Crooked Crest

[Kipka]

I purchased a baby veiled chameleon from a reptile store on the 22nd.

When I got him, I noticed that his crest was a little crooked. He is healthly looking, chubby and what not. His color is always great, he is active and drinks/eats.

Is it possible that this is simply something he will always have or is there an issue with him?

 

[BeBoSON]

Can you post a pic?

 

[snipeusa14]

I have my vieled and he's exactly the same! Crooked crest, amazingly healthy and amazing colors but, its that darn curve on his crest

 

[VeiledChams]

There are veileds that have a somewhat crooked casque. As long as he has had appropriate care, I would not worry about it. My adult veiled has a crooked casque but I have given him the best care I can give him. He is very healthy.
Could you please fill out the "How to ask for help" form in the Health Clinic forum. Copy and paste it and fill all the items as best as you can. We'll be better able to tell you how to properly care for your chameleon.

 

[millerman6401]

the veils on veiled chameleons can have diffrent shapes and sizes. what are u feeding it, what are its suppliments and the temps its at??

 

[Kipka]

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Veiled Chameleon, Male, 2 months old. Owned since 22nd Dec. 2011
Handling - Once a day for about 10 or so minutes
Feeding - Crickets fed with Orange Nutrient/H2O food. Medium, 4 per day. Covered in Calcium/Nutrient powder
Supplements - Generic brand calcium and nutrient powders
Watering - Spraying cage and drip system
Fecal Description -brown/white. normal stuff.
History - He's pretty young, so no history other than that he is very healthy

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Screen, 3x3x4
Lighting -UV light, and heating light
Temperature - Day temp: 80 Night temp: 75
Humidity - I'm not sure about the humidity. But I frequently spritz it and the heat lamp is always on.
Plants - Plastic vine. Some fresh lettuce.
Placement - By window. Up about three feet from the ground.
Location - Pacific Northwest

Problem: Crooked Crest

 

[DansDragons]

my males casque is slighty crooked as well.

 

[pssh]

Posting a picture would be best. It's hard to say if he's normal or not without a picture. A crooked casque could mean something is wrong.

 

[Kipka]

 

[carol5208]

is he only eating 4 crickets or is that all you offer? If that is all you are offering, then you are starving the little guy! Should also be gutloading your feeders better with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Does you calcium powder contain d3? What type of UVB light specifically are you using?

 

[Kipka]

is he only eating 4 crickets or is that all you offer? If that is all you are offering, then you are starving the little guy! Should also be gutloading your feeders better with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Does you calcium powder contain d3? What type of UVB light specifically are you using?

He gets medium crickets which are about as big as he can eat. Sometimes when five or so sneak in the tube, he will leave it until very very late that night or even until the morning.

The calcium was given to me from the breeder, so I'm not sure what is in it. I also am not sure about the UVB light. It is just a pretty basic light. The same as what the breeder used for all of his.

 

[carol5208]

well, that just seems like a very small amount, but if that is all he will eat then....at that age most feed the small crickets in the range of 20-25. As far as the light and supplements, I will trust that the breeder knows what they are doing! I have seen too often the pet stores selling the incorrect lighting to new owners as well as the wrong supplements. If you are confident that this person knows what they are doing, then keep what you have. also, be careful leaving feeders in the cage at night, especially if they are of decent size as they may bite your chameleon as he sleeps.

 

[Kipka]

well, that just seems like a very small amount, but if that is all he will eat then....at that age most feed the small crickets in the range of 20-25. As far as the light and supplements, I will trust that the breeder knows what they are doing! I have seen too often the pet stores selling the incorrect lighting to new owners as well as the wrong supplements. If you are confident that this person knows what they are doing, then keep what you have. also, be careful leaving feeders in the cage at night, especially if they are of decent size as they may bite your chameleon as he sleeps.

I will definitely think about removing the crickets if he hasn't finished them. And maybe try to get him to eat a few more. The breeders have so many beautiful adults that there is no way I could not trust them.

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely start trying to feed the crickets a little better.

 

[carol5208]

hey no problem, just looking out for you and your chameleon!!! Good luck with the little fella!

 

[pssh]

What's up with that guy's nose? It looks like he has a lump.