help with my new chameleon please

[marcemarc30]

Hi
I have bought a veiled chameleon on the 3 days ago, I belive I have set up the tank correctly, I have live and plastic plants with places to hide if needed, and also lots of vines to climb I have the correct temps and humidity, I even run the tank for over 2 weeks before buying him to make sure all temps and humidity levels were correct.

The problem is he is very dark in colour and is not eating great (but at least he eating) and doesn't move very often, is this just there way of settling to a new home??
Also he was just in the last stages of shedding when I got him and I know reptiles r not great feeder when in shed,

am basically just asking if this is normal behaviour for a chameleon being introduced to a new home/environment

He is a veiled and is 16 weeks old

Thanks for any help

 

[LilBlue]

Congrats on your new pet, you're gonna love him!

Chams will take a bit to settle in, usually about a week until they get in to your routine. That's great that he is eating, his appetite will increase when he is comfy(babies eat lots, remember to make sure food items are a suitable size, not bigger than the space between the eyes, and that there are not lots running around after he is full). Hydration is the most important thing when bringing home any chameleon.

Give him time, don't handle him at all. If he still isn't eating or drinking enough, fill out the "How to ask for help" sticky, it is in the health forum(I believe).

 

[marcemarc30]

ok great that's good to know. thanks

 

[Viv]

Can you tell us what plants you have and also what your watering schedule is?

Some plants can make chams ill and a dehydrated cham will often refuse to eat.

Is his/her cage in a low traffic area of the house and can he/she see any other pets you may have? You should try to bother your cham as little as possible (no handling unless necessary) for the first few days at least. Stress can also be another reason for chams not to eat.

 

[marcemarc30]

hi
I have 2 fiscus and a spider plant in I think zoo med plantation soil, only got fish but is about 12ft away, and no traffic noise, I mist the tank and water plants at 6 am and 5 pm and humidity don't drop below 50%, he seems to be more active when the house is empty cos he is in a different place everytime I have come home, am guessing he has eaten about 6 locust since I had him but I have aslo seen him drink once in the early morning.

thanks for help

 

[Kath44]

Hi and welcome to the forums. Congrats on your little guy.
You say tank does that mean like a fish tank? How big? Pics may help.
A glass tank isn't all that great for chams. Little if any ventilation and can get too hot and humid.
Here's the care sheet for keeping veileds.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
And jannbs blog.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

Kath.

 

[Viv]

hi
I have 2 fiscus and a spider plant in I think zoo med plantation soil, only got fish but is about 12ft away, and no traffic noise, I mist the tank and water plants at 6 am and 5 pm and humidity don't drop below 50%, he seems to be more active when the house is empty cos he is in a different place everytime I have come home, am guessing he has eaten about 6 locust since I had him but I have aslo seen him drink once in the early morning.

thanks for help

A dripper will help keep your cham hydrated. I love the Zoomed Big and Little Drippers but you can make one pretty easily at home by just poking a pin in the bottom of a (clean) plastic milk bottle.

When you mist - how long do you do it for?

Soil is an impaction risk for chams - I would recommend repotting your plants and using mesh or large river rocks to cover the soil so it can't be ingested by your cham.

Chameleons cannot hear very well, the low traffic is about sight. If you're walking past constantly it can stress the little one out.

What Kath says about glass tanks is very true as well - personally however I would say that as long as the tank is well ventilated, clean and you are managing to keep the humidity at an acceptable level (not too high) and a good temperature gradient inside the tank that it is not an issue for a young cham. But this is just my personal opinion from research - Kath is much more experienced than me.

 

[marcemarc30]

Thanks for ur reply.when I say tank he is in a brand new 60x60x90 exo terra tank. My humidity and temps are all correct according to ur care sheets. I forgot to mention he is able to see the tv but he is not in direct view of him. Would this be a problem? I have not got home yet so have not had a chance to check on him today so ill update this later. I am also considering moving him to a different room if his behaviour is still the same by the same by the weekend.

Thanks again for ur help

 

[Kath44]

Those are usually fine for young ones and do have the ventilation. You will need a bigger enclosure when he grows. At least 2ft x2ft x4ft tall.
As you only got him a few days ago, he is probably still adjusting to the move and his new home. Aslong as he is drinking and gas plenty of hiding places to feel secure, aswell as correct temps etc. he should be fine. Keep offering him food everyday, he will eat when he feels a bit better with his surroundings. Make sure they are a suitable size for him.
Kath.