Veiled barely eating/Losing weight

[ADKEarl]

Your Chameleon -Earl: Veiled, Male, 2 years old. I've had him 10 days

Handling - once a day

Feeding - Trying to feed large crickets,a couple superworms. Previous keeper fed him twice a week, 8 large crickets. I have offered 4-5 every other day and he eats one maybe two.

How are you gut-loading your feeders? kale,lettuce,carrots,potato, tried a little parsely

Supplements - reptivite calcium and no vitamin product yet ,every other day.

Watering - Big dripper,Misting 2-3 times per day, Do you see your chameleon drinking? Only from water dish that catches droplets. That's all he had before.

Fecal Description - Have only seen one small movement in 10 days. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites? Not to my knowledge.

History - He has always been in a 55 gallon aquarium, sand in bottom,water dish to drink, very little UV exposure. Was in excellent condition when we brought him home 10 days ago. Has lost considerable amount of weight.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - 55 gallon glass

Lighting - 5.0 UVB, 60 watt blue for heat for now. What is your daily lighting schedule? 7 AM-8 PM then no lights at night.

Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor 74 to basking spot 82)? Lowest overnight temp 65? How do you measure these temps? Temp gun

Humidity - What are your humidity levels? idk How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?

Plants - Are you using live plants? no. If so, what kind?

Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas- Livingroom? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?-4 ft

Location - Where are you geographically located? Central NY

Current Problem - Barely eating /Losing weight, not drinking much that I can see. He changed homes and was moved to a different 55 gallon temporarily to eliminate sand. Reptibreeze on its way. I'm sure he is stressed. I'm very worried about Earl. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[carol5208]

The stress of the move and the change in environment can be very trying on a chameleon. I took in a rescue that did not eat for 11 days. As long as they are a healthy adult(which you said he was) he should be fine not eating or eating very little. They can go up to several weeks without food. You said he had very little uv exposure...what do you mean. Can you post a few pics of him please?

 

[ADKEarl]

Hi
Thank you for your response carol5802. He previously had a aquarium top with plant long tube lights. At one time he had a uvb bulb, not sure how long though. He's not very active today. I am attempting to add pics. The one where he is being held is from April 27. The other was from today. I'm wondering if it's not hot enough for him? Will have new Reltibreeze by end of week and new basking light. Hope you 22nd move will not add more stress.

 

[carol5208]

If he is 2 yrs old he does not have the markings of a male veild. The way to determine sex at this age is by the coloration and a tell tale sign is the males have bumps on the back of their back heel. If you are unsure what I am talking about, post a pic of the back feet.

 

[ADKEarl]

OMG, no bumps! I think Earl is Pearl!!!

 

[carol5208]

Are you aware that females can lay eggs without mating? Did you friend have the chameleon for long? Obviously she must hae never layed eggs when your friend owned her as you would of known that he were a she. You need to have a laying bin in the cage at all times. Search the chameleon breeding section and there is a thread there on how to set up the proper laying bin. Looking back at the picture, if that were a male, he would be awfully small also as the females are quite a bit smaller than the males.

 

[ADKEarl]

I have read that before. I will look into a laying bin. I was looking for a 55 gallon fish tank and acquired her as a package deal. I am totally committed at this point and have spent countless hours researching proper husbandry. I would think she would have layed eggs in the 2 years he had her. She looks better and has eaten a few crickets. I offered some veggies yesterday and she wouldn't eat them. No bowel movements in 9-10 days. I have a 2x2x4 reptibreeze coming today. I'm also switching to a dome basking light. What watt bulb would you recommend? Hopefully by the w/end it will all be setup for good. Again, thank you for your support!