behavior change

[Cham_Ang]

Hi all - my male panther just had a behavior change starting last night. I have had him for a couple months and he has been shy / cautious of people.
Last night while hand feeding, he literally ran off his perch onto my arm, ran across my shoulders and down the other arm. He did this twice last night, and again tonight - like he wants to be out of his enclosure.
He has been finicky with eating for a couple days, and with this complete change in behavior I'm a little concerned...
Don't get me wrong - I love that he came out and crawled around on my arms, but it's not like him.
Any thoughts?

 

[jpowell86]

Age of chameleon? Size of enclosure?

 

[Cham_Ang]

I believe he is 6 months, and the enclosure is 24x24x48 tall, solid sides, back and bottom, screen front and top.

 

[jpowell86]

What is the temp...both basking and ambient?

 

[Cham_Ang]

88 basking, 71 ambient - his favorite spot is at 81 - under the dripper area

 

[jpowell86]

one more...can you post a pic of him?

 

[Cham_Ang]

View attachment 152876

 

[Cham_Ang]

He's a bit grumpy in this pic - mad I put him back in maybe....when he was out he was full color and tasting my arm repeatedly

 

[jpowell86]

I think your guy might be craving sometime outside of his enclosure. Have you thought about setting him up a free range space?

 

[Cham_Ang]

Hmmm... I'll try that. I'm so used to him hiding and hissing I thought maybe he was sick because he wanted to come out lol.

 

[jpowell86]

No, if he were experiencing health issues, more than likely his hiding and defensive behavior would escalate.

Have you had a fecal done lately?

 

[Cham_Ang]

I have not had one done - assuming that is done at a vet only... will need to find one that is reptile savvy.

 

[jpowell86]

I would recommend doing one. I do my own at home so I usually run a fecal on all my chams every 6 months.

The fecal really doesn't necessarily have to be ran by a vet versed in chameleons per se. The vet should be able to run a fecal and recognize protozoa and parasites that could affect the health of your chameleon. Now if the fecal comes back positive for anything, I would make sure and take your cham to a vet specializing in reptiles/exotics. That, or at least research the medicine given before administering.