Newbie Veiled Chameleon Mom

[shedevil7953]

Not sure if you can get the scale but the pic of the 10 gal tank should help. The first pic shows Sage in comparison to the hygrometer.

Hope I'm doing this attachment right.....

Thanks!




I purchased a baby veiled a couple of weeks ago from a local petstore. I've done a ton of internet research to make sure I'm doing the right things. This website is awesome! The little guy is having his first shed today. Scared me to death when I first saw him this morning and he was all white! Only hours later he's shed probably a third of his skin. After reading many postings, I now know this is normal as he's growing.

My main question at this time is how do you tell how old they are? He's probably 2" to maybe 3" in body length.

Thank you for all of your knowledge and sharing it with us new cham parents!

 

[tru510]

Post some pics someone will be able to tell you...

 

[AFH]

Looks pretty good for a young one. You will need to get rid of the substrate. Generally nothing on the bottom is best. You don't want him to eat a piece while hunting and choking or causing a bowel obstruction.

It won't be too long before you will need to move him to a screen cage. Chameleons can't live in a glass aquarium after a few months old. They need something taller so they can climb and they need the air circulation.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Brad Ramsey]

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad

 

[xoiceox]

Get rid of the glass cage and get a screened reptarium. They grow fast and he won't last in that glass for long. U also need to get rid of the substrate.

 

[shedevil7953]

Brad, Where did you get the reptarium that you show on your website?

Thanks.

 

[shedevil7953]

Thank you all for the input. Yes, I now realize the substrate has to go after reading much here yesterday. Also, I knew the glass tank was temporary and am searching for a better setup. I can't go with an entirely screen enclosure because I have a demonic cat that won't stay off of things. He loves to lay on top of the bird cage and would love to lay on top of the cham's home if he could get around the lights on top! Unfortunately, the cabinet ledge is really the only place I have room to put an enclosure.

That's why I was asking about how old Sage is by his size. I've read they grow fast but I don't know how fast! Can anyone make a guess by the pictures?

Thanks again!

 

[Julirs]

I would guess 3 months. Is there a way to put him in a room that the cat won't enter? The cat jumping around his cage will severely stress the poor guy out. You would need a screen (or mostly screen cage) in just a few months. A full grown Veiled works out best in a 24X24X48 cage or bigger, and if you have never seen one-that is a HUGE cage! Mine went in that size at 4 1/2 months-but they grow at vastly different rates!

 

[shedevil7953]

I would guess 3 months. Is there a way to put him in a room that the cat won't enter? The cat jumping around his cage will severely stress the poor guy out. You would need a screen (or mostly screen cage) in just a few months. A full grown Veiled works out best in a 24X24X48 cage or bigger, and if you have never seen one-that is a HUGE cage! Mine went in that size at 4 1/2 months-but they grow at vastly different rates!

Another room is a good idea. Thanks for the age estimate!

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Brad, Where did you get the reptarium that you show on your website?

Thanks.

The cage pictured came from Mike at FLchams.
LLL Reptile has a similar enclosure on sale right now I think.

-Brad

 

[Justin Carl]

My caresheet

Here is a caresheet I wrote:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/justin-carl/20-caresheet.html

 

[shedevil7953]

Here is a caresheet I wrote:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/justin-carl/20-caresheet.html

Thank you Justin!