Chameleon Lifting Head When Sleeping

[CareBare]

Hey, I woke up today to my chameleon lifting his head in the air while he is sleeping. Weird thing is that I haven’t seen him do it as he is awake. When I wake him up he stands normally and walks around his cage normally. I do give him some light with UVB that came with the mesh cage and the same with the heat lamp. He has no lack of appetite and is drinking water, not too much water though. I told my girlfriend and she said it might be because he has shed on his sides and on his crown (the sharp part of his head). I can’t really help him take it off either because he gets mad when my hand even approaches the cage. He has a mesh cage, has a water dripper for when I am not home, prefers to drink droplets of water through spray bottle, and ate mealworms recently. Is it actually because of the shed or can he have a respiratory infection? How should I act?

 

[elizaann2]

I would worry about a respiratory infection. Lets review your husbandry and if you can get a video or picture of him doing this that would be helpful.

 

[elizaann2]

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with, and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long do you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high-traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem -

 

[MzLaurie]

Chameleons will hide illness till they are half dead. If he was asleep and resting his whole head on something in an upward position, that’s normal. But if he was not resting his head on anything and keeping it upward, then RI is a possible cause. They will also open the mouth a bit while resting. This is to get more air. RI don’t go away without medication. It just gets worse. Are his eyes molting? I have seen weird head posture and movements when the eyes molt and the vision is blocked. If that is the case, hold him with both hands and do a few quick sharp blows to each eye. Kind of like you would do to a person who has an eyelash in their eye. It will help dislodge the molt. iAlso if he starts rubbing his eyes on a branch, then you know that may be the culprit. Again try to remove it so it will quit bothering him. If the eyes aren’t the issue keep close eye on him for RI. Signs are holding head up, keeping mouth open, very lethargic, wheezing, mucus. You will know if he is hiding it. Give him privacy and peek to see how he acts without you around.