Dark and dull coloration

[andre_24]

Hello everyone,
I’ve had my Cham for around 6 months now. She’s been doing really good, but recently (2 ish weeks ago) she started showing darker and dull colorations and I figured she’d shed, but she didn’t and stayed dark. She’s been eating, sleeping, and defecating well. I haven’t changed anything from her regular routine, does anyone know why she might be darker?

(The first 3 images are how she is now and the last one is how she was before)

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

I think that darker colors might mean she is gravid but I’m not 100% sure, do you have a lay bin for her?

 

[andre_24]

Yes, I have a lay bin for her in her enclosure though it’s half the size recommended (in width) and it only has play sand.

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

Make sure that it is moist enough that if you dig a tunnel it will not collapse

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

Also make sure there is a stick leading into it it so she can get down there easily

 

[andre_24]

does a plant leading down to it work too?

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

If you want more details about egg laying check out Neptune the chameleons video on egg laying

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

does a plant leading down to it work too?

I don’t think that will be enough

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

If she starts exploring her enclosure she is probably looking for a place to lay her eggs

 

[Ghostbirb]

Hello and welcome! Is she this color 100% of the time or just during the day like basking?

My girl sometimes has duller colors during the day when basking cause she’s soaking up the warmth

Missskittles blog on egg laying has a good section on what gravid colors may look like.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/veiled-chameleon-laying-101.2488/

 

[andre_24]

Hello and welcome! Is she this color 100% of the time or just during the day like basking?

My girl sometimes has duller colors during the day when basking cause she’s soaking up the warmth

Missskittles blog on egg laying has a good section on what gravid colors may look like.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/veiled-chameleon-laying-101.2488/
View attachment 352359

She’s been like this throughout the day, and she’s almost always basking. When I give her food she turns a greener color though.

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

They naturally turn a darker color while basking because they’re trying to absorb heat

 

[Ghostbirb]

She’s been like this throughout the day, and she’s almost always basking. When I give her food she turns a greener color though.

Sounds normal for basking colors

 

[Lindasjackson]

What are your basking temps and also the ambient temp half way down your cage?

 

[andre_24]

Sounds normal for basking colors

Thank you, that’s relieving.

 

[andre_24]

What are your basking temps and also the ambient temp half way down your cage?

Basking temp is around 78F and the ambient temp is 74F.
Is it too cold or is it alright?

 

[Ghostbirb]

Basking temp is around 78F and the ambient temp is 74F.
Is it too cold or is it alright?

That is perfect! You just want to make sure it doesn’t get over 80 degrees for our girls!
Do you have a temperature drop at night?

 

[andre_24]

That is perfect! You just want to make sure it doesn’t get over 80 degrees for our girls!
Do you have a temperature drop at night?

Yess, it usually drops to 72F

 

[Gingero]

Looks like normal, darker colors to me! I'm going to include some helpful videos for you




And here is the one mentioned about egg laying:

 

[TheMotherChameleon]

Thanks @Gingero!!