collapse with your fingers. Also most people have them deeper, I believe around 9". My substrate layer for my female is about a foot deep.