New Baby Veiled Chameleon

[Mom18]

Hi Everyone,
I just adopted this little boy (or girl) from Petsmart yesterday. Even though I have his home all set up perfectly, this little one is making me very nervous. He is alert and active but shows no interest in eating. I called Petsmart and they said that it will take him a few days to get adjusted and eat. I have offered him small crickets, mealworns, and waxworms. He just seems so little to go that long. I am a proud bearded dragon/leopard & crested gecko, and clown agama mom but this is my first chameleon and my first Petsmart purchase for anything but worms. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Syreptyon]

Please describe his setup in greater detail. What type of cage is it? Screen? Glass? What are its dimensions?

If you got your chameleon keeping advice from petco, I just want you to be prepared that their advice is not even a little bit reliable and you will likely need to change quite a lot

 

[Mom18]

Please describe his setup in greater detail. What type of cage is it? Screen? Glass? What are its dimensions?

If you got your chameleon keeping advice from petco, I just want you to be prepared that their advice is not even a little bit reliable and you will likely need to change quite a lot

The information about the set up and his care I found online. I also don't have much faith in the commercial pet stores. Right now he is in a glass Exo-Terra 18"H x12"W x 12"L. I also have a screened enclosure that is 20"H x 18"W x 12"L but he looks too tiny for that one. He has lots of branches and foliage to climb and hide in. The temperature during the day is 92 degrees in the hot area and 73 degrees in the cooler spot. Last night, the overall temperature was about 70 degrees. There is also a UVB light that I kept on for about 12-13 hours. My original mister, from a few years ago, failed to turn on so I ordered a new one but until that comes, I am misting the leaves every 2-3 hrs with a spray bottle. I finally saw him licking the wet leaves, that's was a relief! I see him look at his food but he shows no interest in it. I am trying to let him get adjusted without bothering him too much, but I don't want to ignore him and realize there's a problem too late.

 

[Beman]

The information about the set up and his care I found online. I also don't have much faith in the commercial pet stores. Right now he is in a glass Exo-Terra 18"H x12"W x 12"L. I also have a screened enclosure that is 20"H x 18"W x 12"L but he looks too tiny for that one. He has lots of branches and foliage to climb and hide in. The temperature during the day is 92 degrees in the hot area and 73 degrees in the cooler spot. Last night, the overall temperature was about 70 degrees. There is also a UVB light that I kept on for about 12-13 hours. My original mister, from a few years ago, failed to turn on so I ordered a new one but until that comes, I am misting the leaves every 2-3 hrs with a spray bottle. I finally saw him licking the wet leaves, that's was a relief! I see him look at his food but he shows no interest in it. I am trying to let him get adjusted without bothering him too much, but I don't want to ignore him and realize there's a problem too late.

So honestly I would fill out the help form that I have included below and post pictures of your entire set up. There are a few things off already...
You do not have to worry about the size of the enclosure being too large. Trust me they find their way around with lots of branches for them to climb. A male will need a 2x2x4 minimum by the time he reaches about 6-7 months old.
Your temp is way too high for a baby or juvenile. It should be no hotter then 82-85 degrees. Glass enclosures tend to retain humidity and heat so typically new keepers are not recommended to use them. Mealworms offer very little nutritional value and waxworms are all fat. Neither of these should be offered as a staple feeder due to this. How large are the small crickets your feeding. He is a little guy so if the crickets are too large he may not be trying to go for them. While sometimes it does take them a few days to settle in if their husbandry is off this can impact their eating as well.

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.