I have a 5 month old male that doesn't seem to like the outdoors. I put him outside today since the temp. was up to78. This is probably the first time he has been outside. Previous owner didn't take that good of care of him.He is very healthy now with no problems. When I first put him out, he secluded himself to the darkest part of the folaige. I checked on him every ten minutes or so, and after about 30 minutes he came out and got on his favorite perch but was very dark with more black in him than I've ever seen. Turquoise areas turned dark olive. I only left him out another ten minutes and then returned him to his normal room. He immidiately turned to his usual vibrant self. Is it just going to take him a while? Should I continue to put him out. Anyone else have similiar story? Also, how long out in the sun does it take for him to benefit from the natural UV? Thanks for any input. David
veiled not liking outdoors
- Thread starter dectr6
- Start date
dodolah
Retired Moderator
hi Dectr6..
Actually i can tell your chameleon LOVES outdoor basking
Chameleon turn very dark or almost black to absorb sunlight.
The logical explanation is basically like this:
White shirt reflects sunlight
Black shirt absorbs them therefore you feel hotter when you are wearing black shirt.
So, the dark skin is not because he hates it.
It is normal. I put my cham next to an open window. Everytime the sun shines, he moves to the spot and turn dark.
So, please take him outside again. It seemed that he's liking the sun.
the optimal time to bask him outdoor is at 10 am till 2 pm (i think).
Sunlight is definitely the best resource for your cham.
Actually i can tell your chameleon LOVES outdoor basking
Chameleon turn very dark or almost black to absorb sunlight.
The logical explanation is basically like this:
White shirt reflects sunlight
Black shirt absorbs them therefore you feel hotter when you are wearing black shirt.
So, the dark skin is not because he hates it.
It is normal. I put my cham next to an open window. Everytime the sun shines, he moves to the spot and turn dark.
So, please take him outside again. It seemed that he's liking the sun.
the optimal time to bask him outdoor is at 10 am till 2 pm (i think).
Sunlight is definitely the best resource for your cham.
Last edited:
Dyesub Dave
New Member
When I put my male veiled out in the sun he goes flat and turns half his body towards the sun. The side facing the sun is almost black and the side away from the sun shows some of his most vibrant light colours. It splits right down the middle ... it's really cool to see.
Pretty smart that a creature of this size knows to make himself dark to absorb the heat. Some humans aren't even this smart !! LOLOL
Dyesub Dave.
Pretty smart that a creature of this size knows to make himself dark to absorb the heat. Some humans aren't even this smart !! LOLOL
Dyesub Dave.
