Chameleon at an animal shelter

[Trillian]

Hello my darlings! I've been gone a while, but all is good.

I've started volunteering at a local animal shelter, and a male panther was brought in recently. They're doing a good job, considering they have no experience with anything but cats and dogs.

I'm going back on Tuesday but would love some help to fix this gorgeous young man.

First up I'd like to get him more cover and perches, plus a drip system. I'm considering donating a misting system. His time at the shelter is likely to be limited, though we don't know if it's weeks or months.

I was with him about 10 minutes, during which time he stayed dark, but was alert and moving well.

What do you think?

 

[Carlton]

Hello my darlings! I've been gone a while, but all is good.

I've started volunteering at a local animal shelter, and a male panther was brought in recently. They're doing a good job, considering they have no experience with anything but cats and dogs.

I'm going back on Tuesday but would love some help to fix this gorgeous young man.

First up I'd like to get him more cover and perches, plus a drip system. I'm considering donating a misting system. His time at the shelter is likely to be limited, though we don't know if it's weeks or months.

I was with him about 10 minutes, during which time he stayed dark, but was alert and moving well.

What do you think?
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He is very thin and very dehydrated...basically depleted (no surprise). I'd get him a proper UV light and get him drinking as much as you can. Then offer softer bodied feeders too.

 

[Trillian]

He is very thin and very dehydrated...basically depleted (no surprise). I'd get him a proper UV light and get him drinking as much as you can. Then offer softer bodied feeders too.

Ooh that's a good plan, think they've just got CFL coils, but I can probably get him a proper tube and hood.

 

[Craigwyatt]

Eww. He looks like he's in severely bad shape. He needs some extreme TLC. Keep us updated with what happens to him.

 

[Trillian]

It may be possible for me to foster him at home, but it's a long shot at the moment.

I'm due to go in Mondays and Tuesdays, another reptile guy goes in Saturdays. The full time staff are wonderful and will do whatever needs to be done.

So the plan is:
Get him some proper UV
Get him a misting system
Tack up some shower curtain to bring up the humidity
More shelter
Soft feeders: silks, horns, waxs?

My baby Ivy is 3 1/2 and gorgeous, I've got her number, but I'd love some support nursing a recovering young man.

 

[MamatoElvis]

I would be happy to ship a cup of hornworms your way. They would be easy for the staff to keep and help with hydration.

 

[Trillian]

That would be so wonderful, MamatoElvis! I order horns from time to time for my guys but don't have any to hand at the mo.

They have other reptiles in a similar state, only one needs urgent medical attention, the shelter has no reptile vet so I've managed to talk mine into seeing the poor beardie at a reduced rate, which I'm happy to cover.

 

[MamatoElvis]

I tried to email you but the email address is no longer working. Pm me a name and address and I'll have them shipped on Monday.

 

[MamatoElvis]

You should try to get them to start a roach colony. It wouldn't help much with hydration but if they regularly get reptiles it's a pretty cost effective way to go.

 

[Trillian]

I don't think they do get reptiles very often, I'm so impressed with the staff that they've really stepped up. I've suggested roaches as a way to raise non-stinky feeders, though there are challenges to feeding fast nocturnal hiders that bouncy crickets don't have!

 

[ridgebax1]

I would add phoenix worms to his diet. He probably has not had the proper supplementation so they would be a good way to get him some calcium.

 

[Trillian]

Good plan, thank you!

I've just contacted Petco to see if they are able to donate equiment, food, or veterinary care. He was part of a large reptile seizure, so the shelter is struggling.

 

[Trillian]

Anyone else able to add anything? I'm worried about him being so dark, is that because he's cold or just because he's skinny and miserable? I didn't take my temp gun so didn't check him.

Space is limited in the room where they have the reptiles, do you think a CFL bulb would be okay for now or should I just get the proper Reptisun tube? Last time I was here we were discussing it and it sounded like the CFL bulbs were improving but tubes still had the edge.

He's got such potential, I really want to give him the best possible chance.

 

[MamatoElvis]

Is he in the room with many other animals or other reptiles? My guy freezes and leans far away when my dog walks by. My dog is totally oblivious, never even sniffed the shelves or cage. Maybe you could hang a barrier.

 

[Trillian]

All the reptiles are in one small room, but no other animals. The staff said he's generally fairly chilled out. Sometimes he gapes when he's being cleaned out, but not always. He seemed calm when I saw him. I don't think the room gets much traffic.

 

[chamfriend1]

if you're interested I have a couple vines and plastic pothos vines im not using.. both are 6', and also an 18" florescent fixture I can send.. I even have some medium Dubai's I can bag up for him too.. if you're needing calcium dust I can send some of that too... just shoot me an address and I can get them on their way come Monday...

 

[Trillian]

Aww! You guys are the best! Dubias would be great, I have some but they're all really small.

 

[Kayroxyoursox]

if you're interested I have a couple vines and plastic pothos vines im not using.. both are 6', and also an 18" florescent fixture I can send.. I even have some medium Dubai's I can bag up for him too.. if you're needing calcium dust I can send some of that too... just shoot me an address and I can get them on their way come Monday...

I'll take them .....

 

[Trillian]

I'll fight you for them? You'll probably win, but I'll try.

 

[Kayroxyoursox]

Well I don't have a poor sickly shelter chameleon so I will probably lose.