When should I start to worry?

[ColorbyChameleon]

I got my two Veiled Chameleon's last Saturday they are 6 months old. When I put them in their new homes (separate) they both at about 4-5 crickets immediately.

The question is I have not seen them eat any since or notice the couple I have in each home going away. I have set up a mealworm cup in the one cage and am planning on buying a second cup for the other one tomorrow.

When should I start to worry that they are not eating??

Thanks -- nervous mom!

 

[qdude46]

Is your primary feeder mealworms or is it just a dish made for mealworms?

 

[dom1959]

they can take some time to settle in...
going a week without food is not a huge deal, considering the circumstances.

 

[ColorbyChameleon]

No my primary has been crickets. Just added mealworms to change it up a little.

 

[ColorbyChameleon]

Thanks , they seem fine but just don't want to wait until it is obvious there is something wrong. I am planning on their diet to be crickets, hornworms and mealworms.

I did add new vines to go across the cage today and to attach the cup for them. They seemed to be ok spending time on the cross vine all day today. Staying a pretty green but do still act very shy if you walk up to them so hoping it is just them settling in like you said.

 

[qdude46]

they can take some time to settle in...
going a week without food is not a huge deal, considering the circumstances.

Yeah I agree, if they still have a problem within the next few weeks then you may have somewhat of a problem but if you would like, you could fill out the husbandry form so we can for sure let you know that you are doing everything right.

 

[ColorbyChameleon]

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Veiled Chameleons Male & Female 6 months old, Just got them last Saturday.
Handling - Once a day every other day , trying to let them settle in.
Feeding - Crickets 2-3 a day, first couple days they ate fine but have not seen them eating and I have not been adding crickets since there are some there. Gut loading with collard greens. Plans to use gut loading info from forum.
Supplements - Tetra calcium with D3 on first dusting with intention of doing 2x a week but have not added anymore since same crickets in cage.
Watering - Spray bottle right now (monsoon ordered) 3X day have seen them drink at first. Male seems to enjoy he comes out when spraying (close to shed) but female seems shy and goes inside of tree when spraying.
Fecal Description - Droppings not much in cage brown with touch of white. Really had to look to find what I did. Not tested for parasites
History - Not much other then age, bought from 2 different breeders at a reptile show.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - I have separate Zoo Med 18X18X36 reptiscreen cages for them.
Lighting - Zoo Med 10.0 compact UVB & 75 watt Zoo Med heat lamp in mini zoo med dome. Have on a timer on at 8am off at 9pm.
Temperature - Temp at basking is 80 lower cage 78 and measured by digital therm (zoo med) night time temp has been around 76
Humidity - 75% humidity by gauge higher of course after misting.
Plants - Live tree Schefflera in both cages
Placement - In my bedroom with very low traffic. No vents or fans on their side of room. Stand that holds both cages is 36" from floor. Top of cages are about at the 6'0 mark from the floor it self
Location - Maryland

Current Problem - Want to be sure I am doing the right stuff since I have not seen my Chameleons eat since eating very well on the first day home. They seem healthy but don't want to wait until they appear weak or sick to ask questions.


Thanks for all your advice and thoughts! I am sure I am being a nervous new mom but just wanted some advice!

 

[qdude46]

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with it but they will both need 2'x2'x4' cage each soon.

 

[ColorbyChameleon]

Well I put 6 mealworms in a cup put it in Tepesh's cage this morning before I left for work & when I got home they are all gone and I don't see the few crickets that have been hanging out! So maybe the change up triggered him to get eating or I was just being a nervous newbie!

I got a mealworms cup today for Fiona and a little bit smaller crickets for her also and I am sure she will be eating soon!

They were both their pretty green basking on their cross vines when I got home also!

Thanks everyone I so appreciate all the input and will gladly use it !