Baby chameleon looks stressed

[m1les]

I just got my baby chameleon in the mail. I think she was asleep when I opened the box because she wasn't moving then all of the sudden she was. I put her in her enclsorure without handling her but now she is showing stress colors. Should I be worried? (Shes a panther chameleon around 4-5 months old)

 

[m1les]

Let me add that she is moving around and exploring her enclosure, but still showing black colors.

 

[Beman]

Normal... Did you mist the plants down really well so she has access to water? They need this after being shipped. Put feeders in the feeder run or dish too. Give her time to settle.

 

[m1les]

Normal... Did you mist the plants down really well so she has access to water? They need this after being shipped. Put feeders in the feeder run or dish too. Give her time to settle.

Do you think I should turn on the dripper for her?

 

[m1les]

Normal... Did you mist the plants down really well so she has access to water? They need this after being shipped. Put feeders in the feeder run or dish too. Give her time to settle.

She also made her way to the top of the enclosure and is climbing near the lights. In concern for her safety I turned them off, I don't want her to get burned.

 

[Mrjamwin]

Hi there. I would recommend you fill this out and provide as many photos if you can and then one of our experienced Cham enthusiast can help you out.

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.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Beman]

She also made her way to the top of the enclosure and is climbing near the lights. In concern for her safety I turned them off, I don't want her to get burned.

I recommend filling out the form above and providing pics... Shutting off lights is not an acceptable solution. Cage should be set up for the baby. They screen climb constantly when they are young.The higher they are the safer they feel.

 

[m1les]

I recommend filling out the form above and providing pics... Shutting off lights is not an acceptable solution. Cage should be set up for the baby. They screen climb constantly when they are young.The higher they are the safer they feel.

The cham could always be cold and trying to absorb more heat.

 

[Beman]

The cham could always be cold and trying to absorb more heat.

Ok so if you think that is the reason then why ask for help? Mind you that it is not the only possible solution.... and shutting off lights does nothing but make it colder. Babies screen climb consistently until they weigh too much to hold the screen. So the cage has to be set up in a way to accommodate this. Shutting off the lights is not how we solve this issue.

 

[m1les]

I was asking for help just in case...? Also I turned the lights back on the second he wasnt directly on them. They were off for a total of about 2 minutes...

 

[Beman]

I was asking for help just in case...? Also I turned the lights back on the second he wasnt directly on them. They were off for a total of about 2 minutes...

The only way we can provide proper feedback is for you to fill out the form and provide pics of your entire enclosure lighting down.

working through the husbandry section of this link will help you immensely to learn accurate info fast https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
This is the direct link for the specific care of your Panther https://chameleonacademy.com/panther-chameleon-care/

 

[m1les]

The only way we can provide proper feedback is for you to fill out the form and provide pics of your entire enclosure lighting down.

working through the husbandry section of this link will help you immensely to learn accurate info fast https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
This is the direct link for the specific care of your Panther https://chameleonacademy.com/panther-chameleon-care/

Alright. She ate a ton of crickets and I think she drank water... getting a higher wattage heat bulb to see if thats the issue.

 

[Beman]

Alright. She ate a ton of crickets and I think she drank water... getting a higher wattage heat bulb to see if thats the issue.

But why get a higher wattage bulb? what are your temps and how are you measuring them? Too much heat can kill them. It is not always a matter of heat.

There is a settling in period they go through. Dark colors do not always mean cold.

 

[m1les]

But why get a higher wattage bulb? what are your temps and how are you measuring them? Too much heat can kill them. It is not always a matter of heat.

There is a settling in period they go through. Dark colors do not always mean cold.

The current bulb is an eco smart 65 watt bulb and it's only getting to 80-83. If I buy a 75 watt bulb and place it far from her basking spot that will get to mid-high 80s.

 

[Beman]

The current bulb is an eco smart 65 watt bulb and it's only getting to 80-83. If I buy a 75 watt bulb and place it far from her basking spot that will get to mid-high 80s.

babies that age should be kept at lower temps. you do not want higher then 80. And for a female you will never have her over 80 at basking.
Your jumping ahead of yourself without knowing enough details on husbandry.
You need to start reading those links I gave you. Good luck with your new baby girl.

 

[AmandaS]

And you would know specific information (like temps) that you NEED if you fill out the form.

 

[m1les]

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care? Panther, most likely female, 2-4 months
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon? Never
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders? Pinhead crickets 7
• 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? Drip system and misting. Yes
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites? White and blackish brown
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you. No

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions? Repti breeze 24x24x48 screen
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule? Ecosafe 75 watt bulb and a uvb. Don't know brand off top of my head ill edit this when I find it.
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps? 80 basking to mid 70s bottom
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity? 60-70 percent, spraying the cage. I use a gage that came with the kit
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind? Money tree
• 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? Cage top is at about 6 ft
• Location - Where are you geographically located? Minnesota

Current Problem - Don't know if it's the cham absorbing heat, just those colors because hes young or stressed. The pictures I was sent showed a pinkish chameleon with no black but the one now she is dark grey.

--------------

Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[m1les]

Update she is a way lighter gray, ate crickets and drank water.