Behavior?

[Nal0114]

So Leon is acting weird.

He only wants to be clung to the top of his enclosure.

When his mister goes off instead of drinking off the leaves, he goes straight to the top of the enclosure.

When his lights are on, instead of sitting in his basking area he goes right to the top of his enclosure.

His basking area is at 85 degrees. He’s got plenty of spots to hide. But he only wants to be at the top of the enclosure.

Anyone know why he’s acting this way?

I know that usually means he’s missing something but he has everything. Idk what he could need?


Jade didn’t do these things.

I tried posting on FB but that got me butchered.

 

[janjan20]

This can be common when they are young, is he hanging upside down? They typically stop as they get older and heavier. Can you please post some pictures of the entire enclosure including the lights? Don't worry, we won't butcher you here!

 

[Nal0114]

Mist king spray system.

Arcadia heat bulb UVB bulb linear 10.0

His plants in the middle had to be replaced so there’s a large gap there

 

[elizaann2]

@janjan20 is right, we are nice over here! There are plenty of experienced keepers that want you to be successful so not only is the feedback helpful, but it is given in a kind, understanding way.

 

[Nal0114]

@janjan20 is right, we are nice over here! There are plenty of experienced keepers that want you to be successful so not only is the feedback helpful, but it is given in a kind, understanding way.

You would think I created a sin not having a dripper system, and not finding plants I want for the middle yet.

 

[elizaann2]

Mist king spray system.

Arcadia heat bulb UVB bulb linear 10.0

His plants in the middle had to be replaced so there’s a large gap there

Thanks for sharing! The first things that I notice is there is not a lot of climbing space for him. Any unused space in the enclosure is wasted space. The first thing I would do is get some sticks in there. You can get sticks from trees outside in your yard, just make sure you wash them with soap and hot water before you put them in his enclosure. And make sure they are not coming from sap producing trees

Next - I'm seeing a purple light over his enclosure - is this the arcadia light? You'll want a white light for your little cutie, there are color lights that hurt chameleon eyeballs so that would be something I would look into as well.

I noticed you mentioned the middle plants in his enclosure needed to be replaced, this would also be something I would get taken care of, there is a lot of coverage in the bottom of the enclosure, but I find that chameleons don't go down there often. My guess is maybe he is feeling uncomfortable because he does not have a lot of great spaced to hide where he also feels up high and safe.

 

[elizaann2]

You would think I created a sin not having a dripper system, and not finding plants I want for the middle yet.

Hahaha yes, tis a sin. My view is, we all start somewhere, you can be nice and teach so others will learn and grow or you can be a jerk and the person won't learn. Just stick around here, we will make sure you got everything set up correct for your little guy!

 

[elizaann2]

I'm very visual so I find pictures of other people's set ups help me more with my set ups. This is one of mine. I just want to share the idea of how much coverage your guy will probably be happy with. There is a literal 'curtain' of plants in the middle and bottom of the enclosure. I'm trying to find a picture that gives you an idea of how many sticks are in there behind the plants but I'm not finding it easily in my billions and billions of photos. I use something like 40 sticks for each enclosure....hopefully that helps!

 

[Nal0114]

Thanks for sharing! The first things that I notice is there is not a lot of climbing space for him. Any unused space in the enclosure is wasted space. The first thing I would do is get some sticks in there. You can get sticks from trees outside in your yard, just make sure you wash them with soap and hot water before you put them in his enclosure. And make sure they are not coming from sap producing trees

Next - I'm seeing a purple light over his enclosure - is this the arcadia light? You'll want a white light for your little cutie, there are color lights that hurt chameleon eyeballs so that would be something I would look into as well.

I noticed you mentioned the middle plants in his enclosure needed to be replaced, this would also be something I would get taken care of, there is a lot of coverage in the bottom of the enclosure, but I find that chameleons don't go down there often. My guess is maybe he is feeling uncomfortable because he does not have a lot of great spaced to hide where he also feels up high and safe.

 

[Nal0114]

The light that’s showing up purple is the Arcadia heat lamp yea it’s not purple but the picture makes it look like that. I do have a white light for him it’s the linear bulb.

I had a jungle in the middle. But they died I think from probably crickets eating at them. And of course with plants going out of season I’m having a hard time getting them replaced.

There was a Boston fern there.

Also, I don’t use a dripper system I have Mist King and I don’t think he quite understands how to use that. Because he goes to the top and drinks it off the ceiling and doesn’t bother using the leaves.

 

[Nal0114]

This can be common when they are young, is he hanging upside down? They typically stop as they get older and heavier. Can you please post some pictures of the entire enclosure including the lights? Don't worry, we won't butcher you here!

He’s not hanging upside down he is just stuck to the top.

 

[janjan20]

@elizaann2 gave you some good pointers and a great pic to reference for a set up. As far as the lights go on top, how far is the basking light and uvb from the highest branch? Also, typically we recommend a T5 5.0 for uvb lighting. He is more than likely up there for some extra heat he can't get at a basking branch. The biggest thing with this is a burn risk, especially if he's hanging out there all day.

 

[Nal0114]

It’s about 10-12” reason being Jade kept biting herself when they were closer

 

[Nal0114]

*burning herself. Idk why it autocorrected to biting

 

[elizaann2]

have you tried a dimmer? I use one on all my enclosures to maintain temps.

 

[Nal0114]

have you tried a dimmer? I use one on all my enclosures to maintain temps.

I do not have a dimmer, no. Not even sure where to get a reptile dimmer

 

[elizaann2]

I do not have a dimmer, no. Not even sure where to get a reptile dimmer

This is the one I have on all my enclosures.

https://www.amazon.com/REPTIZOO-The...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[Nal0114]

This is the one I have on all my enclosures.

https://www.amazon.com/REPTIZOO-The...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Definitely getting one thank you!