I need help I’m new to being a Cham mommy

[Nancykisling2]

I think my Cham is sick

 

[Beppo]

I think my Cham is sick

Hi and welcome to the forums. Im sorry you are worried your chameleon is sick, but you’ve come to the right place. If you can fill out the form I am pasting below by coping it and then repasting it here with your answers, it will help some experienced keepers help you better. Also please include pictures of your chameleon and the enclosure top to bottom, including the lights. Also pictures of the supplements you are using.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

@elizaann2 @Beman @MissSkittles

 

[Nancykisling2]

I have a veiled chameleon I just got him or her about a week ago but I noticed she keeps opening her mouth as if maybe she is having trouble breathing I’m not sure I have never had a chameleon before another thing is she is not eating her crickets I switched her enclosure because the person who gave her to me in an all glass cage so I switched her to a screen combo I’m not sure what wattage the light is but it is a blue day light

 

[Beppo]

I have a veiled chameleon I just got him or her about a week ago but I noticed she keeps opening her mouth as if maybe she is having trouble breathing I’m not sure I have never had a chameleon before another thing is she is not eating her crickets I switched her enclosure because the person who gave her to me in an all glass cage so I switched her to a screen combo I’m not sure what wattage the light is but it is a blue day light

it could be a lot of things. That’s why filling out the husbandry form is the best way to help others help you. It gives them information they need to possibly be able to tell you what’s wrong. . I will say I would suggest getting a regular house light bulb to use and replacing the blue bulb with that.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi and welcome. From just the little information you’ve given and the pic, I’ll say your sweet little one has a respiratory infection and you need to get him/her in to see a vet immediately. Poor baby doesn’t look good at all and the sooner treatment is started, the better his/her chances are to get better. If you need help finding a vet near you, we may be able to help but will need to know what city/state you’re in.
I do see several things that raise my concerns for your husbandry and we’d love to help you get everything as perfect as possible for your little green bean. If you provide some clear pics of the heels of the back feet, we can also tell if you have a boy or girl. So, make the soonest vet appointment possible - do tell them baby is having trouble breathing so they’ll know it can’t wait. Take care of baby’s urgent need and when you have time, answer the following questions and include pics of the entire enclosure and we can get started on making everything as perfect as possible for your sweet little one.
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?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Beman]

Hi there can you describe the behavior more? Is the cham holding the mouth open? Is it sleeping during the day?
Can you post a picture of the entire enclosure including the lighting on top?

There could be many things going on. The reason for my questions though is that if this is a respiratory infection you will need a good reptile vet asap for medication. Then we would be able to cover all aspects of husbandry to help recovery.