Brand New Chameleon Owners.

[Pacman75]

We have 2 Bearded Dragons, 2 sulcata Tortoise and now 2 Chameleons. We have had the Tortoise Razor and Blade for about 1.5 years now. We decided to purchase a baby Bearded dragon ( my son names him Toothless) in November. a few weeks ago we decided to buy a 1.5 year old Bearded Dragon ( Son named him Spyro ) that was brought back to pet store cause owner didn't. I have wanted a Chameleon for some time, however my girlfriend has wanted bearded dragons so we got those first. In January we went to a reptile expo in Grand rapids this is the point I decided I wanted a Chameleon.So we Went to the reptile store this past week and bought all the stuff for the 2 chameleon ( all wrong stuff ) (Drago and still picking a name) The cage was a 24"x18"x18" that the store said would work just great. They also told us Bark was the best thing to use in the bottom of the Cage. Well after buying this got home got it set up and then I started to research enclosed and realized the 1 we had was completely wrong. So today I built my own.
I have lots of questions as for feeding. With the Dragons they either eat out of our hand or in a little tote.

1. do you put the Crickets in the cage with them in hopes they will hunt them down ?
2. How many are they suppose to eat a day ? ( in 2 days they have eat about 5 super worms and 5 crickets)
3. We love to handle them and (no Name) doesn't seem to mind it at all. However Drago he will Hiss 1 time then he is okay.
4. the Bottom Half of the Cage if Dark dos that mean I have to much stuff in cage ? Do i need more Lights ?



I have attached a Picture of my New cage.

 

[KeopiCat]

1. Yes, I personally do. Others use feeding cups. It's up to you
2. The first thing I have to say is slow down on the superworms! Superworms are for use as a treat rather than a meal. I recommend no more than 3 per week. And, on feeding frequency many on the forums recommend to feed what your chameleon will eat.
3. Everyone has their views on this, I personally try to only allow myself to hold my boy when he willingly comes out of the cage/ if there was even an emergency.
4. It's good for your cage to have a heat gradient, so I think what you have is good. Wait for some more advice on this number though, I want to be sure I'm right.

-Keopi and Mondo

 

[jamest0o0]

i cup feed most days, but free range crickets a few times a week and my guy hunts them down fast. Their eye sight catches everything in their territory, it suprised me i thought the crickets would be able to hide easy lol. I was told to feed as much as they will eat each morning before they are about 9months to a year old. Feed a variety as well.

i love letting my guy crawl on my hand on the rare occassion if he feels like tolerating it, but honestly, for the most part chameleons shouldn't be handled(at least for awhile in the beginning). A few out there seem to like being held, but the vast majority of chameleons seem to be a "for show" animal. Don't stress them out a lot with picking up and staring at them in the early days of having them. it takes chams awhile to get used to us so give them time and patience and it'll pay off.

Definitely don't use bark or really any substrate, bioactive seems to be nice, but it'll take some reading up on. Also don't listen to pet stores 99% of the time, they almost always suck, with the few exceptions. I'd check online beforehand with anything pet related.

Lastly, do you have your 2 chams in one cage? That isn't going to work, they need to be seperated. For a veiled i believe a cagge around 4ft wide and 4ft tall is the recommended for an adult veiled? I own a panther though, so let someone who knows a bit more on veileds comment before you take my word!

Goodluck!

 

[Pacman75]

Thank you for the tips.

Well I still cant get them to eat anything. I'm really looking for Help. I mist the cage a few times a day. I have a salad and fruit mix in a cup in the cage. I have the temps set to about 86 with nothing on at night. My only other thought is could the Crickets be to large ?

 

[Graves923]

As long as the crickets are no longer than the width between the chameleons eyes, they wont be a problem. Some chams can get picky when fed too many superworms. I would try to cup feed with a few free ranged crickets. the chameleons will get hungry enough and eventually eat. Are you gutloading the feeders and supplementing at each feeding?

In case you haven't already check this link out: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
The resource page here on the forums is great for new keepers. Sounds like you are on the right path doing your research!