White stuff around the nostrils (with clear pics) and brown colour

[Djborx]

Hello there, I have just purchased a 2 month old male veiled. He has only been with me for 3 days.
He is currently in a 20x20x32 glass cage until he grows a bit, he will then be moved to a screen 24x24x48 enclosure.
The overall temperature is 75 and the basking area goes up to 80. He is eating fine and is quite active. I'm dusting the feeders with "sticky tongue farms" outdoor miner-al calcium without D3.
I have just noticed that there's some kind of white stuff around his nostrils, as if he was dehydrated. He is drinking water fine though, although when I first got him, he drunk an unusual amount. I think they might not have done a good job in the pet store at keeping them hydrated.
Does anyone know what it is? Should I worry? Anything I should do?
Also, his colour is always light brownish rather than green. Is that normal in babies or do you think there's something wrong? Any advise is welcome
I have attached some pics. Thanks!

 

[Lpsouth1978]

The white crust around the nostrils is nothing to be concerned about. It is simply a build up of excess minerals that often accumulates around the nostrils. It is quite common and will come and go, but is harmless to your cham. As far as the color goes, he looks to be several months of age and should start to color up, though he is more brown than many veiled that age. He may not be as vibrant a green as many, but he is still a good looking guy.

 

[hollyjoe]

Aw he is a good looking guy and unique in his own way,
mine had white in just one nostril but was a little worse than this, actually looked like a flake... i found out it was him getting rid of excess salts in his body.
x

 

[Djborx]

What a relief! Thanks so much! As long as he is healthy, he can stay brown if he wants!

 

[inlinefourpower]

You might actually have a kind of rare morph. I'm no expert but some of his toes have the translucent look to them. Maybe others can provide more details? Also I think he's more than 2 months old but their growth is highly variable as I understand it.

Also, are basking temperatures high enough?

I'm with the others, though, that he's a fine looking chameleon.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

You might actually have a kind of rare morph. I'm no expert but some of his toes have the translucent look to them. Maybe others can provide more details? Also I think he's more than 2 months old but their growth is highly variable as I understand it.

Also, are basking temperatures high enough?

I'm with the others, though, that he's a fine looking chameleon.

I have to agree that he may very well be a low translucent. I had noticed that before but did not mention anything. It is actually not that rare in veilds. Being translucent, especially in small amounts, typically will not cause him to be brown, it may just be his unique color. No matter what you have a good looking chameleon.

I also agree that he is older than 2 months, he is probably closer to 4 months.

 

[LilBlue]

Excess salt is right, I have an iguana - now that's some salty sneezes lol.

Also, reptiles shed inside the nostril holes too.

 

[Djborx]

Translucent chameleon?

I've only seen your reply now, sorry. Not sure if anyone will be able to see this message now...
This is the first time I hear this "translucent" thing. I searched a bit online and I think you might be right guys. He might have that condition, especially in his toes. The strange thing is that when he is in the cage, one side is brown and the other side is slightly green, when I handle him however, he turns light green all over... It's not a proper green though, just a light greenish. So strange. I have included some pics so you can see what I mean.
Also, does he need any extra care if he is indeed "translucent"?
Thanks!

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I've only seen your reply now, sorry. Not sure if anyone will be able to see this message now...
This is the first time I hear this "translucent" thing. I searched a bit online and I think you might be right guys. He might have that condition, especially in his toes. The strange thing is that when he is in the cage, one side is brown and the other side is slightly green, when I handle him however, he turns light green all over... It's not a proper green though, just a light greenish. So strange. I have included some pics so you can see what I mean.
Also, does he need any extra care if he is indeed "translucent"?
Thanks!

It is fairly normal for chameleons to be darker when in their cages, even on one side. The side that is closest to the heat bulb is sometimes darker because they are trying to absorb as much heat as possible. As for special needs for a translucent veiled, there are none. It is simply a minor genetic defect that some people actually prize. It makes your guy unique, but his care is the same as any other veiled. If he was a high translucent, there would be a few precautions that may be needed, but yours is a low translucent, just showing signs on his feet.

 

[Djborx]

It is fairly normal for chameleons to be darker when in their cages, even on one side. The side that is closest to the heat bulb is sometimes darker because they are trying to absorb as much heat as possible. As for special needs for a translucent veiled, there are none. It is simply a minor genetic defect that some people actually prize. It makes your guy unique, but his care is the same as any other veiled. If he was a high translucent, there would be a few precautions that may be needed, but yours is a low translucent, just showing signs on his feet.

Thank you so much! I'm so glad to see that healthwise he is fine. I was told that he was two months when I got him but I have no proof, so he could easily be 4 months indeed for all I know... Not a big deal anyway.
Thanks again