Is my chameleon healthy?!

[CrazyCalvin]

Hi guys,

This may sound a little strange but hoping you can all help me and put my mind at rest if need be. I've been reading the threads this morning on MBD and getting increasingly concerned about my chameleon as he's getting bigger and the more i look at his front legs the more i think he may have it I'm doing everything i should be doing, i.e he has a UV bulb, supplements on his food and gut loading etc. I did read on here that if the UV bulb is in a plastic cover this can affect the UV rays, is this true and if so could this be the cause??

I've attached some pictures so you can clarify whether he looks healthy or not, i also have some pics in my thread i posted called 'Calvin'

https://www.chameleonforums.com/calvin-56557/

Thanks everyone

 

[Julirs]

He does not appear to have MBD-but if you do have a plastic cover over your UVB bulb you DO need to remove it. UVB does not pass through glass or plastic.

 

[Damus]

Hi guys,
I did read on here that if the UV bulb is in a plastic cover this can affect the UV rays, is this true and if so could this be the cause??
Thanks everyone

im not the smartest when it comes to this, but i do kno that a plastic cover will block some if not most of the rays. you should post a picture of your lighting fixture to clarify, and others will be able to give you a better answer. Thanks!

 

[Dave Weldon]

Howdy Hayley,

Also, be sure to post the manufacturer and model info of your UVB source. There could be issues other than just removing the plastic lens to get safe and effective amounts of UVB from it .

 

[CrazyCalvin]

Thanks for replying guys, ill take it out of the plastic cover asap I wasn't aware that affected it, but how do u guys attach the bulb to the top of the vivarium?

I use the one u recommend on here, the repti sun, can't remember what its called but I know its the one you all say is the best

 

[Hardwyre]

I hang my light from the ceiling, got a plant mounting kit (chain, screws, drywall mounts etc.) from Wal-mart for like, 3 bucks.

I know the guy from the Veiledchameleon.com even hangs his pothos from the ceiling...

 

[Maurer3D]

Also how old is the UVB bulb? They need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.

 

[Dave Weldon]

...ill take it out of the plastic cover asap ...

Howdy Hayley,

Just to confirm what you were suggested to do:

Remove the clear plastic "window" cover (not the entire plastic fixture housing ) that is in-between your Reptisun 5.0 linear tube's surface and your chameleon. Don't hesitate to post photos of your fixture, before and after removing the clear plastic window from the fixture.

 

[Chuck G]

He looks good to me. Remember, get him outside for some real sunshine also.

 

[CrazyCalvin]

thanks for your help guys, at the moment my uv light is attached with two plastic loops/cable ties and im worried if i take the plastic cover off the heat will melt these ties?
Also the bulb is only 4 months old, only had him since christmas.

Un fortunately he wont be going outside as i live in a new flat, but moving him into a bigger enclosure this week so hoping it all goes smoothly.

Thanks everyone