JUST got a chameleon for xmas but..

[icekunai]

So I've wanted one for a long while. My fiance surprised me and got me a baby veiled chameleon. I panicked a little because I was really not prepared. I did as much research as I could to prepare a home for him. So, I just wanted everyone's help. I'll make a list of what I think is right, and you tell me if I'm wrong

- RH 60-75%
- day temp (ambient) 75degrees
- night temp 10-15 degrees cooler
- Mist the leaves 2-3 times a day for water
- 2 feedings of 5 crickets per day, one feeding with calcium.
- Some greens for eating, if he wants.

Right now he has clinged to the top of the cage for a day, and turned a dark color, like a greenish brown. I know that may mean he is stressed or trying to absorb sun, right?

He ate like, 2 crickets yesterday but not nearly the amount I researched for a baby veiled. I dont know how old he is....but he is about 4 inches long(with tailed curled up)

Any other advice would be great, thank you!

 

[laurie]

Hello, and congrats. I know you won't have all the info but if you fill out the attached form it will help us tell you what you need and keep me from asking you a million questions Just add your answers after the questions

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.

 

[TyggyToo]

Congrats on the new baby.

And as for the fiance....he's a keeper!

The how-to-ask-for-help is useful. If the cage is too big for the baby he may not be able to locate those crickets.

Dust all the crickets with Ca powder without extra vit D
twice a month instead of Ca with no D, use Ca with D3
twice a month instead of Ca use a multivitamin that will have Ca, D3, A, and all the other cool stuff.

Submitted for your approval,
Tyg

 

[icekunai]

Your Chameleon - Veiled, male, maybe 2-5 months old? He's been in my care for two days
Handling - Whenever I need to change the cage, or to get him natural sunlight, but I havent done either yet, cuz I just got him =]
Feeding - Crickets, 2 feedings 5 crickets per day. Gut-loading? I sprinkle calcium on one of the feedings.
Supplements - ReptoCal, for all reptiles, calcium and Vitamin D3
Watering - I spray the leaves 2-3 times a day for water, as well as putting an ice cube at the top of the cage so it drips.
Fecal Description - Light green mostly, then recently changed to a dark brown or green. I havent seen any droppings yet.
History - Nothing that I really know of.

Cage Info: My cage is 20L 10''w by 12''h.
Cage Type - Glass cage, screen on the top
Lighting - I use a basking bulb 75 watt, brand, all living things, UVA bulb
Temperature - Ambient is about 75degrees...Im not sure how to check for the basking spot, possibly 85 degrees? Lowest it goes is about 67. I measure the temp with a thermometer that has the temp as well as the humidity. I place it close to the light source.
Humidity - levels are 60-75% I have a humidifier for the cage on a timer.
Plants - Fake plants
Placement - In my room, eye level. Not near any traffic really. 5-6 feet is how high the cage is.
Location - Southern California


current problem - Is it ok for him to stay clinged to the top of the cage? Do chameleons move a lot? How do you check the temps for the basking spot? Shouldnt the bulb say how hot it gets? Should I have a bulb for night if it doesnt get below 65?

 

[suzi]

Hi, Merry Christmas and welcome to the forum nice present
One important thing you need to get is a UVB light, the reptisun 5.0 linear tube is highly recommended. it is made by zoo med. At the age of your chameleon he will likely be eating around 15 to 20 crickets a day. Gut loading is a term used which is feeding your crickets and other feeders a very nutritious diet so your chameleon will get the nutrients through the feeder when he eats it. Sandrachameleon has some great blogs on gut loading. When misting your chameleon it is beneficial to mist 3 times a day for at least 5 min at a time. Adding a dripper (either a store bought one or a cup with a hole poked at the bottom) with a slow drip onto leaves in the cage will provide plenty of opportunity for him to drink. There is tons of info on this site the supplementing schedule depends on what brand supplements you are using.

 

[suzi]

I see you have Repti Cal, as already mentioned you need the reptical without vit d for everyday and with vit d twice a month and a multi vit once or twice a month ( herptivite is one option)

 

[hinoco1225]

Your Chameleon - Veiled, male, maybe 2-5 months old? He's been in my care for two days
Handling - Whenever I need to change the cage, or to get him natural sunlight, but I havent done either yet, cuz I just got him =]
Feeding - Crickets, 2 feedings 5 crickets per day. Gut-loading? I sprinkle calcium on one of the feedings. Offer more like 10-15 in the morning, and maybe a few more in the afternoon if he's eaten them all. Veiled babies grow fast and need a LOT of food. Also, you need to gutload your crickets. Took me forever to find this, but here is a useful blog with basic gutloading info: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html
Supplements - ReptoCal, for all reptiles, calcium and Vitamin D3 You shouldn't use calcium with D3 every day (unless it is Repashy Calcium Plus, because it has a very small amount of D3). Too much D3 can build up in their systems and cause problems. Most keepers here dust crickets with plain calcium most days, calcium with D3 once every other week, and a multivitamin once or twice a month.
Watering - I spray the leaves 2-3 times a day for water, as well as putting an ice cube at the top of the cage so it drips.
Fecal Description - Light green mostly, then recently changed to a dark brown or green. I havent seen any droppings yet.
History - Nothing that I really know of.

Cage Info: My cage is 20L 10''w by 12''h. A glass aquarium is not suitable for a chameleon. They need the air circulation provided by screen cages or glass terrariums with top and bottom ventilation. They also need cages that are tall rather than long, since they are arboreal. Here are some examples of cages that are appropriate for chameleons: http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...ile-cages-and-vivariums/screen-reptile-cages/
Cage Type - Glass cage, screen on the top
Lighting - I use a basking bulb 75 watt, brand, all living things, UVA bulb Do you have a UVB bulb? That is absolutely essential for your chameleon's survival, since they need UVB rays in order to absorb calcium. You need a Reptisun or Repti Glo 5.0. Also, I would say a 75 Watt bulb is too strong for such a young cham, especially since he's in a glass tank.
Temperature - Ambient is about 75degrees...Im not sure how to check for the basking spot, possibly 85 degrees? Lowest it goes is about 67. I measure the temp with a thermometer that has the temp as well as the humidity. I place it close to the light source. You can get a thermometer with a probe so you can know the exact temp of the basking spot.
Humidity - levels are 60-75% I have a humidifier for the cage on a timer.
Plants - Fake plants Although fake foliage is ok, chams really prefer live plants. Pothos is a good option for a small chameleon enclosure.
Placement - In my room, eye level. Not near any traffic really. 5-6 feet is how high the cage is.
Location - Southern California


current problem - Is it ok for him to stay clinged to the top of the cage? Do chameleons move a lot? How do you check the temps for the basking spot? Shouldnt the bulb say how hot it gets? Should I have a bulb for night if it doesnt get below 65?

He is probably clinging to the top of the cage because he's stressed out being in a new place, and he also wants to get higher up. Remember that chams live very high in the tops of trees in nature. He definitely needs a taller cage. He also may not have sufficient foliage to feel secure. Can you post a picture?

Congrats on your cham, and kudos for doing your research. You have a few things to tweak, but it looks like you're off to a good start. Chams are demanding and require very specific care, but they are completely worth it. You'll really enjoy your new little guy. Welcome to the forums

 

[icekunai]

Hi, Merry Christmas and welcome to the forum nice present
One important thing you need to get is a UVB light, the reptisun 5.0 linear tube is highly recommended. it is made by zoo med. At the age of your chameleon he will likely be eating around 15 to 20 crickets a day. Gut loading is a term used which is feeding your crickets and other feeders a very nutritious diet so your chameleon will get the nutrients through the feeder when he eats it. Sandrachameleon has some great blogs on gut loading. When misting your chameleon it is beneficial to mist 3 times a day for at least 5 min at a time. Adding a dripper (either a store bought one or a cup with a hole poked at the bottom) with a slow drip onto leaves in the cage will provide plenty of opportunity for him to drink. There is tons of info on this site the supplementing schedule depends on what brand supplements you are using.

Thank you!! Do I have the uvb light on with the UVA light? Or switch them out? Or?

I put the crickets in the cage, but he moves kinda slow...and doesnt really "hunt" them...is the cage too big or something? 10''w 12''h

 

[suzi]

Here is a link with veiled info for you
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html

 

[suzi]

Thank you!! Do I have the uvb light on with the UVA light? Or switch them out? Or?

I put the crickets in the cage, but he moves kinda slow...and doesnt really "hunt" them...is the cage too big or something? 10''w 12''h

What type and brand UVA light?
The cage is fine, sometimes it takes them time to adjust to their new home he will eat more when he is settled in

 

[icekunai]

What type and brand UVA light?
The cage is fine, sometimes it takes them time to adjust to their new home he will eat more when he is settled in

It is called Zilla Day blue light incandescent bulb 50watt

 

[laurie]

What type and brand UVA light?
The cage is fine, sometimes it takes them time to adjust to their new home he will eat more when he is settled in

I disagree, the glass cage is not the set up you need to keep a veiled healthy.He does need a UVB light asap, UVB and UVA are not the same to a chameleon. He will adjust much better in a screen cage with live plants. he could also use a few more misting and not a ice cube, ice cubes drop ice water, would you want that on your head ?

You are starting off well, and just need to adjust a few things and you will be good to go.

 

[suzi]

I disagree, the glass cage is not the set up you need to keep a veiled healthy.He does need a UVB light asap, UVB and UVA are not the same to a chameleon. He will adjust much better in a screen cage with live plants. he could also use a few more misting and not a ice cube, ice cubes drop ice water, would you want that on your head ?

You are starting off well, and just need to adjust a few things and you will be good to go.

I recommended getting a UVB and said how important it was, and just asked what other UVA light he was referring too, I also never mentioned anything about ice cubes as far as the cage is concerned I agree that a aquarium style glass tank is not appropriate, I was actually referring to the size of the cage ( which is what was asked of me, not the style, thanks for pointing that out Laurie ) That being brought up, I believe that glass is ok if it is designed like the exo terra ( which is properly ventilated) which IMO works well for young chameleons.