New addition to the family

[tatz4ever]

On September 8th I got a female Ambilobe chameleon at Reptile Polooza in the Poconos. She is eating like a pig (crickets, dubia, phoenix worms, waxworms, etc) but appears a little too thin for my liking (a little bony at base of tail, etc.). I am guessing her age at 4 months or so. Is it alright to give her a few more waxworms than normal to try to bulk her up a bit more? Or is there a better feeder so I am not "fattening" her up unnecessarily?
Thanks,
James
I may also be interested in trading her. I am scared of raising a female, with all the egg bound problems that might be involved.

 

[drcrossfire]

Please fill out this form so we can properly access the situation. Thanks https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/

 

[tatz4ever]

Chameleon Info:

Your Chameleon - Female Panther Ambilobe, approx 4 - 5 months old. She has been in my care since September 8th, 2012.
Handling - Not very often. Handled about 3 times since getting her.
Feeding - She eats crickets, dubia, Phoenix Worms, Waxworms, Butter worms. She is fed in the morning and again aroung 4:30 pm. Crickets and Dubia are gutloaded with Bug Burger and fresh greens.
Supplements - I supplement with Repashy Calcium Plus. All feeders except Phoenix Worms are lightly dusted daily.
Watering - She is on a Mist King system with 8 light mistings a day. I see her drink daily.
Fecal Description - Fecal looks just like it should, nice white urate. Tested negative for parasites on Sept. 12, 2012.
History - Traded for at local show. There were 3 other female clutchmates at the show. All looked a little skinny, but not dehydrated at all.


Cage Info:

Cage Type - She is kept in a 16 X 16 X 30 screen cage at this time.
Lighting - Exo Terra Repti Glo 15 watt 5.0 tube. 60 watt household bulb for basking. 12 hour on/off schedule.
Temperature - Basking temp ranges from 87-89 degrees checked with temp gun.
Humidity - Humidity in room is 62% measured on wall by digital temp/humidity reader. Additional humidity in cage created with Mist King system.
Plants - no live plants at this time.
Placement - On Bakers rack approx 4 1/2 feet of of ground. Low traffic area (in my man-cave / reptile room) Top of cage sits approx 7 feet from floor.
Location - Bushkill, PA 18324


Current Problem - I am a bit concerned about her overall appearance. Even though she eats like a pig every feeding, I can still see a bit of bony protusion at tail and spine. Fat pads not full. Ribs are not very noticeable. I want to help her fill out to normal appearance.

 

[tatz4ever]

Filled it out, even though my question seemed straight forward enough. Any one have any suggestions? My posts never get responses.

 

[carol5208]

everything you are doing seems spot on as far as your set up. Could you post a pic?. You had her tested for parasties so that is a good thing. Maybe she is just a late bloomer and the weight will start gaining. Give it some time. You just got her so maybe you have to be a little more patient. how many feeders does she eat a day? 15 or so?

 

[tatz4ever]

everything you are doing seems spot on as far as your set up. Could you post a pic?. You had her tested for parasties so that is a good thing. Maybe she is just a late bloomer and the weight will start gaining. Give it some time. You just got her so maybe you have to be a little more patient. how many feeders does she eat a day? 15 or so?

With the variety she gets, it is probably closer to 20 per day. 4-5 of this, 4-5 of that, etc. She would probably eat more than that if I let her. I just don't want to make her unhealthy by overfeeding. Is that even possible? Or should I let her eat until she shows no interest?