Rehomed panther cham

[Pinkyp]

I have rehomed an 8 month old cham. The previous owner followed petshops instructions but I don't think it has been correct.
They had a ceramic heater which they left on 24 hrs a day. I have changed this to a bulb and have switched all light and heat off tonight. Will he be ok? Also they dusted daily with calcium and D3. He has not got the usual domed shape and they said he had a fall from a branch months ago and now he has a hump over his pelvic region. His legs look fairly straight so unsure whether it's due to fall or MBD. Obviously he hasn't moved much all day as has been moved but he has eaten a cricket. I have seen him at their house and he seemed fairly active so am putting his lack of movement down to stress. I have got him a.new UV as they said his was ok for 2 yrs. I know from having beardless that that is not correct but their one has only been in situ just over that period of time. Am I doing thing ok do you think? Any thoughts would be great

 

[carol5208]

If you could post some pics of him and your set up it sure would be helpful. I am concerned if the bulb was 2yrs old as they are to be changed out about every 6 months. Many people think because the bulbs are still shining that they are good and that is not true. The UVB diminishes over a period of time. What are you using to dust the feeders with now?

 

[Pinkyp]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry I must have confused you. The original UV light was only bought about 7 months ago but that they were told it would be ok for 2 yrs!!!! Needless to say I have got him a new one 5.0% It is night here so as soon as he has warmed up I will post some pictures to give you an idea of what I mean regarding his back. I am dusting daily with calcium and twice monthly with D3 and a multivitamin.
He is in a set up ( 3x3x2) which petshops said would last him a lifetime... another bad advice. I will be buying him a bigger taller one once he has settled down a little.

 

[Pinkyp]

I hope I have managed to upload a photo to show this rehomed cham's back that I mentioned last night. He hasn't moved from this spot in hrs.

 

[JGspecial]

poor guy, he looks tired and unhealthy. hopefully you can do a much better job than the last owner and rehab him and make him have a better life. that cage COULD last him but itd be much better to get him something bigger, its like being cramped in a 1 room studio apartment, not very appealing to him. he should go into a large to extra large enclosure, i believe that is a medium.

 

[Pinkyp]

For now I am leaving him where he is due to the stress of moving him. To be honest the previous owner was following instructions to the letter but it was just bad advice. I know her and she always does what is best for her animals. Obviously a chameleon is specialised and she was given the wrong advice. Most of what she was doing is good. He isn't interested in eating and only ate locust with her. I can't get hold of anything else till the weekend as I can't drive post spinal surgery so am waiting for someone to take me. He seems a little brighter perhaps but still not right poor guy

 

[Pinkyp]

I changed his UV bulb tonight and added some things to his enclosure. I put him on his tree in the lounge whilst I did this and he almost went fluorescent haha. I popped him back in and he has been really active having a look around. Keeps climbing in the fake plants that are there. I have noticed he has very little muscle in his legs but seems to get around. I just wish he would eat more. He was seeking out water tonight which is better. Maybe in the morning he will have worked up an appetite after this evenings exploring.