Three legged pygmy chameleon. Extra care needed?

Filthy Monkey

Filthy Monkey

New Member
Hey all.

I am very new to reptile keeping. So go easy on me.

I work for a large reptile supply company and the poor mite came back to us a return. I instantly fell for the little guy.

Now I have bought a female to keep him company. Now she is a lot more able bodied and climbs all over terrarium, he sticks round one fiscus plant.

My question is does he need extra care? Or do you guys have any suggestions to make his life easier? Or am I worrying about nothing and just let him get on with it?

Thanks guys and girls

Dave
 
as long as he hunts his prey and all wounds are healed i would treat him as any other cham...just make sure he is getting enough to eat with another cham in terrarium.
 
stacy76 said:
as long as he hunts his prey and all wounds are healed i would treat him as any other cham...just make sure he is getting enough to eat with another cham in terrarium.
Click to expand...

The female is a lot larger than him. I've put a mixture of micro and small black crickets in the terrarium. As I don't believe he is big enough to take a small yet. I've seen him take pray twice, so I am happy he is eating.

And thank you for your response
 
In general the females are rounder and more robust than the males. They usually come in gravid so make sure she has a spot to lay eggs.

To echo the advice already given, ensure that the wound has healed and he will compensate for the missing limb. You can always add a few more thin twigs to help him get around the enclosure more easily. Placing some slices of fruit or veggies near where he perches will attract the insects and it will act as a mini feeding station for him if you are concerned that he isn't getting enough food because of his mobility issues.

Here are some good articles of pygmies and pygmy care:
http://chameleonnews.com/05DecRouthouska.html
http://chameleonnews.com/07FebHildenhagen.html
http://chameleonnews.com/05JunRouthouska.html

Have fun with your new chameleons!
Cheers,
Trace
 
They should not be kept in the same enclosure. Chameleons are not social creatures by nature. And if the female is bigger and more robust she may be eating the majority of bugs. Another alternative to fruit in the enclosure would be to put the bugs in a cup and then put the cup somewhere that is easy for him to get to. My concern about fruit in the enclosure is that it could be come moldy and be a breeding ground for bacteria.
 
I don't have any wisdom- besides you have had Trace, the undisputed expert weigh in. I just wanted to tell you I think that was really cool to take him in...
 
ridgebax1 said:
They should not be kept in the same enclosure. Chameleons are not social creatures by nature. And if the female is bigger and more robust she may be eating the majority of bugs. Another alternative to fruit in the enclosure would be to put the bugs in a cup and then put the cup somewhere that is easy for him to get to. My concern about fruit in the enclosure is that it could be come moldy and be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Click to expand...

ha, pygmies are the exception to the solidarity rule. almost every keeper I know that keeps pygs keeps them together.

The fruit would only become moldy if the owner does not replace or remove it in a timely manner.

Fruit takes a bit of time to become moldy.
 
Thanks for all your responses. His wound had healed before I brought him home. And he gets around the terrarium very well. I might buy a few more fiscus plants to help him out some more.

I have placed some bug grub around the fiscus plant that the pair both roost in.

Thanks again for the sound advice

Dave
 
camimom said:
ha, pygmies are the exception to the solidarity rule. almost every keeper I know that keeps pygs keeps them together.

The fruit would only become moldy if the owner does not replace or remove it in a timely manner.

Fruit takes a bit of time to become moldy.
Click to expand...

I missed the pygmy part! :eek:
 
IMG_0571.jpg

Here is Tricycle, i'll try my best to photograph his play mate Penny but it would seem she is camera shy.

dave
 
Awww, what a little cutie! I'm glad you decided to bring him home. I'm sure he'll do well in your care.
 
Tricycle! Best name for a three-legged chameleons ever! :D

I've been around the hobby a long time and hands down this is the friendliest community around so don't be shy about asking questions. There are a few rabid pygmy keepers here so you are in good company.
 
I love his little tail! So cute!:D Questions are always good. It's the best way to learn, and the folks here are awesome.
 
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