how does this guy look to you?

[Erica1884]

Hello, I am a super paranoid, first time Chameleon owner.... Was just wondering if you all can give me some input on the appearance of Rico. He is eating fine and as active as can be expected. He is really into coming out of his cage 18x18x36 Reptibreeze and will come to the cage typically when he wants to come out. Temps, humidity, everything is fine, live plants, proper lighting, drip system with multiple daily misting... My only concern lately is that he is eating the leaves on the pothos plant but I hear that this behavior is not super uncommon. I also realized that he always has black stripes in the turrets of his eyes. It was not that way when I bought him but changed probably a week or so after having him. They are always there and his body is typically doesn't have black coloring. Any thoughts? Please any comments on his appearance would be helpful, maybe put my mind at ease. He is about 9months old. thanks!

 

[Jordan S]

He seems fine to me. Usually Chams will eat from plants in their enclosure for extra hydration . The black stripes in his eyes are completely normal, my male had them too. Can you give a shot of the back feet?
Here's my male having the black stripes.

 

[Erica1884]

Great. Thank you. I just wanted to be sure. Yours looks great! This is the best foot pic I can get right now. I have heard mixed things about whether Rico is a boy or a girl. Lol . I think he has spurs but could be wrong. Assuming that's why you asked about a picture lol

 

[Jordan S]

Yes he is a boy! He looks healthy to me. Good luck taking care of your chameleon

 

[Erica1884]

Thanks! People usually can't tell by look at pics of him. People at Petco are like "it's a girl.... Or wait it looks like a boy in this pic... No wait... Its a girl" lol. Was thinking it was a boy because of his feet. I really lucked out for a first cham. He is super social and enjoys free ranging and initiates being handled. Love him!

 

[Jordan S]

That's great haha! Mine isn't that much of a one that likes to be handled. How old is your Cham?

 

[Erica1884]

That's great haha! Mine isn't that much of a one that likes to be handled. How old is your Cham?

He is about 9 or 10 months.

 

[Jordan S]

Well it's for sure he's a male since females lay eggs at 6 months . I get why most people were confused because his casque is small and he's really green which most of the time says female. Well you're lucky to have a lovable chameleon for your first one! Mine is my first one and well we have a lot of work to do together . Good luck with your Cham! He'll live to a happy life with you. Also, most people recommend to use cages that are 24x24x48 for males

 

[Pitcard]

He looks good, but his casque looks pretty underdeveloped. It's possible he didn't get proper nutrition and/or lighting when he was a baby. With that in mind, I would suggest being very vigilant with the amount of UVB he gets and also that he gets plenty of calcium and vitamins.

He does sound like a lovely cham, not many people are lucky enough to get a friendly male veiled right out of the gate! Wish you two all the best

 

[alphakenc]

People at Petco are like "it's a girl.... Or wait it looks like a boy in this pic... No wait... Its a girl" lol.

Dont listen to the petco,"SOMETIMES"they have no ideas with the bathroom law,u can ask them next time to use their restroom,and I bet u they only have one restroom for boy/girl/transgender.

 

[LindsayG]

Dont listen to the petco,"SOMETIMES"they have no ideas with the bathroom law,u can ask them next time to use their restroom,and I bet u they only have one restroom for boy/girl/transgender.

What do bathroom laws and transgender bathrooms have to do with anything??

 

[alphakenc]

The bathroom law will identify the sex gender correctly so they can be sure to go in the right direction.

 

[alphakenc]

And if I am a woman,I dont think I will be comfortable to have a man walking in the same bathroom using the same toilet,not to mention he will forget to flush the toilet n put the seat down for the ladies after.

 

[LindsayG]

And if I am a woman,I dont think I will be comfortable to have a man walking in the same bathroom using the same toilet,not to mention he will forget to flush the toilet n put the seat down for the ladies after.

This has absolutely nothing to do with chameleons and really shouldn't be discussed on this forum. This is a serious real life debate and you have no idea what people are dealing with in their personal lives right now. There could be many transgender people on this forum and your statements could be very hurtful to them.

 

[alphakenc]

Wow slow ur role,I personally have lots transgender friend,and if u did not understand what I meant by the "bathroom law" i will not answer u any longer!!

 

[LindsayG]

Wow slow ur role,I personally have lots transgender friend,and if u did not understand what I meant by the "bathroom law" i will not answer u any longer!!

I just don't think that the whole thing should be brought up in the first place. That's all. It wasn't an attack on you. I just don't think it has anything to do with chams and that's my opinion. Why bring up trans bathrooms?

 

[alphakenc]

One bathroom means for everyone use in one room,since America loves drama,Alphakenc I will vote for 3bathrooms which are man....lady....and transgender .

 

[LindsayG]

Again, I don't see what this has to do with chameleons. Aren't we supposed to keep politics out of all of this? Why are you discussing what your votes are for?

 

[alphakenc]

"Alphakenc is picking up a nice kind heart woman right now outside of the petco,please leave a message. After the beep"