help needed

[lewboo2]

ok here we go, past 2 days ive noticed my cham sitting in his basking spot, mouth gaping, for extended periods of time.
So i think overheating, but basking temp is staying around 84f, ambients are around 68. One other thing ive noticed is he doesnt budge from his bask spot, i thought panthers were a little more active?
My chams 12 inches head to tip of tail ive had him for 3 weeks now. as far as set up and husbandry, hes in a 170 gallon, homemade, plastic paneled enclosure with a full mesh door and roof (live in uk)
UV lighting and heating via 160w mercury vapour bulb (all precautions taken), watered via dripper, and 2x heavy mistings daily, fed crix and wax worm treats gutloaded. Supplemented daily with calcium and 2x weekly with nutrobal. Live plants are hibiscus, pothos, ficus and umbrellas with vines all over for climbs. I cant figure why he always looks quite dark yet his eyes and fecal are to my knowledge healthy looking.
any help would be very much appreciated!
Lew

 

[George Yamen]

?

is his cage on floor/? is there a lota traffic near him pets,kids,noisy other?r your lights on timers for regularity r u misting?

 

[mczoo]

if you fill out the information in the sticky (thread above) more help can be given:

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage construction (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and type 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?
Location - 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?

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.
Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.

Pictures are helpful

good luck

sean

 

[lewboo2]

why fill in the questionaire? Not meaning to sound rude but ive just told you all that info in the first post didnt i? the only bit i missed out on is his enclosure is in my bedroom so only traffic from me and thats minor after work.
Can anyone else read my first post and help?
Thanks

 

[panthercham]

There is more info in the questionaire...the more info the better and the more we can help....humidity, how long you mist for etc

You have provided a lot of info but if there is something wrong then its better to be safe than sorry

Any pictures of your cham and enclosure? They are a great help.

 

[lewboo2]

didnt see your post then george to answer your questions:
his cage is on a 2ft+ tall tv stand the top of his enclosure is over head hight, no real traffic apart from me after work and so on, his light is on a timer (7.15 am on, 7.45 off) he gets misted 2 - 3 times a day and his dripper is on all day

 

[Julirs]

How accurate is your thermometer?

 

[lewboo2]

digi thermometer with remote probe, shows a 5 degree f diffence to my 'clock style' thermo.
Pics will be up in 15 mins, some of the setup and some of him got one of him gaping

 

[lewboo2]

here are the pics...

 

[lewboo2]

heres his enclosure also,
its 4ft x 2.5ft x 2ft
panel bottom, back and sides. screened door and top

 

[BocaJan]

I would turn off the basking light for awhile while you are home and see what happens. Mine sometimes sits too close to the bulb and the temps are much higher then where my thermometer is. Plus, she is too dumb to move when she gets hot.