Swimming

[Ivy]

So I have a 3 month old male veiled chameleon named Dart. I mist his cage 3 times a day for 2-4 minutes. He also eats leaves and I have a dripper going most of the times. His urates are a creamy white color. I have a dish underneath the dripper to catch the water and I have 2 vines leading into it incase he falls in. Today my sister noticed him climb down the vine into the water and sit there and then climb back up. I have never heard of chameleons doing this and I was wondering is this normal? What do I do?

 

[Lindasjackson]

Make sure he doesn’t drown because chams can’t swim!

 

[MissSkittles]

So, while some chameleons have shown to be capable of swimming, it is not a past time that they would seek out or enjoy. I’m thinking your little one was probably just curious. It would be much better to eliminate the bowl and instead place a plant beneath your dripper. Besides a drowning risk, I’d be concerned about the bacterial soup the water bowl will quickly become.

 

[Ivy]

So, while some chameleons have shown to be capable of swimming, it is not a past time that they would seek out or enjoy. I’m thinking your little one was probably just curious. It would be much better to eliminate the bowl and instead place a plant beneath your dripper. Besides a drowning risk, I’d be concerned about the bacterial soup the water bowl will quickly become.

Ok I'll put a plant under there. Thanks!

 

[kinyonga]

Make sure he doesn’t drown because chams can’t swim!

Not that I recommend it but...they can swim...

 

[Chameleoking]

Just curious. Do you know what the humidity is in your enclosure? Just wondering if he was seeking out moisture of some sort?

 

[Lindasjackson]

Thanks Kinyonga! I didn’t know they could swim!

 

[kinyonga]

Thanks Kinyonga! I didn’t know they could swim!

It's not something everyone would try or expect I'm sure.

 

[Ivy]

Just curious. Do you know what the humidity is in your enclosure? Just wondering if he was seeking out moisture of some sort?

No I don't know what the humidity is, but I'm pretty sure its high bc I mist the cage a lot

 

[ERKleRose]

Humidity is crucial to know. You need at least 2+ digital hygrometers. For a veiled, daytime humidity levels need to be 30-50%, preferably lower on that scale. The nighttime levels depend on a few factors. I noticed you haven't filled out the husbandry form yet. If you could fill it out in as much detail as possible, including pics of your cham, his entire enclosure, and his lights, that'd be great!

 

[Chameleoking]

Was trying to post exactly what you explained with humidity. Lol. But just noticed it never posted. Thanks for clarifying the humidity required for veileds.

 

[Ivy]

Humidity is crucial to know. You need at least 2+ digital hygrometers. For a veiled, daytime humidity levels need to be 30-50%, preferably lower on that scale. The nighttime levels depend on a few factors. I noticed you haven't filled out the husbandry form yet. If you could fill it out in as much detail as possible, including pics of your cham, his entire enclosure, and his lights, that'd be great!

Ok I will get the hygrometer! How do you fill out the husbandry form?

 

[ERKleRose]

Here it is, just copy and paste and fill it in:

Here is some recommended information to include when asking for help in the health clinic forum. By providing this information you will receive more accurate and beneficial responses. It might not be necessary to answer all these questions, but the more you provide the better. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person can only guess at what your problem may be. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who can directly examine your animal can give a true diagnosis of your chameleon's health.


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.

--------------

Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.