Henry won't eat!

[KSG1113]

I've had my male veiled for over a year now and last week he stopped eating. His blue basking bulb went out and it was about 3 days before I could get a new one, but I would put him by the window for natural sunlight. He is acting normal and is still drinking and active, but will look at food like he's going to eat then just doesn't (I've also offered different kinds of food) I'm starting to really get worried and maybe there is something I'm overlooking so any help would be appreciated

 

[inkdguy35]

Is he shedding? When my guy is shedding his appetite is terrible. Also as I understand it as they get older they eat less often. (Going from twice a day eating to every other day eating for example)

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums and I'm sorry to hear that Henry has stopped eating. Please post some photos of him. You could try some different feeders but if he were mine I'd take him to the vet for a check up and take along some fresh poop for a fecal to see if he has parasites. Most of the time if chameleons have an illness they stop eating. Here's our care sheet for veileds: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

 

[KSG1113]

He has a small spot on his head where he's shedding and usually his appetite will slow down, but it has never come to a complete stop. Usually he's cranky when he's shedding and I can just put my hand in the cage and he will crawl on me.

 

[KSG1113]

I feel like that's the next step, I just don't have the money for that right now (I'm a struggling college kid) nor do I know a vet in my area who would be knowledgeable enough with chameleons. I tried an appetite enhancer, mostly to give him some nutrition, but that hasn't seemed to help. Sounds like I'll have to rake up some money for my little guy because I really do want him to get better.

Welcome to the forums and I'm sorry to hear that Henry has stopped eating. Please post some photos of him. You could try some different feeders but if he were mine I'd take him to the vet for a check up and take along some fresh poop for a fecal to see if he has parasites. Most of the time if chameleons have an illness they stop eating. Here's our care sheet for veileds: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

 

[jannb]

I feel like that's the next step, I just don't have the money for that right now (I'm a struggling college kid) nor do I know a vet in my area who would be knowledgeable enough with chameleons. I tried an appetite enhancer, mostly to give him some nutrition, but that hasn't seemed to help. Sounds like I'll have to rake up some money for my little guy because I really do want him to get better.

Where do you live? I might be able to recommend a vet with chameleon experience.

 

[KSG1113]

Where do you live? I might be able to recommend a vet with chameleon experience.

I go to school about an hour north of Houston, but right now I'm in the Fort Worth area.

 

[jannb]

There's a really good vet in Houston. http://www.gcvs.com/

I'll see if I can find one in the Ft. Worth.

 

[kelly_girl199]

I've had my male veiled for over a year now and last week he stopped eating. His blue basking bulb went out and it was about 3 days before I could get a new one, but I would put him by the window for natural sunlight. He is acting normal and is still drinking and active, but will look at food like he's going to eat then just doesn't (I've also offered different kinds of food) I'm starting to really get worried and maybe there is something I'm overlooking so any help would be appreciated

You do have a UVB bulb for him right?

 

[KSG1113]

You do have a UVB bulb for him right?

Yes, I replaced it yesterday because I read even if it hasn't gone out it could stop emitting the proper amount of UVB. I got him out a few minutes ago to give him Repta-Boost and he seemed more feisty than a few days ago. I'm not sure how long it takes for his system to get back to normal if lack of UVB was the issue though.

 

[kelly_girl199]

It will

Yes, I replaced it yesterday because I read even if it hasn't gone out it could stop emitting the proper amount of UVB. I got him out a few minutes ago to give him Repta-Boost and he seemed more feisty than a few days ago. I'm not sure how long it takes for his system to get back to normal if lack of UVB was the issue though.

probably take a few weeks to a few months. As long as he is drinking and starts eating again he will be fine.can you upload pictures of him?

 

[kelly_girl199]

Yes, I replaced it yesterday because I read even if it hasn't gone out it could stop emitting the proper amount of UVB. I got him out a few minutes ago to give him Repta-Boost and he seemed more feisty than a few days ago. I'm not sure how long it takes for his system to get back to normal if lack of UVB was the issue though.

Try taking several of him in good lighting.

 

[kelly_girl199]

What are his basking temps?

 

[KSG1113]

It will

probably take a few weeks to a few months. As long as he is drinking and starts eating again he will be fine.can you upload pictures of him?

 

[KSG1113]

Try taking several of him in good lighting.

 

[KSG1113]

What are his basking temps?

The thermometer is about 6-8 inches below where he sits to bask and I never let it get below 75 and try to keep it around 80-85. With the cooler Temps outside it's harder to accomplish right now so I add an extra heat lamp for several hours a day.

 

[kelly_girl199]

It's more be official to have one heat source that is AT LEAST 85. That will help boost his energy. His bones don't look very straight to me, but it could just be the camera. But if he is developing MBD it's going to take quite a bit for him to spring back. However, a new UVB bulb and warmer basking temp will be a great start to get him healthy and back to eating normally. If anything else I would get a poop sample and run that to a vet. They should be able to run the poop without charging for a vet visit. Call around a few places to get pricing.

 

[kelly_girl199]

You could also pick up a 100 watt ceramic heat emitter. Fits into a regular lamp, just put soft no light. You can use a regular 100 watt bulb for the colder months. Do you hand mist or use an automatic mister?

 

[kelly_girl199]

Another option is to get a heater fan to boost up the ambient temp of the room and in turn will up the basking spot as well. But, this will dry out the moisture in the room. I have one and I balance that with a humidifier.

 

[KSG1113]

You could also pick up a 100 watt ceramic heat emitter. Fits into a regular lamp, just put soft no light. You can use a regular 100 watt bulb for the colder months. Do you hand mist or use an automatic mister?

I hand mist several times a day. Right now he is in my bathroom (has been since beginning of November) so I run the heater and mist extra to keep up the humidity. I will look into MBD and the fecal sample, I appreciate all of your help!