Veiled going to bed too early

[mildread666]

So I recently upgraded my veiled chameleons vivarium. Upsized to a 2x2x4ft, he seems to be enjoying his new space, having a wander around his new plants, eating well, drinking, healthy looking waste. Only thing is... he now seems to be putting himself to bed a lot earlier. Before, his routine would be clockwork. He would get himself in his sleeping spot about 15-20 mins MAX before lights went off. Sometimes even 5 mins before. He knew when to settle down for the night. But now he seems to be getting in his NEW sleeping spot at least an hour and a half before his lights turn off. (he's tried a few sleeping spots since the upgrade but has settled on one right at the front of the enclosure nestled into a plant) Is this something I need to be worried about? He's on a 12 on 12 off routine. They come on at 8.30am and off at 8.30pm. However I've just come up and he's put himself to bed pretty much bang on 7 o'clock.

I'm worried maybe his UVB basking spot is too close to the bulb, could this be affecting him? It's about the same distance as it was in his old enclosure, although i have upgraded to a longer bulb to account for the bigger enclosure. His highest branch, the one he basks under the UV, is around 7 inches from the mesh roof of the Viv.

His heat basking spot sits at 30 degrees Celsius. But he seems to prefer sitting at the back under his UV since the move.

What other factors could be affecting his sleeping pattern? This is night number 5 in the new enclosure and is the second night in a row he's put himself to bed this early. Could it still be the stress of a new environment? Even though he seems otherwise happy and content?


Any help or ideas greatly appreciated

 

[Sherbertsmysunshine]

Hello!
is he closing his eyes when at his sleeping spot? He might just be getting use to his new enclosure, but if you would like we can do a full husbandry check. Copy this and fill it in, I should be able to help you soon
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.

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Please Note:

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

 

[MzLaurie]

Well you need to take into account the changes to sunrise and sunset during the winter. I keep an eye on my boy then adjust my timers to him. Currently 7am to 7pm. You see they don’t care about our clocks. They stay in tune with the sun. So I wouldn’t worry just adjust your timers. Then in the spring/summer when sunrise/sunset changes, you might have to change it back.

 

[Tkrd69]

Forgot the time change. All my animals used to fed by 6:00am, now they want food at 5:00am

 

[MzLaurie]

Forgot the time change. All my animals used to fed by 6:00am, now they want food at 5:00am

Do you get up early? That may be reacting to you! They are pretty smart!

 

[Tkrd69]

Do you get up early? That may be reacting to you! They are pretty smart!

I always get up around 4 am. The outside animals don't start making noise till sunrise. With the time change its earlier now.