Hello everyone! I'm new! :D

[Sozer]

Hello everyone! I became a member of the chameleon scene when my girlfriend finally listened to me when I said I wanted a chameleon... hahaha.

This is an unsexed veiled chameleon. The little 'guy' is about 4.5-5.5in long in total nose to end-tail length. I believe 'he' is considered a juvenile.

Anyway, I keep mostly tarantulas. And as my first reptile i would like to get a feel for what the successful chameleon keepers do to best accommodate their chameleons.

As for my Ts i found a good book and a forum to dig in and read. So i found a book on chameleons a while back.. and now that i have a little guy this is my forum choice ....

My qustions:

Do you think this enclosure for him is adequate?

Link to full-size

The water dish is just a catch for my drip. Drip lands right on the leaf and then slides off the leaf into the dish. Watching him drink is to so funny!

I've been thinking about a more efficient way to give him a drip. I dislike the fact that i have to empty his dish every time his drip fills it up. Its the most repetitive part by far.
Any ideas or other techniques anyone recommend?




I love timing the picture with when he looks directly at the camera. the shiny eye is so beautiful.

Link to full size




...
the concerns...
...

Is this weird? Often times when i walk in the room i find him at the bottom of his enclosure digging at the dirt against the wall. And because of misting and the drip dish leaking the eco-earth on the bottom is damp and moist. What does that typically indicate?
lol as you kinda can see. His little hands and feet are all dirty cause of his digging. (he's sometimes headed in the direction of the light when he digs)

Another thing i kinda had a question about is the lamp i'm using. I bought that at walmart. -.- It said UV so i thought it was what he needed. Can someone verify this? Cause in this book i've been reading they recommend having 2 lamps. One for day(UV), and one for night(heat). Other sources say that the chameleon will lead a more healthy lifestyle if it senses distinct differences in the day and night temperature. And after reading the first new post after i signed up someone was asking just that question.


Also when i feed him. I take a cricket and put it in a very small pinkie vial w/ one piece of cricket food (flukers) and make sure the cricket eats a little. Then i sprinkle some rept-o-cal (calcium for reptiles) over the cricket and shake the vial. (so the reptocal isn't thick and undigestable) After a bit of the reptocal sticks to the appendages of the cricket i let the chameleon eat it. Anyone else go to lengths to make sure their pet gets the nutrients they need? And if so what methods do you use? or what products?


thx for any help anyone provides

edit1: none of these are really important questions. my chameleon named Riak thrives at 80-84 degrees... reletive humidity ~60%... Although saying it like that may sound like i'm on top of things. I'm always looking for ways to improve his life...


_________________________________________

 

[Syn]

Please do some more research, chameleons are arboreal and need tall, screen cages. They also need UVB, and UVB does not go through plastic.. many also suggest not using any substrate whatsoever.. there is a lot you will need to fix.

Please check out this blog:

http://www.raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

Is this weird? Often times when i walk in the room i find him at the bottom of his enclosure digging at the dirt against the wall. And because of misting and the drip dish leaking the eco-earth on the bottom is damp and moist. What does that typically indicate?

This indicates stress, that they do not have enough room to move, and are suffering from barrier confusion.

Another thing i kinda had a question about is the lamp i'm using. I bought that at walmart. -.- It said UV so i thought it was what he needed. Can someone verify this?

If you had done your research, you would know that the suggested light is a Reptisun 5.0 linear bulb.

Anyone else go to lengths to make sure their pet gets the nutrients they need? And if so what methods do you use? or what products?

Yes, and please click on the link I provided above, it tells you what supplements you should use..

edit1: none of these are really important questions.

Are you sure about that? They are all VERY important, and I am glad you asked so you wouldn't have killed your chameleon keeping it in the conditions you are now.


_________________________________________

 

[pssh]

He needs a bigger enclosure ASAP and he needs a heat lamp and a reptisun 5.0 linear tube UVB light ASAP as well. Get rid of the dirt for now. We can sex him if you take a pick of the back of his hind feet, males have little bumps there.

Please fill this out:



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 to 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?

 

[Vegas Chad]

Like Syn said, give that blog a good read. You are defiantly going to need some upgrading for your guy as soon as possible. Its hard to tell because I cant see the back of its back feet too well but it looks maybe male. Watch some of the videos here for a crash course in chameleon care.

www.youtube.com/tikitikireptiles

 

[Vegas Chad]

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 to 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?

HAHA, most of that info is not valid in the lease bit as can be seen in the images... My best advice; read the blog, watch the videos, nose around here a bit and start over with your set up. This time, with your new found knowledge it will be done the correct way. Hands in... GO TEAM!

 

[joopasaur]

I see no back foot spurs so I believe that your little veiled is a girl.

And please do more research on her.

tall screen cage:

I use the ones from

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...riums-reptarium-accessories-and-explorariums/

 

[pssh]

It was more for food, watering, temps, the like. Not so much the cage...

 

[Sozer]

I don't mean to seem immediately defensive at these first comments... but jesus!

Everything i've done for this little guy is based off of something i've read. I didn't just throw him into a kritter keeper with a vine. some say pet store employees don't know anything... but the guy i talked to about chameleons talked like he knew what he was talking about and even there at the pet store and in the book they kept and showed chameleons being kept in glass enclosures just like this one.

 

[Sozer]

most of this information was included in the original post.

* Your Chameleon - metioned
* Handling - picture
* Feeding - reptocal and frukers
* Supplements - reptocal
* Watering - bottled watter and a deli-cup drip
* Fecal Description - no inconsistency noticed
* History - he came from a pet store and had been there for a few weeks in a near identical terrerium

 

[pssh]

I don't mean to seem immediately defensive at these first comments... but jesus!

Everything i've done for this little guy is based off of something i've read. I didn't just throw him into a kritter keeper with a vine. some say pet store employees don't know anything... but the guy i talked to about chameleons talked like he knew what he was talking about and even there at the pet store and in the book they kept and showed chameleons being kept in glass enclosures just like this one.

Depending on where you live you may be able to keep him in a glass terrarium, but in most of the US veileds thrive best in screen enclosures. As already said, he is digging because of a lack of space. Chameleons are not easy animals and require a lot of care. While veileds are more hardy of the chameleons they are still fragile. You're going to have to step up your game fast if you want it to live/be healthy.

 

[jake01]

I don't mean to seem immediately defensive at these first comments... but jesus!

Everything i've done for this little guy is based off of something i've read. I didn't just throw him into a kritter keeper with a vine. some say pet store employees don't know anything... but the guy i talked to about chameleons talked like he knew what he was talking about and even there at the pet store and in the book they kept and showed chameleons being kept in glass enclosures just like this one.

10char

 

[Dave Weldon]

Howdy Sozer,

Any chance that you happen to live in Southern California ? If so then I have loaner enclosures etc. to get you pointed in the right direction tomorrow.

 

[Sozer]

Howdy Sozer,

Any chance that you happen to live in Southern California ? If so then I have loaner enclosures etc. to get you pointed in the right direction tomorrow.

lol. no, i dnot live in SC, i live a bit north in central west virginia. Thanks for the offer man


Because of my tarantula hobby i have many different types of tanks, enclosures and supplies.


Everything i've read points in the direction i went with her tank. People on this forum are the first people who has said anything against keeping it in a keeper like this. And no offence to any of you but this book was published. so the information in it has to be reliable... right? I mean if not then ok... but i need to level with you


to the forum:
my goal is to help this guy... please provide information without making me feel like i dont care.

 

[pssh]

Here's what you need to keep a veiled happy and healthy. In some ares of the world they can be kept in glass or wood terrariums, but not plastic bins. New babies can be kept in bins, but yours looks old enough for a cage.

Basic Checklist:

-Screen cage of appropriate size
-live plants that are non toxic and have covered organic fertilizer free soil
-a normal incandescent house bulb of appropriate wattage
-a dome to put the house bulb in
-a linear reptisun 5.0 and appropriate hood
-a digital thermometer or temp gun to check temperature
-a digital hygrometer to check humidity (you can buy a 2 in 1 thermometer/hygrometer)
-three supplements: calcium with d3, calcium without d3, and a multivitamin that contains no vit A (make sure all are phos free)
-a pump style spray bottle to spray chameleon
-a dripper of some sort
-drainage for the water so that the cage does not flood
-many horizontal, vertical, and diagonal branches/vines/perches make sure there are many at different levels under the basking branch so he can move around under them to get a certain temp, the closest one to the bulb (6-8 inches under it) should have the maximum temperature a baby veiled can handle (80-83 degrees)

All of this can be bought on lllreptile.com but it would be cheaper to buy the uvb hood, normal incandescent house bulb and dome, plants, and digital thermometer from home depot or lowes (unless you are getting a temp gun, then tempgun.com) Veiled chameleons can handle temps as low as 50 degrees (at night) so there is no need to use a night light, though I would try to keep it around 60 for a baby. If you do need extra heat, use a space heater or ceramic bulb.

 

[Sozer]

Here's what you need to keep a veiled happy and healthy. In some ares of the world they can be kept in glass or wood terrariums, but not plastic bins. New babies can be kept in bins, but yours looks old enough for a cage.

Basic Checklist:

-Screen cage of appropriate size
-live plants that are non toxic and have covered organic fertilizer free soil
-a normal incandescent house bulb of appropriate wattage
-a dome to put the house bulb in
-a linear reptisun 5.0 and appropriate hood
-a digital thermometer or temp gun to check temperature
-a digital hygrometer to check humidity (you can buy a 2 in 1 thermometer/hygrometer)
-three supplements: calcium with d3, calcium without d3, and a multivitamin that contains no vit A (make sure all are phos free)
-a pump style spray bottle to spray chameleon
-a dripper of some sort
-drainage for the water so that the cage does not flood
-many horizontal, vertical, and diagonal branches/vines/perches make sure there are many at different levels under the basking branch so he can move around under them to get a certain temp, the closest one to the bulb (6-8 inches under it) should have the maximum temperature a baby veiled can handle (80-83 degrees)

All of this can be bought on lllreptile.com but it would be cheaper to buy the uvb hood, normal incandescent house bulb and dome, plants, and digital thermometer from home depot or lowes (unless you are getting a temp gun, then tempgun.com) Veiled chameleons can handle temps as low as 50 degrees (at night) so there is no need to use a night light, though I would try to keep it around 60 for a baby. If you do need extra heat, use a space heater or ceramic bulb.

thank you for providing a list... lol I have a 10 gallon tank that i believe i am going to transfer her to. I also have an exo-terra

would that be best for her?


edit: lllreptile.com use paypal? they do not have any debit/credit acceptance information like typical online stores have...

 

[pssh]

What size is the exo terra? It should be okay as a temporary home until you get everything sorted. You will need a reptisun 5.0 linear tube UVB light and a normal light for a basking light right away though. You also want to try and get some live plants in there with her, though fake would be okay as a temporary thing.

 

[Syn]

An exo terra would be better than a 10 gallon. Exo terras have much more air flow and many people use them.

And no offence to any of you but this book was published. so the information in it has to be reliable... right? I mean if not then ok... but i need to level with you

Know what else is published? National Enquirer.

 

[SpinyFranky]

Sozer,

the problem is that what you started happens sooo often on this forum, that people have begun to lack patience and understanding. Its not your fault, mainly that of the hundreds who have come before you.


What you see in a pet store... well most of the time is atrocious. They keep chameleons in plexi glass enclosures with a water dish and feed them meal worms. All of that is improper husbandry.

Like you I wanted a chameleon before I knew what I was doing. I purchased a tiny little veiled, and he suffered because of my ignorance. Eventually he died and I will never let that down.

You are dealing with an exotic pet, that has more requirements than almost any other, it is your responsibility to make sure that you did all proper research BEFORE making the purchase. This is why many people on the forums are upset.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First things fist - the health of your chameleon.

Its good that he is drinking, and good for consistent poops. What color is the urate? orange or white?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next:

If you wish to properly keep this animal, you will need to make a lot of changes. If you are willing to do so, great - keep reading. If not, perhaps offering it for adoption on these forums would be a good idea. Please note that by owning an exotic pet you are incurring the expenses that follow. At the very least for each of my panthers, I have spent at the minimum 150-200 dollars to provide them with everything they need.

You will need to purchase and all screen cage for this chameleon. I recommend starting with a 24x24x48 and sectioning off the bottom so that it becomes 24x24x30-24x24x36.

You will need to purchase a basking bulb as well as a UVB bulb, which are separate things - DO NOT purchase a 2 in 1 bulb. Most are cheap and falsely advertised, others are very potent and require much more patience and knowledge than you probably have at the moment.

No offense, but I doubt you really want to go out and purchase a UVA and UVB meter to determine the proper alignment for the bulb in the enclosure so that it does not injure the animal. Just a guess here.

You will need a spray bottle.

You will need supplements.

You will need more fake vines and leaves - a lot more.

You should consider adding live plants to the enclosure.

Below is a check list I have made just for you. It is using HIGH QUALITY products that if cared for properly will most likely last longer than a chameleons life span. Minus bulbs and spray bottle. Because of this the price reflects - however It is everything you would need.

CHAMELEON CHECKLIST​

Infrared temperature gun
$25.00 each

$25.00

8 1/2" Aluminum Lamp Fixtures
$5.99 each

$5.99

Zoo Med 15" Repti Sun 5.0 UVB bulb
$17.99 each

$17.99

18" fluorescent hood fixture
$29.99 each

$29.99

Mini water dripper
$4.85 each

$4.85

RepCal ultra fine calcium with D3
$4.99 each

$4.99

Rep Cal Calcium WITHOUT D3
$4.99 each

$4.99

Sticky Tongue Minerall INDOOR formula
$5.59 each

$5.59

24 x 24 x 48 inch Aluminum Screen Cage
$79.00 each
Screen Cage Trim Color: Black

$79.00

Zoo Med 50 watt basking bulb
$6.19 each

$6.19

72 Inch tropical vine
$3.99 each

$7.98

Exo Terra Jungle Vine Small
$5.99 each

$11.98

Hand spray bottle
$2.99 each

$2.99
Checkout
Printable page for money order
Continue shopping
Subtotal $207.53
Tax TBD
Shipping $19.95
Total $227.48

This was taken 2 minutes ago from the lllreptile website - a costco of sorts for all things reptile. They will provide with the best pricing, usually one half or one third the cost of retail pet stores.

www.lllreptile.com

using these products properly:

maintaining proper temps and humidity
making a proper supplementation schedule for your chameleon
properly gut loading the feeders
replacing worn out bulbs

Will ensure that your chameleon has a long and healthy life. It will also mean a great deal of pleasure for you the keeper as well. A healthy chameleon will be very active - have a strong appetite - and amazing coloration.

In the end it is entirely up to you what you wish to do, but please - if you are not willing to spend the money on the animal, adopt it out to someone who will. I understand that you maybe did not consider the financial responsibility, however there is no need to make the animal suffer because of that.

Best of luck and please feel free to PM me with more questions - I promise to use my words kindly.... something which many forum members have a problem with.

 

[Sozer]

Sozer,

the problem is that what you started happens sooo often on this forum, that people have begun to lack patience and understanding. Its not your fault, mainly that of the hundreds who have come before you.


What you see in a pet store... well most of the time is atrocious. They keep chameleons in plexi glass enclosures with a water dish and feed them meal worms. All of that is improper husbandry.

Like you I wanted a chameleon before I knew what I was doing. I purchased a tiny little veiled, and he suffered because of my ignorance. Eventually he died and I will never let that down.

You are dealing with an exotic pet, that has more requirements than almost any other, it is your responsibility to make sure that you did all proper research BEFORE making the purchase. This is why many people on the forums are upset.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First things fist - the health of your chameleon.

Its good that he is drinking, and good for consistent poops. What color is the urate? orange or white?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next:

If you wish to properly keep this animal, you will need to make a lot of changes. If you are willing to do so, great - keep reading. If not, perhaps offering it for adoption on these forums would be a good idea. Please note that by owning an exotic pet you are incurring the expenses that follow. At the very least for each of my panthers, I have spent at the minimum 150-200 dollars to provide them with everything they need.

You will need to purchase and all screen cage for this chameleon. I recommend starting with a 24x24x48 and sectioning off the bottom so that it becomes 24x24x30-24x24x36.

You will need to purchase a basking bulb as well as a UVB bulb, which are separate things - DO NOT purchase a 2 in 1 bulb. Most are cheap and falsely advertised, others are very potent and require much more patience and knowledge than you probably have at the moment.

No offense, but I doubt you really want to go out and purchase a UVA and UVB meter to determine the proper alignment for the bulb in the enclosure so that it does not injure the animal. Just a guess here.

You will need a spray bottle.

You will need supplements.

You will need more fake vines and leaves - a lot more.

You should consider adding live plants to the enclosure.

Below is a check list I have made just for you. It is using HIGH QUALITY products that if cared for properly will most likely last longer than a chameleons life span. Minus bulbs and spray bottle. Because of this the price reflects - however It is everything you would need.

CHAMELEON CHECKLIST​

Infrared temperature gun
$25.00 each

$25.00

8 1/2" Aluminum Lamp Fixtures
$5.99 each

$5.99

Zoo Med 15" Repti Sun 5.0 UVB bulb
$17.99 each

$17.99

18" fluorescent hood fixture
$29.99 each

$29.99

Mini water dripper
$4.85 each

$4.85

RepCal ultra fine calcium with D3
$4.99 each

$4.99

Rep Cal Calcium WITHOUT D3
$4.99 each

$4.99

Sticky Tongue Minerall INDOOR formula
$5.59 each

$5.59

24 x 24 x 48 inch Aluminum Screen Cage
$79.00 each
Screen Cage Trim Color: Black

$79.00

Zoo Med 50 watt basking bulb
$6.19 each

$6.19

72 Inch tropical vine
$3.99 each

$7.98

Exo Terra Jungle Vine Small
$5.99 each

$11.98

Hand spray bottle
$2.99 each

$2.99
Checkout
Printable page for money order
Continue shopping
Subtotal $207.53
Tax TBD
Shipping $19.95
Total $227.48

This was taken 2 minutes ago from the lllreptile website - a costco of sorts for all things reptile. They will provide with the best pricing, usually one half or one third the cost of retail pet stores.

www.lllreptile.com

using these products properly:

maintaining proper temps and humidity
making a proper supplementation schedule for your chameleon
properly gut loading the feeders
replacing worn out bulbs

Will ensure that your chameleon has a long and healthy life. It will also mean a great deal of pleasure for you the keeper as well. A healthy chameleon will be very active - have a strong appetite - and amazing coloration.

In the end it is entirely up to you what you wish to do, but please - if you are not willing to spend the money on the animal, adopt it out to someone who will. I understand that you maybe did not consider the financial responsibility, however there is no need to make the animal suffer because of that.

Best of luck and please feel free to PM me with more questions - I promise to use my words kindly.... something which many forum members have a problem with.

Thank you very much for taking the time in explaining this to me. and you are right. The concept of an exotic pet is typically considered 'awesome' and lots of people buy on impulse-which i somewhat did. although, i have the capability to get the supplies i don't already have and still need. And i AM willing to spend the time, money, and effort on him as expected. I didn't dive in completely blind as some do....


ps. i nominate you a moderator

 

[pssh]

You can buy a lot of those things for cheaper at stores like home depot and lowes. It saves about 30-50 dollars depending on what you buy there and your local prices.