Senior chameleon question...

[PNW_Cham]

Hello, I have a male Ambanja Panther Chameleon named Marlo. I got him when he was an itty bitty baby at just 6 weeks old. Time flies and he is currently 7 years and 4 months old. He's still a very enthusiastic eater and is well-hydrated but I've noticed over the past 6 months that he's really slowed down and actually sleeps some during the day now. He NEVER used to sleep when his lights were on. I don't think he's just closing his eyes either, he lays on his branch and seems to really be sound asleep. He is very alert when he's awake but he is quite sleepy overall. I replace his Arcadia 6% UVB bulb every 9 months on a very strict schedule his whole life (I actually have a new one on order as it's time to replace again) and he gets all his regular vitamins and minerals that he's always gotten...

I know he's getting rather elderly... he isn't showing any other signs of poor health that I can see other than the sleepiness and not exploring his enclosure nearly as much as he used to. He does still move around some, from branch to branch and whatnot.

Any thoughts? Did any of your 7+ year old chameleons also slow down and sleep a lot like this?

Here's a picture of him in his enclosure yesterday and another of him basking outside today since it's finally warm enough where we live in western Washington to soak up some sun for a bit.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi and welcome. I’ve no experience with such an old chameleon - my oldest is just turning 6 soon. However, I can tell you that it isn’t anything to do with your husbandry. To have cared for him since he was a baby for over seven years, you very obviously are doing all the right things. I have to say that likely his day sleeping is due to his age and his body and organs starting to slow down. You could take him to a good vet and have some labs done, but I expect they may be out of normal ranges by at least a little. What then would a vet be able to do or offer in terms of ‘fixing’ any problems? Maybe you just would like that peace of mind in knowing that you’ve done all you can. This is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Unfortunately, you will eventually return to the same or further issues of aging. Or you can choose to keep him as well hydrated as you can, watch for signs that he may be hurting or having trouble moving around or gripping. Many older chams will start falling and need some modifications made with either netting or additional branches/vines to prevent falling far and getting hurt. Give him plenty of treats and continue giving him his best life.
I will tag in some experienced keepers who may have different advice for you. @kinyonga @jannb @Motherlode Chameleon
I do want to say that Marlo is quite beautiful.

 

[PNW_Cham]

Hi and welcome. I’ve no experience with such an old chameleon - my oldest is just turning 6 soon. However, I can tell you that it isn’t anything to do with your husbandry. To have cared for him since he was a baby for over seven years, you very obviously are doing all the right things. I have to say that likely his day sleeping is due to his age and his body and organs starting to slow down. You could take him to a good vet and have some labs done, but I expect they may be out of normal ranges by at least a little. What then would a vet be able to do or offer in terms of ‘fixing’ any problems? Maybe you just would like that peace of mind in knowing that you’ve done all you can. This is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Unfortunately, you will eventually return to the same or further issues of aging. Or you can choose to keep him as well hydrated as you can, watch for signs that he may be hurting or having trouble moving around or gripping. Many older chams will start falling and need some modifications made with either netting or additional branches/vines to prevent falling far and getting hurt. Give him plenty of treats and continue giving him his best life.
I will tag in some experienced keepers who may have different advice for you. @kinyonga @jannb @Motherlode Chameleon
I do want to say that Marlo is quite beautiful.

Awww, thank you for the lovely reply, I also find him quite handsome

I feared that the issue is likely age-related, he's my old man. I'm honestly so glad that he's made it to another spring to warm weather where we can hang out in our backyard together like we've always done. He's a very chill guy who just loves watching the bugs and bees fly around outside. Sadly, I suspect this may be his last summer. His grip is still unbelievably strong but you bring up a very good point that I hadn't considered at all. His favorite branches are high up, I think I definitely need to modify his enclosure with many more crossing branches and some low plants. I hadn't thought of him falling. Sigh. Honestly, I've been dreading him getting older and try not to think about it, maybe I've been in denial.

I live in a small town so unfortunately no exotic animal vet around but like you said, I'm not sure what they could do anyhow since he doesn't seem sick, just tired.

Thanks again for your reply, I'm off to modify his enclosure to be more of a senior-friendly retirement home.

 

[Gloriawood]

I’ve no advice, I just want to say how handsome he is and commend you on taking such good care of him. To have made it this long really speaks to your husbandry and your love for Marlo. My guy is still young (will be 3 this fall) but my weenie dog is getting up there so I’m going through similar with her. She will be 15 in September. Much like Marlo, she gets around great, eats and seems healthy and happy, but just seems tired and naps a lot more during the day. It’s bitter sweet. Knowing that they are aging tears you up but the same time it brings comfort knowing that they have lived such a long happy life to be able to see old age. Keep doing what you are doing and we’d love to see some more pictures of him!

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

I think all the responses are right, your male Ambanja Furcifer pardalis is aging. I think the best to be done is to make his last years comfortable and you sound as though you are doing that. Give your male Ambanja Furcifer pardalis regular misting and offer a variety of food to make his last year or couple of years as comfortable as possible.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[PNW_Cham]

I’ve no advice, I just want to say how handsome he is and commend you on taking such good care of him. To have made it this long really speaks to your husbandry and your love for Marlo. My guy is still young (will be 3 this fall) but my weenie dog is getting up there so I’m going through similar with her. She will be 15 in September. Much like Marlo, she gets around great, eats and seems healthy and happy, but just seems tired and naps a lot more during the day. It’s bitter sweet. Knowing that they are aging tears you up but the same time it brings comfort knowing that they have lived such a long happy life to be able to see old age. Keep doing what you are doing and we’d love to see some more pictures of him!

wow, your doggie is almost 15! That's incredible. You are so right with this being a bittersweet time for both of us. I hope your sweet girl has many more happy days ahead. I will forever think it so unfair that our pets have such short life spans compared to ours. My husband has asked me before if I think we'll get more pets when ours pass (cham, cat, dog, fish) but I dont know that my heart can take it. Then again, life without pets would be so lonely...

 

[PNW_Cham]

I think all the responses are right, your male Ambanja Furcifer pardalis is aging. I think the best to be done is to make his last years comfortable and you sound as though you are doing that. Give your male Ambanja Furcifer pardalis regular misting and offer a variety of food to make his last year or couple of years as comfortable as possible.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. I will definitely keep him fed, hydrated, and as happy in his senior year(s) as possible!

 

[CalamityCrow]

Aww, your buddy making it to 7 is SOOO impressive!! You've done amazing work. I agree with the above, he's likely just slowing down in his senior years. Give him that love and care you've continued to give him for his whole life.

I too hate losing pets. It makes me really consider a bird or something equally as long-lived, so that we can grow old together. My two dogs are almost 13 and starting to show their ages. I HATE to think about losing them, but I know I'm closer to that, than not. <3

 

[Amberbluefrog]

Thank you for posting this, my guy is turning five and I worry he might be at a similar stage. For us, he’s not really sticking his tongue out to hunt anymore and he seems slower. He’s definitely started to eat less and I think he’s not drinking as much because the first time in his life, his eyes are hallow.

I too need to start making a senior friendly enclosure and I welcome the suggestions from this thread. I will add more branches, but I do worry about disturbing him in his grumpy boy era.

I applaud you for doing so well for 7 years, you loved Marlo a bunch and his impressive age shows that