Cam th Chameleon
New Member
Not still water Glen. While we are squirting down the leaves, he comes up and puts his head up towards the squirt bottle and drinks as drops land on his head/mouth.
I'm worried about our Cam
- Thread starter Cam th Chameleon
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Cam th Chameleon
New Member
The photo with my son was before we put him in there. We have since gotten a larger shefalera that touches all the way to the top of his cage. Lots of foiiage and branches to climb. I will take a photo when i get home.
leedragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
good. this is what it should look like. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXVzQYzLx...kHUJDHu4E/s1600/Daedalus+in+Huge+DIY+Cage.jpg
Cam th Chameleon
New Member
Update, my wife got a UVB lamp. She turned it on. Also, pet store said to try giving him some chicken baby food, which he has eaten a few times. So far so goof. I will put the cage on a table. Will keep on posting updates. I'm so glad I found this site!!!
Cam th Chameleon
New Member
Holy $#it!!! That is a huge cage!!!
Cam th Chameleon
New Member
I will, Not home yet. Will post later tonight!
opheliaeatsbugs
Avid Member
I think @leedragon used that cage as an example of what the foliage/coverage should look like
This is a typical-sized cage 2'x2'x4' https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Rept...qid=1492029060&sr=8-1&keywords=reptibreeze+xl
I'm happy to hear that you will have a UVB - have you read this page on lighting? https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/lighting/
I went back and read this thread again...some/most of this may have been said already...
He should be having more food every day. The insects should be dusted just before feeding them to him at almost every feeding with a phosphorous-free calcium powder to help make up for the usually poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous found in most feeder insects. They should be dusted twice a month with a phosphorous-free calcium/D3 powder to ensure that he gets some D3 without overdosing it and leaving him to produce the rest of the D33 from his exposure to the UVB light. D3 from supplements can build up in the system and lead to health problems but D3 produced from exposure to the UVB light won't as long as the chameleon can move in and out of it may will. The insects should also be dusted twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene prOformed source of vitamin A. PrOformed sources won't build up in the system like prEformed will and this leaves it up to you to decide when/if he needs prEformed vitamin A.
It's important to feed/gutload the crickets and other insects well. I use a wide assortment of greens and veggies such as dandelion greens, kale, collards, squash, endive, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, sweet red pepper, etc and a bit of fruit such as berries, pear, melon, apple. These same things can be offered to him cut into appropriately sized pieces.
In addition to misting the way nursemaia said to I would add a dripoer.
You said the cage is 60F in parts of the cage...yet you mention turning off the lights because of it being too hot at times.if the cage is too cool it slows digestion and thus eating...so make sure the basking area is in the mid 80's F so he can be warm enough.
Hope he improves!
He should be having more food every day. The insects should be dusted just before feeding them to him at almost every feeding with a phosphorous-free calcium powder to help make up for the usually poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous found in most feeder insects. They should be dusted twice a month with a phosphorous-free calcium/D3 powder to ensure that he gets some D3 without overdosing it and leaving him to produce the rest of the D33 from his exposure to the UVB light. D3 from supplements can build up in the system and lead to health problems but D3 produced from exposure to the UVB light won't as long as the chameleon can move in and out of it may will. The insects should also be dusted twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene prOformed source of vitamin A. PrOformed sources won't build up in the system like prEformed will and this leaves it up to you to decide when/if he needs prEformed vitamin A.
It's important to feed/gutload the crickets and other insects well. I use a wide assortment of greens and veggies such as dandelion greens, kale, collards, squash, endive, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, sweet red pepper, etc and a bit of fruit such as berries, pear, melon, apple. These same things can be offered to him cut into appropriately sized pieces.
In addition to misting the way nursemaia said to I would add a dripoer.
You said the cage is 60F in parts of the cage...yet you mention turning off the lights because of it being too hot at times.if the cage is too cool it slows digestion and thus eating...so make sure the basking area is in the mid 80's F so he can be warm enough.
Hope he improves!
leedragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
yepp. plantwiseI think @leedragon used that cage as an example of what the foliage/coverage should look like
This is a typical-sized cage 2'x2'x4' https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Rept...qid=1492029060&sr=8-1&keywords=reptibreeze+xl
I'm happy to hear that you will have a UVB - have you read this page on lighting? https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/lighting/
Cam th Chameleon
New Member
Thanks everyone! As promised, here's photos of his cage. The first is a view from above. As you can see, we upgraded to a larger shefalera. Also added more real branches and a fake vine. The new plant covers almost the entire cage.
We have increased the watering. Didn't reduce the frequency of the misting, but have increased the length of time that we mist with the machine and by hand. This weekend, I plan to add a second misting hose to ensure complete coverage, and will plan on building cabinet/hutch to put the cage one so he is much higher. Also added a second lamp, looks just like the basking lamp, but we bought a UVB bulb for it.
My wife says he's eaten more of the chicken baby food today. We have added some veggies to the cricket house and will put some in his cage as well. Just no good place to put the veggies or fruit. What do ya'll do?
Also, I have a couple questions. What do ya'll do about the floor coverage? When we first got the cage, someone at a pet store told us to put down flooring. We didn't get the Repti carpet, or whatever the heck that one brand is. Instead, the pet store guy suggested the coconut husk product that comes in a brick and when wet down, it spreads to cover the entire floor of his cage. Should we keep the husks or get rid of it?
Second question, Someone mentioned removing the crickets that aren't eaten at the end of each day. Do we really need to do this? Please advise.
We have increased the watering. Didn't reduce the frequency of the misting, but have increased the length of time that we mist with the machine and by hand. This weekend, I plan to add a second misting hose to ensure complete coverage, and will plan on building cabinet/hutch to put the cage one so he is much higher. Also added a second lamp, looks just like the basking lamp, but we bought a UVB bulb for it.
My wife says he's eaten more of the chicken baby food today. We have added some veggies to the cricket house and will put some in his cage as well. Just no good place to put the veggies or fruit. What do ya'll do?
Also, I have a couple questions. What do ya'll do about the floor coverage? When we first got the cage, someone at a pet store told us to put down flooring. We didn't get the Repti carpet, or whatever the heck that one brand is. Instead, the pet store guy suggested the coconut husk product that comes in a brick and when wet down, it spreads to cover the entire floor of his cage. Should we keep the husks or get rid of it?
Second question, Someone mentioned removing the crickets that aren't eaten at the end of each day. Do we really need to do this? Please advise.
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opheliaeatsbugs
Avid Member
Thanks for the followup! The larger plant is much better. Once he is in a larger enclosure, you'll need more, but for now this is an improvement.
You'll find so many different options for feeder bowls here (maybe do a search here in the forums, I've seen some cool ones lately) hopefully a few will also reply with their solutions. Here is what works for me - I clip it to a vine or to a zip-tie tied to the wire screen https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N64KV1E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
along with my real plants, I recently purchased this and love it, btw https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TI8N42/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AR5F6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The crickets get released into the enclosure (Ophelia loves to hunt them - but I hate them haha) and I put the other feeders into the feeder bowl. I buy small dubia roaches and large BSFL's from https://dubiaroaches.com/ and after dusting the roaches, I put them into the feeder bowl. I don't dust the BSFL's. Crickets are also dusted before releasing them. The easiest way for me is to dust all the feeders with Repashy Calcium Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CI6K6H...2106187&sr=sr-1&keywords=repashy+calcium+plus
As for floor coverage - use nothing. Keep it bare and it is easier to clean, less bacteria and no chance of them picking something up that would cause an impaction.
Crickets will bite your reptile - so if there are too many left over and your chameleon goes to sleep, the crickets may bite him during the night (and could cause an infection) or if he is feeling under the weather. Have I mentioned I hate crickets lolol
I tolerate them because O likes to hunt them down. But they are not my staple diet for her. There are lots of different feeders and variety is important.
Keep working on your husbandry! You're doing great and while it may seem like a lot of work (because let's be honest, it is) but it is so rewarding It's a challenge to figure it all out! I hope he is feeling better soon. Try the BSFL's... O loves them
You'll find so many different options for feeder bowls here (maybe do a search here in the forums, I've seen some cool ones lately) hopefully a few will also reply with their solutions. Here is what works for me - I clip it to a vine or to a zip-tie tied to the wire screen https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N64KV1E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
along with my real plants, I recently purchased this and love it, btw https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TI8N42/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AR5F6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The crickets get released into the enclosure (Ophelia loves to hunt them - but I hate them haha) and I put the other feeders into the feeder bowl. I buy small dubia roaches and large BSFL's from https://dubiaroaches.com/ and after dusting the roaches, I put them into the feeder bowl. I don't dust the BSFL's. Crickets are also dusted before releasing them. The easiest way for me is to dust all the feeders with Repashy Calcium Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CI6K6H...2106187&sr=sr-1&keywords=repashy+calcium+plus
As for floor coverage - use nothing. Keep it bare and it is easier to clean, less bacteria and no chance of them picking something up that would cause an impaction.
Crickets will bite your reptile - so if there are too many left over and your chameleon goes to sleep, the crickets may bite him during the night (and could cause an infection) or if he is feeling under the weather. Have I mentioned I hate crickets lolol
I tolerate them because O likes to hunt them down. But they are not my staple diet for her. There are lots of different feeders and variety is important.
Keep working on your husbandry! You're doing great and while it may seem like a lot of work (because let's be honest, it is) but it is so rewarding
It's a challenge to figure it all out! I hope he is feeling better soon. Try the BSFL's... O loves them 
werecat
Established Member
It's great that you are taking steps to fix and improve your care. Please stop talking advice from the pet store. Unfortunately most pet stores don't understand how to properly care for chameleons and I suspect it's how you wound up in this situation in the first place. Everything you've said they advised has been wrong. The info on this forum is a much better source. Chicken baby food is not a good option even for building his strength back up. It is too high in protein and can lead to other problems. Try silkworms and Dubai roaches for protein, limited amounts of super worms and wax worms for fat, and horn worms for hydration. Caliworms (black soldier fly larvae) are high in calcium and turn into an awesome flying treat that's sure to capture his interest. Crickets are fine to continue as well, but the key is variety!
Look into Repashy Bug Burger or Cricket Crack as a great addition to your gutload. This along with variety of veggies and fruits will improve the nutrition of your feeders.
You might want to have him checked out by a vet since he's been living without uvb and proper supplementation for so long. The vet can help you determine a plan to bring him back to good health.
Again, good job seeking advice here and making the necessary changes. Keep researching. There's always more to learn and more to improve!
Look into Repashy Bug Burger or Cricket Crack as a great addition to your gutload. This along with variety of veggies and fruits will improve the nutrition of your feeders.
You might want to have him checked out by a vet since he's been living without uvb and proper supplementation for so long. The vet can help you determine a plan to bring him back to good health.
Again, good job seeking advice here and making the necessary changes. Keep researching. There's always more to learn and more to improve!
werecat
Established Member
Forgot to add:
If too many crickets are left in the enclosure at the end of the night, they may go looking for food and find your chameleon. I personally solve this by not feeding too many feeders at one time and leaving a small amount of food for the crickets at the bottom of the cage. This allowed the crickets to continue to be properly got loa they may go looking for food and find your chameleon. I personally solve this by not feeding too many feeders at one time and leaving a small amount of food for the crickets at the bottom of the cage. The hope is that they will eat the food and not bother your cham.
Regarding stuff on the bottom of the cage, most keepers don't put anything down because the amount of water that falls to the bottom will eventually saturate anything down there, creating a wonderful home for bacteria, mold, etc. you might want to research the topic of drainage on this forum. Chameleons need a lot of water and the only way to get adequate amounts usually necessitates a way to drain the cage of excess.
If too many crickets are left in the enclosure at the end of the night, they may go looking for food and find your chameleon. I personally solve this by not feeding too many feeders at one time and leaving a small amount of food for the crickets at the bottom of the cage. This allowed the crickets to continue to be properly got loa they may go looking for food and find your chameleon. I personally solve this by not feeding too many feeders at one time and leaving a small amount of food for the crickets at the bottom of the cage. The hope is that they will eat the food and not bother your cham.
Regarding stuff on the bottom of the cage, most keepers don't put anything down because the amount of water that falls to the bottom will eventually saturate anything down there, creating a wonderful home for bacteria, mold, etc. you might want to research the topic of drainage on this forum. Chameleons need a lot of water and the only way to get adequate amounts usually necessitates a way to drain the cage of excess.
opheliaeatsbugs
Avid Member
^^^^ yes, this.
Drainage has been a challenge for me. O is in my room and I have literally flooded my bay window twice. I was sure that we would float away before I figured it out.
Ya know what bugs me? I know no one asked haha (and it has nothing to do with this thread or the OP) but it bugs me when cham owners are told how much water their cham need and their response is... well, I can't water them that much because I get water on the carpet - or I can't water them that much because {insert all the excuses}. What if someone told YOU that giving you enough water was inconvenient for them and they just wouldn't do it? ... ok, rant over.
Cam th Chameleon
New Member
Cam Update! Hi all! Sorry for the delayed response, but I have been out of town and am actually in the beginning of another long stretch of travel during the week! First off, I want to give a huge thanks to all ya'll on this board and to my awesome wife, who has been so good with our Cam. My first thoughts were right! I am a bad chameleon owner! As you helped me figure out, I did not have the proper lighting, and was not watering Cam properly! That has been remedied! I told ya'll about all the changes we made. We raised his cage, bought a UVB light to supplement his basking light. We bought additional feeder supplements/gut load stuff. When I was on last, Cam was severely dehydrated and could barely hang onto a branch! He barely ate and definitely did not chase any crickets. The UVB light has helped and we have literally nursed him back to health. My wife has been handfeeding him crickets. He started with 3-4 crickets a day 10 days ago and as of this weekend was eating 10-12 crickets a day and even going after mealworms, by himself. His body and legs look healthy again and he is back to roaming his cage. He can now raise his entire body and his head up. My wife said he has gotten up on his hind legs a couple of times as well. Where he used to look like he was clinging onto a large branch for dear life, he hunkered down on a small sheffalera branch and looked so content when he went to sleep last night. We continue to pay close attention to our Cam. I wouldn't say he is back to 100%, but he is far better than he was 10 days ago and getting better. Thanks everybody for all your help and advise.
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jajeanpierre
Chameleon Enthusiast
"His body and legs look healthy again and he is back to roaming his cage. He can now raise his entire body and his head up. My wife said he has gotten up on his hind legs a couple of times as well. Where he used to look like he was clinging onto a large branch for dear life, he hunkered down on a small sheffalera branch and looked so content when he went to sleep last night."
@Cam th Chameleon Hugging branches is a symptom of early MBD. Your chameleon has a history of not enough UVB. I suggest you get him outside every day for some unfiltered sunlight.
@Cam th Chameleon Hugging branches is a symptom of early MBD. Your chameleon has a history of not enough UVB. I suggest you get him outside every day for some unfiltered sunlight.
Cam th Chameleon
New Member
Thank you! We will get him outside!
opheliaeatsbugs
Avid Member
Thanks for the update - I'm glad that you have followed the advice and you are seeing some improvement! It can sometimes be difficult to admit when you're wrong, so kudos to you for being honest and willing to do better for Cam
Please read (re-read) the care sheets a few times - honestly, I still refer to them. It's easy to slip back into a bad routine without even realizing it sometimes! Make sure as @jajeanpierre said, he gets some natural, unfiltered sun light. Has he had x-rays? a vet would be able to give you some liquid calcium, as well. But nothing beats real sunlight 
