Chameleon with missing piece in taill.

[preston83]

Sorry if there was any confusion on the title but i have a question, I found a breeder and i asked if he had and males left and he said he had two but they had a piece at the end of their tail missing.

Does this effect the cham in any way? Should I avoid purchasing the cham from this breeder?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SarahcoadunatioZac]

Sounds like retained shed is what took the tail, if only a tip is missing. Perhaps give the name of the breeder? Maybe someone can give a review of the service?

I don't think it would affect the chameleon too much but I could be wrong.

 

[carol5208]

I would find out the reason why. Both chams have their tails missing? I could see one, but both? Have you seen pics of them?. Can you post a pic???

 

[preston83]

I would find out the reason why. Both chams have their tails missing? I could see one, but both? Have you seen pics of them?. Can you post a pic???

he doesnt have pictures posted but ill be sure to ask

 

[GabeCastro]

If I were you i'd avoid the sale.

For one, Most likely a feeder insect decided to grub on the chameleons tail. Crickets are very known to do such a thing.

Also, if a breeder has a injured cham. i'd stay away from him. You don't know if the cham has an infection, parasites, etc.

Unless you're like many of the members on this forum who like to rescue chameleons it's up to you

But with an injury on a chameleons tail is crucial in my eyes.

Here's what my cham does with his tail

 

[carol5208]

he doesnt have pictures posted but ill be sure to ask

I am not saying to buy these chameleons, I am just saying I would atleast ask why both are missing the tail. I do tend to agree with Gabe. There are many breeders out there who have chameleons with no "defects" and you are probably better off starting with a chameleon that is 100%

 

[preston83]

If I were you i'd avoid the sale.

For one, Most likely a feeder insect decided to grub on the chameleons tail. Crickets are very known to do such a thing.

Also, if a breeder has a injured cham. i'd stay away from him. You don't know if the cham has an infection, parasites, etc.

Unless you're like many of the members on this forum who like to rescue chameleons it's up to you

But with an injury on a chameleons tail is crucial in my eyes.

Here's what my cham does with his tail

Its a shame, only breeder I could find located near me, I'm getting pictures tomorrow to see if they are severe or just a little nip. I'll be sure to post them tomorrow and get all of your opinions on it.
Gorgeous cham by the way, I had my female for a few months but didn't feel comfortable with her because of the eggs so I gave her to a good friend whos owned them for much longer then me.

 

[suzi]

I have sold a few chameleons discounted because the very tip of the chameleons tails were nipped from a clutch mate who thought that the tail was a worm. The damage was minimal and cosmetic only, you could barely tell, They are perfectly healthy and beautiful chameleons, so I wouldn't dismiss it without more detail and pictures

 

[Olimpia]

I have a panther who had the last third of his tail amputated and he does awesome, doesn't miss it at all.

Chameleons will loose bits of tail for various reasons, like being nipped by a sibling, getting caught on a door, falling and breaking the end, etc. but that doesn't mean they are ruined. I would definitely ask for pictures and an explanation of what happened, but if it's an old injury you know that he's probably fine.

Up to you though, it will depend on what feeling you get from the breeder and his animals.

 

[justjumpit621]

Depends on how the cham lost the end of the tail and it's condition. Chameleons can actually get around VERY well with tail injuries. This is my boy, 3/4 of his tail was amputated.

 

[Lovereps]

Like others have said, much depends on how the tail tip was lost.

Aside from trauma, one common reason is Vitamin A deficiency.
Here is an article by a veterinarian regarding this:

http://animal.discovery.com/guides/reptiles/iguanas/vitamina.html

 

[yeahbuddy661]

What are you guys doing to these chams? lol.