Why does my chameleon have these stripes?

[woolsiwools]

Hello!! My first time on the forum!! I was curious, this is his very first time getting these stripes. He’s usually this bright light green while sleeping, but now he has these yellow stripes? Is this something to worry about? This lil guy has me worried.

 

[Beman]

Welcome to the forum. That is actually a female Veiled chameleon. And the bars show she is mature now. Meaning could be about to lay eggs. They lay eggs even if they have not been bred. She will need a lay bin. This will give you a lot more info https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/veiled-chameleon-laying-101.2488/

If you post some pics of her when her lights are on so we can see what colors she is currently showing that would help as well. They cycle through normal coloring, receptive, and gravid. You see these differences when they are awake. When they sleep they are much more subtle.

 

[MzLaurie]

Hello. This is perfectly natural. Until they are full grown, they will change with each molt. Colors will be added as well as lines and shapes. Do you see the their skin is made up of little dots. I call that pixilated. It’s actually chemicals that cause the color changes. Now it’s your job to understand what the different colors and stripes mean because this is how they communicate to other chameleons. This is their language. When mine is infrared he gets green polka dots. If they go black, boy is he pissed off. Each Cham is a bit different and unique in their coloring. Mine get brownish when he is hunting or trying to warm up under his lights. It’s perfectly natural and you should take photos and mark the age once he is a year or a bit older the changes are set somewhat. Then again when my male veiled turned three his lips, and spikes went yellow which was a first. Best of luck to you

 

[woolsiwools]

Welcome to the forum. That is actually a female Veiled chameleon. And the bars show she is mature now. Meaning could be about to lay eggs. They lay eggs even if they have not been bred. She will need a lay bin. This will give you a lot more info https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/veiled-chameleon-laying-101.2488/

If you post some pics of her when her lights are on so we can see what colors she is currently showing that would help as well. They cycle through normal coloring, receptive, and gravid. You see these differences when they are awake. When they sleep they are much more subtle.

Oh! She’s a female? No clue!! Thank you about that, I’d provide a laying bin. I’ll provide more pictures when it’s day time! Thank you again.

 

[woolsiwools]

Hello. This is perfectly natural. Until they are full grown, they will change with each molt. Colors will be added as well as lines and shapes. Do you see the their skin is made up of little dots. I call that pixilated. It’s actually chemicals that cause the color changes. Now it’s your job to understand what the different colors and stripes mean because this is how they communicate to other chameleons. This is their language. When mine is infrared he gets green polka dots. If they go black, boy is he pissed off. Each Cham is a bit different and unique in their coloring. Mine get brownish when he is hunting or trying to warm up under his lights. It’s perfectly natural and you should take photos and mark the age once he is a year or a bit older the changes are set somewhat. Then again when my male veiled turned three his lips, and spikes went yellow which was a first. Best of luck to you

Interesting!! I’ve taken this chameleon off my sister’s hands since she couldn’t take care of it properly. I’ve done the research on the webs, but it’s really nice to have some others who have experience as well. I’ll take notes of her patterns/moods LOL! Glad to know this is just a nature process of maturing.

 

[woolsiwools]

Oh! She’s a female? No clue!! Thank you about that, I’d provide a laying bin. I’ll provide more pictures when it’s day time! Thank you again.

By the way, that forum of information was very helpful!! Im also glad that her gender was confirmed, always had trouble.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi and welcome. There’s so very much misinformation out there about how to properly keep chameleons. The very best site to learn so very much is https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/ Neptune the Chameleon on YouTube is also a fantastic source for correct info. Not sure about any others being correct.

 

[Beman]

Oh! She’s a female? No clue!! Thank you about that, I’d provide a laying bin. I’ll provide more pictures when it’s day time! Thank you again.

Your welcome.

 

[woolsiwools]

Welcome to the forum. That is actually a female Veiled chameleon. And the bars show she is mature now. Meaning could be about to lay eggs. They lay eggs even if they have not been bred. She will need a lay bin. This will give you a lot more info https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/veiled-chameleon-laying-101.2488/

If you post some pics of her when her lights are on so we can see what colors she is currently showing that would help as well. They cycle through normal coloring, receptive, and gravid. You see these differences when they are awake. When they sleep they are much more subtle.

Good morning!! This is her awake.

 

[woolsiwools]

Hi and welcome. There’s so very much misinformation out there about how to properly keep chameleons. The very best site to learn so very much is https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/ Neptune the Chameleon on YouTube is also a fantastic source for correct info. Not sure about any others being correct.

Yes!! I love her channel!! I’ll look through this care as well, I want her to live a happy life

 

[Beman]

Good morning!! This is her awake. View attachment 361918

Yes!! I love her channel!! I’ll look through this care as well, I want her to live a happy life

Beautiful girl. I am awful at determining phases for a female. I know when one is a female and then way too much other husbandry info. So @MissSkittles is an amazing person here that jumps in on all female threads. Because as I said I know all the basics for a girl but have no idea which of their colors mean what lol. She however has the hands on experience with females and laying that you will need.

I will say I think I am seeing a little bulge there towards her back leg on her abdomen. so my bet is she is holding eggs. But please see my prior note about my limited hands on experience with female chams.

Anything else you might need pertaining to husbandry and I got you covered.

 

[woolsiwools]

Beautiful girl. I am awful at determining phases for a female. I know when one is a female and then way too much other husbandry info. So @MissSkittles is an amazing person here that jumps in on all female threads. Because as I said I know all the basics for a girl but have no idea which of their colors mean what lol. She however has the hands on experience with females and laying that you will need.

I will say I think I am seeing a little bulge there towards her back leg on her abdomen. so my bet is she is holding eggs. But please see my prior note about my limited hands on experience with female chams.

Anything else you might need pertaining to husbandry and I got you covered.

Oh!! Thank you, I’d message them and provide a laying bin for the lil lady. Im terrible at identifying sex with Chameleons! I’d love to do a husbandry check with you though, what form do I follow for that? ! Thank you again!!

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi again! She is a beauty! Has she been very active for you? Maybe seeming to always be in the move going up, down and all around her enclosure? She has her big girl colors and patterns, but she lacks the darkness that they get when gravid. In my blog that @Beman linked above, you can see both of my girls and how differently they changed when gravid. One had her patterns darken to the point that they almost mixed into each other and the other was very subtle and just her dots seemed to darken. The very best thing to do is to always keep a lay bin in her enclosure. It’s much easier and better for her and for you. Provided your husbandry is correct, the chances of her having problems laying her eggs is greatly decreased. Having your husbandry reviewed is definitely an excellent idea and either @Beman or myself (or another member) will be more 5an happy to do so for you. Copy and paste the following with your answers.


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.

--------------

Please Note:

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