Rescue advice please!!!

[CLP]

So I've just gotten home with a 5 year old male veiled chameleon that I rescued. Had to pay the guy for him - he wouldn't give him to me for free, but I just couldn't leave him where he was as the conditions were awful! I've attached a photo of the enclosure where he was being kept. Really big, but all plexiglass sides and well, the photo speaks for itself You can't tell from the photo, but there was one stick in there, that's it! I've also attached a photo of him in his new home.

Anyhow, I'm new to chameleons, I've got a 4 month old male veiled that I've had for about 1.5 months and he's doing great and I've been reading everything I can on this forum, books, etc., but am worried about this guy and want to give him the best care I can for however long he has left.

I've got the "new" guy (going to call him Walter) in a 2' x 3' x 4' enclosure. Basking bulb, UVB bulb and full spectrum bulb. There is a pothos and hibiscus tree, plus lots of branches. The feeders I currently have are crickets, butterworms, superworms and a few wax worms. Phoenix worms and silkworms have been ordered but are not here yet. I've been following the supplementation schedule recommended on this forum with my baby, and plan to do the same with Walter.

When Walter's previous owner posted him for sale, he was starting to shed. That was two weeks ago, and he's still shedding and doesn't look like he's made much progress. Is this normal? When my baby (Montizooma) sheds, he's done in about 2 days max. If it's not, is there anything else I can do? He also seems to have an underbite. Not sure if that is normal though I realize there's nothing I can do about that now.

To make a long post as short as possible, I'm looking for any guidance/suggestions any of you might have to bring Walter back to health. Thanks!

 

[nightanole]

Honestly he looks like the best rescue ive seen. No visible bone problems, and good weight. Looks like a healed burn on his back (grey missing all spikes). Id say you got a winner. To help with sheds, warm mist him sever times a day. May sure he dries out for at least an hour before misting again. It should make the dry skin brittle and flake off.

Id up his D3 and vitamins for the first 2 weeks. Other than that just treat him as normal, hes not skinny so he doesnt need a fat bulking diet.

How is the poop?

 

[CLP]

Yeah, he actually looks better than I was expecting given what his enclosure looked like, and the photos of him in the ad certainly did not help. He looked worse than he actually is. Of course, it was the enclosure that really upset me and I just couldn't stand to leave him there!

I thought his front legs looks very slightly bowed. And what about the underbite? Is that normal? I'll try to get another photo tomorrow. Haven't seen a poop yet.

 

[laurie]

I am happy you are taking him in. That cage was the total pits. They could have done something decent had they tried. Your cage and set up sound good, you have more feeders to offer than I have right now. As for the shedding, I would spray him until he thought he was swimming. Adults do take longer to shed, but he could still have a problem. Just watch him and be careful. I think you and he will do just fine.

 

[DavidBuchan]

He does look surprisingly good considering the look of that cage. Great job on rescuing the poor fella The underbite is not normal and if the front legs are slightly bowed then I guess you know that's a strong sign of mbd. A vet could make sure, maybe give calcium injections or drops for him. I don't know if you've seen it already but I recommend this caresheet for Veiled chameleons a lot - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html

 

[Moosma]

I have a pothos in the shower (it grows so well there!) and shower with mine always. I put him in his plant and just carry on. I don't excessively splash anything, and I drip water on Phi, my little green guy. I make sure that the water temp is safe for a baby, thus safe for Phi.
He's used to it: I shrugged while typing because it is so easy to do!
And you are a hero for rescuing Walter! Thank you for that!

Anyone else bathe with their chameleon?

 

[CLP]

He does look surprisingly good considering the look of that cage. Great job on rescuing the poor fella The underbite is not normal and if the front legs are slightly bowed then I guess you know that's a strong sign of mbd. A vet could make sure, maybe give calcium injections or drops for him. I don't know if you've seen it already but I recommend this caresheet for Veiled chameleons a lot - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html

Yeah, I'll try to take better photos of his legs to see what you guys think as I'm not totally sure if they're bowed. I've never seen a cham this big up close before and his legs are so stout compared to my little guy, I'm just not sure if I'm really seeing bowing or just big bones. If they are, it's very slight, hence the reason why I can't be sure. Does anyone know if the underbite is a sign of MBD? I'll definitely take him to the vet if necessary, but don't want to subject him to further stress if its not necessary.

Thanks everyone for all your input!

 

[CLP]

I also think he seems depressed. Considering where he was living, I'm not surprised Not only was his enclosure pitiful, but he was down in a dark room in the basement where it was all damp and musty smelling. Anyhow, aside from giving him all the proper care, is there anything else I can give him besides time and patience to help bring him out of his funk? I feel so sorry for Walter. He just seems sad

 

[DavidBuchan]

I could have made that clearer, yes the underbite is also a sign of mbd. I agree it looks pretty mild. Situation as it looks to me says time, patience and a proper supplementing schedule are by far and away the best things you can do for him. I am guessing he has had little natural sunlight, if he isn't too nervous and you have the time and climate then that should never be underestimated as a psychological benefit (even in people, and it's much less important for us ). Not possible in a Canadian winter, I appreciate, but for future reference

 

[CLP]

Yeah, I definitely plan to get both boys out in the sun weather permitting. Unfortunately, barring any crazy weather phenomenon, I'm looking at probably April next year before it might be warm enough!

Would there be any benefit to swapping out the 5.0 UVB with a 10.0 for a period of time, or is that too much UVB even temporarily? And should I bump up the calcium and/or calcium +d3 for awhile? Thanks again for all your help so far!

 

[DavidBuchan]

Yeah, I definitely plan to get both boys out in the sun weather permitting. Unfortunately, barring any crazy weather phenomenon, I'm looking at probably April next year before it might be warm enough!

Would there be any benefit to swapping out the 5.0 UVB with a 10.0 for a period of time, or is that too much UVB even temporarily? And should I bump up the calcium and/or calcium +d3 for awhile? Thanks again for all your help so far!

Up plain Calcium, yes certainly.

Up uvb and d3, debateable. More art than science, don't know enough about his current condition or past supplements to be sure....on balance I would personally say stick to the 5.0 and usual d3.