SHED??

[pwims21]

Hey guys! I'm back again with another health concern which is shed. My chameleon hasn't shed yet.. I have had him for about a month and a half and theres not even a sign of shed.
his basking area is around 88 the rest of the cage is about 76 the cage is located near a door it is on a low table.
i mist for a minute now, it really stresses him out though he runs away.
i use calcium w/out d3 everyday and a multivite with D3 once a week until he is a bit older. When he gets older he will get in once or twice a month. (vet reccomendation)
i gut load with clementines, apples and carrots
He is about 3-5 months old.

Im just worried about the shed my last chameleon shed like crazy, about once a month. He hasn't shed ONCE yet. Im pretty worried. His colors arent as bright as the should be either.
Help??

(heres a picture of my handsome little guy sleeping)

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

Well apples and clementines are very high in sugar, which chameleons cannot process like we do. Also, carrots do not have any significant health benefits. Greens and vegetables are the way to go. It might be because your cham is a bit stressed. Moving to a new habitat and eating new food does that to chameleons, so it is nothing to be worried about. Looks like your temperature is in a good range, and that can be hard for some people to get right. I know that some chameleons will kind of slow down, and then they will hit a huge growth spurt and shed every few weeks. I wouldn't be to worried about it. Every chameleon is different. If you feel it is getting to be long of a time span sans shed, you should just go to and exotics or specialized veterinarian. I saw that you had a vet recommend supplement schedules, so maybe you could go back to that vet and ask about the growth/shedding rate. Hope all goes well

 

[pwims21]

Well apples and clementines are very high in sugar, which chameleons cannot process like we do. Also, carrots do not have any significant health benefits. Greens and vegetables are the way to go. It might be because your cham is a bit stressed. Moving to a new habitat and eating new food does that to chameleons, so it is nothing to be worried about. Looks like your temperature is in a good range, and that can be hard for some people to get right. I know that some chameleons will kind of slow down, and then they will hit a huge growth spurt and shed every few weeks. I wouldn't be to worried about it. Every chameleon is different. If you feel it is getting to be long of a time span sans shed, you should just go to and exotics or specialized veterinarian. I saw that you had a vet recommend supplement schedules, so maybe you could go back to that vet and ask about the growth/shedding rate. Hope all goes well

Ah thank you for the quick reply! Do u mind answering another question I have that I just read about?

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

Of course! I am here to help.

 

[davthevieled]

Hey there!

Yeah, some just hate being misted. I usually stand back a bit so that it isn't as bothersome, but sometimes he just doesn't want to be bothered. Right after I'm done though he goes and starts drinking and going about his day again.... (Mind you, his first month with me was him getting shots every other day.)

How often are you misting him for a minute long? Humidity definitely helps when it comes to shedding.

Huge question here though, from your last thread you stated his eyes were closed often... and it sounds like he is pretty lethargic. Has he been moving around more? Is he still only eating when it is like right in front of him? Not to be a pest or make you write up everything again but I didn't see all these questions answered in your previous thread... so if you could, please answer everything by filling this out! Also please include the issues you had with your other thread and update us on how things have progressed.

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

 

[pwims21]

Of course! I am here to help.

I was scrolling through the fourms and this guy said that chameleons arent supposed to lay down during the day. My cham does that his eyes are opened, sometimes one of them are closed but I am aware of that reasoning after my trip to the vet (vitamin a problem). So is it okay for them the lay like they are sleeping but not be sleeping? He still get scared when i open his cage and moves around so I dont thinks he's lethargic. Opinions?

 

[davthevieled]

I was scrolling through the fourms and this guy said that chameleons arent supposed to lay down during the day. My cham does that his eyes are opened, sometimes one of them are closed but I am aware of that reasoning after my trip to the vet (vitamin a problem). So is it okay for them the lay like they are sleeping but not be sleeping? He still get scared when i open his cage and moves around so I dont thinks he's lethargic. Opinions?

How does he behave when he ISN'T trying to hide? Does he roam around most of the day and bask when needed, or just hang out on the branch all day until you get involved?

 

[pwims21]

Hey there!

Yeah, some just hate being misted. I usually stand back a bit so that it isn't as bothersome, but sometimes he just doesn't want to be bothered. Right after I'm done though he goes and starts drinking and going about his day again.... (Mind you, his first month with me was him getting shots every other day.)

How often are you misting him for a minute long? Humidity definitely helps when it comes to shedding.

Huge question here though, from your last thread you stated his eyes were closed often... and it sounds like he is pretty lethargic. Has he been moving around more? Is he still only eating when it is like right in front of him? Not to be a pest or make you write up everything again but I didn't see all these questions answered in your previous thread... so if you could, please answer everything by filling this out! Also please include the issues you had with your other thread and update us on how things have progressed.

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?- Male veiled, 3-5 months iv'e had him for about a month and a hlaf
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?- rarely. he used to not mind it but after the vet he hisses and puffs up.
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?- He gets about 10 crickets at a time. When he's done i give him more.
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule? I feed him crickets, he gets calcium w/out d3 everyday then he gets a reptivite with d3 once a week until he's a bit older. Then he'll get it once to twice a month.
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking? - I use a dripper and mist for about a minute
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?- His poop is well, i cant explain it because i never see his poop because he poops in the soil pot so i can't get a good look at him. This weekend i am going to get some of his poop and take it to the vet to get tested.
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you. - Nope

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions? Screen cage not 100 sure on the dimensions. But it's a fairly large cage
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?- I use a 5.0 UVB and a 72 W white incandesent heat bulb. The lights turn off at 10 everynight and turn on when I wake up.
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps? 88 basking bottom is 76 night is about 70. I use a temperature gun
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity? his humidity is about 50-80 depending on how recently i sprayed his cage, which i spray about 5 times a day for a miniute
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind? pathos
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor? by a door
• Location - Where are you geographically located? Arizona

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about- Shed. All the other problem I have a solution for

 

[pwims21]

How does he behave when he ISN'T trying to hide? Does he roam around most of the day and bask when needed, or just hang out on the branch all day until you get involved?

Im gone most of the day so im not sure but when I'm home he'll move a little to switch spots he's sitting in

 

[davthevieled]

Alrighty! Thanks for filling that out!

The soil is a problem. Not causing anything now, but it can be if they go and start eating it. When they don't feel they are getting enough of something they will start eating things they really shouldn't be, and soil can cause impaction. Cover any planter soil you have in some freshly cleaned river rocks that you buy at a store! This will help tremendously. Make sure they are big enough so they can't be swallowed and cover the entire top surface of the soil.

Moving is good. Moving is definitely good, but I am wondering if he just moves because you're home and he wants to not be seen.. It's a tough act to balance, being a cham parent. A lot of work, and a lot of monitoring.

Try offering other foods as well. A healthy balance of variety can help keep them happy. Hornworms are always a favorite, rarely do I hear of one who doesn't go crazy for them.

 

[pwims21]

Alrighty! Thanks for filling that out!

The soil is a problem. Not causing anything now, but it can be if they go and start eating it. When they don't feel they are getting enough of something they will start eating things they really shouldn't be, and soil can cause impaction. Cover any planter soil you have in some freshly cleaned river rocks that you buy at a store! This will help tremendously. Make sure they are big enough so they can't be swallowed and cover the entire top surface of the soil.

Moving is good. Moving is definitely good, but I am wondering if he just moves because you're home and he wants to not be seen.. It's a tough act to balance, being a cham parent. A lot of work, and a lot of monitoring.

Try offering other foods as well. A healthy balance of variety can help keep them happy. Hornworms are always a favorite, rarely do I hear of one who doesn't go crazy for them.

Yeah i have tried other feeders but hes just so picky! He has no intrest in Dubias or Supers! He eats the crickets though, He doesnt really hunt them yet but he does move to get hem which is a hug improvement than before! I see him eat one or two then eats the rest while Im not in the room because they are dissapearing haha! I will go ahead a pick up some rocks from the store! I just want my old guy back! When i first got him he used to go down to the bottom of his cage to get the bugs and I hope that he will return to normal soon!

 

[davthevieled]

Yeah i have tried other feeders but hes just so picky! He has no intrest in Dubias or Supers! He eats the crickets though, He doesnt really hunt them yet but he does move to get hem which is a hug improvement than before! I see him eat one or two then eats the rest while Im not in the room because they are dissapearing haha! I will go ahead a pick up some rocks from the store! I just want my old guy back! When i first got him he used to go down to the bottom of his cage to get the bugs and I hope that he will return to normal soon!

Have you possibly tried using a feeder cup? There are a few options from site sponsors of ChameleonForums and there are plenty of diy cups you can make. It helps a lot when you are trying to make sure your cham is eating and to monitor how much they are eating.

If you are home on the weekends, stick not exactly on top of him but close enough where you can hear him move. Check on him here and there and see if he is just laying down all day or not. That is honestly the best way to check what he is doing during the day. That or having a cham cam. lol

 

[pwims21]

Have you possibly tried using a feeder cup? There are a few options from site sponsors of ChameleonForums and there are plenty of diy cups you can make. It helps a lot when you are trying to make sure your cham is eating and to monitor how much they are eating.

If you are home on the weekends, stick not exactly on top of him but close enough where you can hear him move. Check on him here and there and see if he is just laying down all day or not. That is honestly the best way to check what he is doing during the day. That or having a cham cam. lol

I try cup feeding with a normal cup and he's not interested.. does he need a specific cup?

 

[davthevieled]

I try cup feeding with a normal cup and he's not interested.. does he need a specific cup?

It can take some time for them to realize it is in there and it needs to be shallow enough for them to reach but still deep enough for the crickets to not escape. Best way to do that if you are using plastic cups, is hang it so the cup is slightly tilted at first so they know this is where food is.

There are also options like this: https://www.fullthrottlefeeders.com/product-page/magnetic-camo-feeder-cup

Or you can make a DIY solution like this:

Just... make sure to clean it out and not let it get that messy at the bottom.

 

[pwims21]

It can take some time for them to realize it is in there and it needs to be shallow enough for them to reach but still deep enough for the crickets to not escape. Best way to do that if you are using plastic cups, is hang it so the cup is slightly tilted at first so they know this is where food is.

There are also options like this: https://www.fullthrottlefeeders.com/product-page/magnetic-camo-feeder-cup

Or you can make a DIY solution like this:

Just... make sure to clean it out and not let it get that messy at the bottom.

That orange juice bottle thing seems like A good idea!! The crickets wont get out?

 

[davthevieled]

That orange juice bottle thing seems like A good idea!! The crickets wont get out?

They generally don't! I've always used plastic cups myself, but all of these options work. Best way to do it is feed half free roam and half in the feeder cup until he starts noticing the feeder cup more.

 

[pwims21]

They generally don't! I've always used plastic cups myself, but all of these options work. Best way to do it is feed half free roam and half in the feeder cup until he starts noticing the feeder cup more.

Thank you so much! Its about 11pm and ive been searching for answers since about 7 haha I m going to finally sleep! I'll keep everything updated!