Quick Question

[Freakzilla726]

New to the forums, but i have been reading posts as much as i can.. my question is: I have a Senegal Chameleon ... do most of the same rules apply to him as they would, say, a veiled? i have been looking all over the Internet for more info on Senegals, but just havent seemed to find enough... he is in a 55 gallon aquarium with a 5.0 UVB bulb and a heat lamp to one side... lots of branches, fake plants, a drip system ... have had him about 4 days, and he's eating well and seems to be taking to his surroundings quite well..not sure on how he's drinking, but i mist him 2 to 3 times a day in 3-4 minute intervals, and he freaks out about it, but seems to be drinking a little bit... i got him from a local pet store here in town (where i have bought many other very healthy reptiles from before), so he seems to be healthy... i attatched a few photos, so please let me know how he looks....i have/will be following the supplements rule i have been reading on here from multiple forum experts...

anything else i should be doing or know about senegals? I guess the biggest question i have is whether the same rules apply for him as they do for veiled, jacksons, etc. any comments would be appreciated! Thanks!

Josh

 

[ChromaChameleons]

Im not familiar with this species, but have you read this...

http://www.chameleonnews.com/new/?page=article&id=164

 

[Chase]

I'm not familiar either, but it is wise to probably PM Brad Ramsey or he will probably chime in, he has a Senegal, he knows what he's talking about.

 

[Freakzilla726]

thanks...that article was pretty good... i am going to take my guy to the vet to get him checked out this Friday, so hopefully he gets a clean bill of health... thanks for the help though...i will pm Brad if he doesn't respond on the post..

 

[Dean Pulcini]

Most if not all are wild caught and Carrie a heavy parasite load I would consider a vet visit to increase the longevity of your chameleon. You can go to one of my favorite sites www.Adcham.com. Sorry a little late with the vet thing.

 

[kinyonga]

Make sure they are well watered. Sometimes they take a lot of coaxing when misted but I usually persist until they drink each day.

If you have a female (which I suspect you do) make sure you provide a suitable place for her to dig to lay eggs.

Supplementing can be the same as is done for a veiled.

 

[Freakzilla726]

thanks a lot! What would be a "suitable place" consist of for her? i have noticed she doesn't like to be misted at all... she absolutely freaks out... but i do it until i notice her start to drink... any other hints? i take it you own a senegal yourself?

 

[kinyonga]

I don't have a Senegal right now, but I have had quite a few over the years.

They don't really like misting, but just do it gently and they should drink eventually.

Sometimes Senegals are hard to acclimate, but if you get them through that chances are they will be okay.

I know many people say they come in with a heavy parasite load. Although this is likely true, the ones I had didn't ever seem to have a heavy load.

What I do for egglaying females is this...I put an opaque container that when empty is big enough for the chameleon to fit into with a couple of inches to spare on all sides including above her. I fill it about 2/3rds full of washed playsand and put it in the bottom of the cage. Make sure that she can get to it. This gives her a place to dig and if need be you can move her to a larger container once she starts to dig intently.