CHIMP
Established Member
I have made my first attempt at breeding veild chameleons. I keep them in separate cages 24"x24"x36" screened. Both with zoomed lighting basking lamp and UVB bulbs. UVB bulbs where replaced last week and no signs of MBD in either one (bulbs are replace every 6 months sense I have failed at this before). I figured after reading an artical about them laying eggs 20-30 days after, I would go ahead and replace the females bottom completely with a natural sand/soil mix for her to lay in about 10" deep. Normally I just keep a potted hibiscus or pothos in with her (I change them out regularly). I do this to give he a place to lay infertile eggs. 4 days ago she stopped eating and drinking. Eating fine, I read that that is common, but water scared me. keep in mind I have had these for 2 years now and the male is still his normal self. I actually have 3 vields and a panther. None of the others are exhibiting any untypical behavior.
So here is what I noticed over those four days.
Day one she looked normal and still ate, but when the monsoon mister kicked on, she just sat in it and did not even try to drink. I did not put to much weight into it being she just might have drank earlier, and may not be thirsty. I do have drips systems set up as well, but usually she drinks from the branches when the mister goes off. So this is not normal behavior for her.
2nd day I noticed her eyes where a little sunk in from dehydration and she started pooping white. This concerned me a lot. Now I know for sure she is not drinking but I also know dehydration can funnel out of control very fast, and want to take action as fast a I can without overreacting. I watched and started increasing the misting. I usually have the monsoon set to 3 to 4 times a day at 45 sec. I increased to 5 times a day for 60 sec. This might be overdoing it, Idk!
Day 3, She looked ready bad so I gave he a 30 min shower (she did not drink) and started to force feed her the water. I did however take note of the first hole she dug for her eggs (empty). I continued to do forced drinking sessions through out the day and even today ( she does look better but still wont drink on her own).
Today we called a local vet but we have no reptile vets within a 3 hour drive from us (we live in no mans land or if you prefer B.F.E.). The vet said what I did was good, but there is nothing they can do for us. They did recommend increasing misting and continue forcing the water in her. They also recommended putting something around the enclosure (like a tarp) to reduce escaped humidity and said she needs it even more because of the egg laying process, I am skeptical with this since it reduces air flow.
I know dehydration is a common killer for them but its usually not the root of the problem something else caused it to start weather it be stress, illness, disease, or not enough of a water source. sense I do not think the amount of water is the problem, heck it might even be too much now. Anyway, I am wondering if it could be stress due to breeding, changing he cage media, or something else altogether. I tried to give as much info as I can think of. if anyone else has had a similar situation or know what might be the cause. I need help!
P.S. She has not laid the eggs yet. And I am starting to get concerns about possibly being egg bound soon. I could just be nervous. I have killed one in the past this way, but she has plenty of area to lay and does not seam overly boated yet! Her belly is fat and if you feel her you can feel the eggs but they are not exactly visible. I also took note that only about a 12"x12" area is moist from misting. The rest is somewhat dry. Maybe has something to do with he not liking her egg laying options? well, That is before I increased the misting.
So here is what I noticed over those four days.
Day one she looked normal and still ate, but when the monsoon mister kicked on, she just sat in it and did not even try to drink. I did not put to much weight into it being she just might have drank earlier, and may not be thirsty. I do have drips systems set up as well, but usually she drinks from the branches when the mister goes off. So this is not normal behavior for her.
2nd day I noticed her eyes where a little sunk in from dehydration and she started pooping white. This concerned me a lot. Now I know for sure she is not drinking but I also know dehydration can funnel out of control very fast, and want to take action as fast a I can without overreacting. I watched and started increasing the misting. I usually have the monsoon set to 3 to 4 times a day at 45 sec. I increased to 5 times a day for 60 sec. This might be overdoing it, Idk!
Day 3, She looked ready bad so I gave he a 30 min shower (she did not drink) and started to force feed her the water. I did however take note of the first hole she dug for her eggs (empty). I continued to do forced drinking sessions through out the day and even today ( she does look better but still wont drink on her own).
Today we called a local vet but we have no reptile vets within a 3 hour drive from us (we live in no mans land or if you prefer B.F.E.). The vet said what I did was good, but there is nothing they can do for us. They did recommend increasing misting and continue forcing the water in her. They also recommended putting something around the enclosure (like a tarp) to reduce escaped humidity and said she needs it even more because of the egg laying process, I am skeptical with this since it reduces air flow.
I know dehydration is a common killer for them but its usually not the root of the problem something else caused it to start weather it be stress, illness, disease, or not enough of a water source. sense I do not think the amount of water is the problem, heck it might even be too much now. Anyway, I am wondering if it could be stress due to breeding, changing he cage media, or something else altogether. I tried to give as much info as I can think of. if anyone else has had a similar situation or know what might be the cause. I need help!
P.S. She has not laid the eggs yet. And I am starting to get concerns about possibly being egg bound soon. I could just be nervous. I have killed one in the past this way, but she has plenty of area to lay and does not seam overly boated yet! Her belly is fat and if you feel her you can feel the eggs but they are not exactly visible. I also took note that only about a 12"x12" area is moist from misting. The rest is somewhat dry. Maybe has something to do with he not liking her egg laying options? well, That is before I increased the misting.
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