Questions about my Veiled Cham!

[Jessi72496]

I just got a little veiled cham! He's been eating and drinking, which is good, but he seems to be really dark! I checked the temp in his cage and everything seems to be good. But this morning i took him out for a bit and he almost immediately lightened up, any suggestions as to why he's so dark in his cage?

 

[Sheac88]

What is the temp in his basking area? Sometimes they turn dark to absorb more heat. The dark color can also mean stress. He could just be getting used to his new cage and environment. I would advise against handling him until he settles in more.

 

[Alexander1]

How old is he?

 

[camillethecham]

I got my chameleon about a week ago, and mine does the same thing. She turns dark green with light green polka dots, I've assumed it's because she's warming up. She has no signs of stress in her cage, most likely the same situation as yours.

 

[Jessi72496]

He's about five months, the temp of his basking area is about 85 degrees, but he definitely moves around freely and goes down lower in his cage so I assume he's smart enough to move around till he's comfortable. He also started shedding yesterday, could that be making a difference as well?

 

[Jessi72496]

He's usually about this dark, more of a brown, but once I started handling him he lightened up quite a bit. Sorry for blurry pictures xD

 

[camillethecham]

What a pretty cham he looks great.

 

[NickyChameleon]

What a pretty cham he looks great.

Mine is 2 months or so younger than your's. Chiche turns that color too, but slightly lighter and all over his body. Mostly does it when the heat lamp is on...doesn't when only the UVB is. Could he be trying to absorb the heat, as stated?

 

[camillethecham]

Mine is 2 months or so younger than your's. Chiche turns that color too, but slightly lighter and all over his body. Mostly does it when the heat lamp is on...doesn't when only the UVB is. Could he be trying to absorb the heat, as stated?

That definitely could be it, since you said it's when you have the heating lamp on. He probably is either relaxed, or trying to warm up as they tend to darken. Mine usually turns a dark brown or green when hiding in leaves or under her basking lamp. http://animals.mom.me/identifying-veiled-chameleons-color-mood-5721.html This website shows the different colors and what they mean.

 

[Jessi72496]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help! I'm so excited to have him and I just wanna make sure he's as comfortable as possible. I'm definitely finding out Titan is a sassy little guy!

 

[NickyChameleon]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help! I'm so excited to have him and I just wanna make sure he's as comfortable as possible. I'm definitely finding out Titan is a sassy little guy!

Titan...loving the name