Veiled Chameleon Color

[Sirlanzelot]

Hello everyone this is my first post on here.
I have had my chameleon, Lanzelot, for 6 weeks now (and I think he was about 10 weeks when i got him). When I got him he was generally bright green, but after some time (2-3 weeks) I noticed he had a dull color, brownish, and he just didnt seem to be in a very good condition (looked exhausted and weak). I recently realized that the UV lighting that I had was outdated, so I bought a new one. Since i changed the light he has a much better color, but instead of green, its more of a darker blue/turquise color. Is this normal, or is it a sign of distress?

This is my first time chameleon, so hopefully someone can ease my worry
I also in general would like to know the most reliable interpretations of the colors, since there are so many different interpretations all over the internet

Another worry of mine is mdb developement. In case he has had some early symptoms of mbd during this period where he didnt have proper lights, would it be likely that he would develope it later on, or would it be fully prevented now, since it was treated immediately?

ps. he has shedded twice since i got him. literally for the second time just now

thank you

Marita

 

[werecat]

Hi, hopefully I can shed a little light on some of your questions, but I don't feel qualified to answer them all. First, you said your chameleon is turning turquoise in color. From what I know there are some veileds that get quite a bit of turquoise when they grow into adulthood so I think this is normal. You say he's shed a couple times recently so each time you may notice a color change. He may also develop some yellows as he grows since veileds also get some yellow in adulthood. Google "adult veiled chameleon" images to see what I mean.

As for what colors mean what, it's hard to say for sure. Typically darker colors (blacks, browns, etc.) mean a chameleon is upset (or they will also get this way when they are basking as a way to absorb more light/energy). Brighter/lighter colors typically mean they are content or "happy". That said, my panther chameleon turns his lightest, brightest colors when he's very upset so… I suppose it can vary from animal to animal.

I can't really comment on the mbd as I have no experience with this, but glad you got that UV light changed out. I know it can be a very devastating disease depending on the extent of it, but maybe it did not progress very far in the short time that your UV output was low. Hopefully someone else here can comment about it more. I would also seek out a reptile vet with experience with chameleons for more information.

 

[SaintJimmy]

If you have not already -- buy some non-d3 calcium powder and some d3-calcium powder.

Every day or every other day dust the crickets in a bag with the NON-d3 powder and release them in the cage or hand feed them. Twice a month you dust with the D3 vitamin powder.

 

[Sirlanzelot]

thanks for the replies
SaintJimmy, I have some calcium powder with d3, but I havent heard of giving it without d3, why is that?

 

[camimom]

If you don't dust with calcium with no d3 daily, he will develop metabolic bone disease.

it is vital to his health.

 

[Sirlanzelot]

ok i will go and buy some without also But why not give him the calcium with d3 all the time?

 

[Poptartjake]

Just as you can under supplement an animal, you can also over supplement him. This isn't really applicable to Cham's (To my knowledge), but consider a human that is getting too much calcium. If their body continues to receive this large amount of calcium it can start to develop bone growths that can inhibit movement and etc. Once again, this isn't going to happen to your Cham, but it's the idea that too much of a good thing can be just as bad as not getting enough.

On a lighter note, your guy looks absolutely beautiful. I have seen some 'high' turquoise Veileds and they are absolutely stunning.

 

[werecat]

The reason for using calcium without D3, is that chameleons manufacture their own D3 from sunlight (or in the case of a captive chameleon, from the UVB of the UV bulb you are providing). D3 is crucial to calcium absorption so the two, D3 and calcium, go hand in hand. Therefore, chameleons do not need a D3 supplement as regularly as a calcium supplement since they are making their own. Since the levels of UVB that chameleons get from bulbs in captivity is nowhere near the levels they get from natural sun, they do still need a D3 supplement as well, just not as often. The schedule St. Jimmy mentioned for supplementation is good. I've also linked the veiled care sheet for your reference since there is a section about supplementation.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

*People who keep their chameleons outside year-round often don't have to supplement with D3 very much at all since their animals are getting more natural levels of UVB from the sun. If you ever have the chance, it's very beneficial to let your chameleon out to free-range in the sun for a short time, but remember to supervise them constantly!

 

[Sirlanzelot]

Aha ok, thanks for the heads up

btw, another thing regarding color. Will he still go lime green during sleep as he matures or will he go more of a dark color? i noticed once or twice that he wasnt as bright as normally, could this have been an indicator of stress or maturing?

 

[Sirlanzelot]

Lanzelot doesnt look too well

Hello again
I need some help, but i dont know how to start a new thread.
For the last 2 weeks it has seemed as if lanzelot has gotten sick
He barely eats, and he is not so keen on coming out of the cage (used to come "running" out when I got close. Noticed he was a bit paler.
I bought a fogger for him, but im afraid that i have been humidifying the cage too much, and that he has become sick from it. Is that likely?
He stopped eating crickets some time ago, i think hes afraid of them. So he almost only eats superworms, since my petstore doesnt sell other insects.
He drinks alot though.
If it is a cold he has gotten or a fungal infection, what would be the symptoms and what should i do?
I havent been to the local vet with him, but im not sure they are specialized in chameleons. Or do all vets take them in anyway if thats the case?

Thanks in advance
I hope someone can help me