New Chameleon owner questions.

[Leza]

welcome, nice of you to save her, she looks wonderful.

 

[HerpInfection]

Great save, nice Omega Chrono too!

 

[drshaw6]

Im so slow! I was thinking Omega Chrono was some type of chameleon species. Good eye!

 

[drshaw6]

Is it normal for a cham to turn very dark while in the cage? Once I get him out he really brightens up. He is definatly still very timid when I try to handle him, but once he is climbing on my arm he brightens up and is pretty kick back.

 

[laurie]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Everyone forgot to give you the best piece of information for where you live. LLL Reptile has all the things you need for your new guy (for sure a male) and for the best prices. you won't even have to pay for shipping like a lit of us do. Not sure where you are so I don't know which store is close to you.

Since this is your first cham, you will be pleased to know veilds are considered the "starter cham". They tolerate mistakes a bit better and are overall pretty easy. I am sure at this point is doesn't seem all that easy does it? But we are all here to help. good luck

 

[Kent67]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone from the forums out in Jamul. For what it's worth, it wouldn't surprise me at all if he'd been living out there for some time. He appears younger for an adult and looks to be in perfect health. I've often thought there are a few areas in San Diego where an established population of calyptratus could happen. Jamul wasn't one of them but if he'd been out there for the last 4 or 5 months, essentially growing up wild, I wouldn't be a bit surprised.

I definatly have the "bug" and I wouldnt want someones family heartbroken.

Tell ya what, my wife has some veiled clutches incubating right now, not sure how far along they are, but if the owner of this guy shows up we'll give you guys one when they hatch.

 

[drshaw6]

Thats awesome Kent! I dont know if you saw my other thread "found cham" but I talked to a near by neighbor today where I found the cham and he said theyve seen it in the trees before. That tells me its been out for a while, or there is more than one. I tried to ask when the first time he saw it was but he slammed the door on me. (thats a whole different story). Maybe thats why this guy is getting dark and stressed while in the cage. Hes used to being free. Anyways I hope the owner comes forward. Ive got the word out and have told the local vet clinic which is about 200 yards from where I found the cham and pet stores and left my number. I know if I lost this guy i wouldnt be able to sleep untill I found it. If the owner does contact me Im not looking for any reward, I figure it has sparked a new interest for me. Thanks again Kent!

 

[drshaw6]

Ok another question...Should I use mite spray since this guy has been outside for so long? If so which one?

 

[Elizadolots]

The new LLL on Mission Gorge Road is closest to you. There's also a Cricket Ranch in Lakeside that might be good to check out. They sell 1000 crickets for ~$15. You'd only get 150 from Petco at that price. You do need to call the day before so they can have your order ready. Here's a link with their contact info and street address (it's in Buckman's Egg Farm).

 

[drshaw6]

Nice, I live in Lakeside.

 

[Elizadolots]

That's perfect. They're great guys. Plus, it's a chicken ranch, how fun is that? That chameleon can easily eat full size adults, so buy them half size and feed double at first.

Here's a thread with lots of ideas on how to keep your crickets.

 

[hinoco1225]

Is it normal for a cham to turn very dark while in the cage? Once I get him out he really brightens up. He is definatly still very timid when I try to handle him, but once he is climbing on my arm he brightens up and is pretty kick back.

Welcome to the forums and the world of chameleons.

No, it's not normal for him to stay very dark while in his cage. Dark colors indicate stress, unhappiness, etc. I am inclined to think his dark colors are due to being confined in such a small space, since he is used to having free reign of the great outdoors. I cannot stress the importance of an appropriately-sized cage enough. LLL has a very basic cage that I would recommend for him, it's nothing fancy, but you can get it for a ridiculously good price considering its size: http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...nd-explorariums/-/175-gallon-basic-reptarium/

Have you named your new guy? Chams are very rewarding pets when kept properly.