Worried about my Zeke

[mcbdz]

OK, hope I'm just being a worry wort but I am worried Zeke may have something wrong. Would like some experienced keepers to look over his care and advise. Thanks



Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon.-Have male 26.5wk old cb BB ambolibe chameleon. How long has it been in your care?- Since he was 10.5wks.
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?-several times a week to transfer outside when sunny. last couple weeks not much sun so less handling.
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham?-crickets, super worms, Phoenix worms as of last month do rotate other bugs when available(silk worms, horn worms, flies and rolly polys) What amount?- normally 12-20 crickets daily or mix in 2-3super worms or pheonix worms. He has also eaten the soldier flies when one hatches out. What is the schedule?-put his bugs in his cup around 7am and will either hand feed or add 2 from cup to screen so I see him eat those them. I'll check back around noon and, if he needs more I'll add a few or if their are some in his cup I'll hand feed them. How are you gut-loading your feeders?-fruit and veggies for wet and now feeding mulberry Farm's cricket dry gutload. Before would mix oatmeal, wheat germ, cherrios, mixed nuts for dry food.
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?-Repti-cal Calcium daily, alternate Repti-cal Phosphorus free Cal with D3 and Repti-cal Herptivite w/Beta Carotene every other Sunday.
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? Pump sprayer RO/DI water by hand. How often and how long to you mist? Every morning for about 5 minutes and then several times during the day about a minute. Having drainage issues so will change during day to dripper. Do you see your chameleon drinking? Always and will continue watering until he stops.
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Normal dark br./black formed with white urates. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites? No
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you. Just changed him into his large enclosure 2 days ago. Weather last 2 weeks has been cold, cloudy and rainy.


Cage Info:

Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?- Just changed him into Size 56" H x 36" W x 30" D, wood frame sealed/painted, aluminum screen. Have a rubber tub in bottom that is drilled and, drain into bucket.

Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? Repti glo 5.0 30" UVB and a 100watt white incondesent household bulb for UVA and heat. What is your daily lighting schedule? 6am-6pm
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)?temp at floor 70F, Mid cage about 72F, Basking is 86-90F He tends to go to the hotest spot several times during the day. Lowest overnight temp? 62-65F How do you measure these temps? a digital for ambient and a craftsman infra red thermometer gun for basking. With check his body while basking on his back neck.
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? my digital hydrometer has died. room is usually in 40's naturally goes up to 70-80 after watering How are you creating and maintaining these levels?not sure of levels in the new enclosure. Have live plants and spray water the whole enclosure when watering. What do you use to measure humidity? had digital hydrometer. Nothing at moment.
Plants - Are you using live plants? yes. If so, what kind? up intil 2days ago inside enclosure had large golden potho and outside a Cananga odorata, commonly called ylang-ylang. In this new cage last 2 days have the outside tree above and a Hoya carnosa vine.
Placement - Where is your cage located?in bedroom infront of window Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas?there are both ceiling fan and a vent in the room that has always been there. no change. At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor? 6ft.
Location - Where are you geographically located? Doyline, LA


Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about. His appetite has decreased to only 1-3 bugs, did see him miss at super worm twice(in a row) before he did get it yesterday. He let a cricket just set infront of him today while he literally laid on his basking branch not even interested in it. I was thinking it was the cage change until I did catch him asleep in his basking spot around 3pm. he woke up easily and closed his eye several times like it bothered him. I showered him and it looks normal but I know they aren't suppose to sleep during the day. Could he be depressed with this crappy weather on top of this cage change? Very worried. Posting pick I took as soon as he woke up.

 

[mcbdz]

So does no one have any idea why he would have slept during the day today? Or why he's not eating normal? Could it just be the changes? Should I not be worried?

 

[Padose]

I don't fall into the experienced category, but have you been able to check out his mouth? (mouth rot, or infection) Does he have a sore that's making him not excited to eat and possibly causing him to miss?

I'm definitely not an expert, but I would think that if it's only happened once or twice it's nothing to freak about yet, but definitely something to keep a close eye on and make note of.

I'm really not sure what else to say. I hope more experienced people will pipe up and help out!

 

[mcbdz]

I don't fall into the experienced category, but have you been able to check out his mouth? (mouth rot, or infection) Does he have a sore that's making him not excited to eat and possibly causing him to miss?

I'm definitely not an expert, but I would think that if it's only happened once or twice it's nothing to freak about yet, but definitely something to keep a close eye on and make note of.

I'm really not sure what else to say. I hope more experienced people will pipe up and help out!

Thank you so much for your reply. the only reason I posted experienced was I was thinking they would notice something I'm over looking. I haven't seen in his mouth lately. Good advice. I'll have to try and get a look tomarrow. He's drinking fine and the ones he has eaten looked like he chewed normal. The outside looks good so I guess I'm going to have to get him mad at me an open up. LOL He's really sweet so may have a hard time. Will post anything I find tomorrow.

 

[mcbdz]

Well no luck seeing in his mouth yet but he's acting normal at the moment. Ate a superworm and is roaming his enclosure. Hope there's no nap today or I think I'll just have to make a vet check up.

 

[lovepicasso]

I don't know what could be wrong, but I sure hope you find an answer fast and if not, I would be off to the vet.....I know that my boy sometimes would just sit and look at a cricket if he wasn't hungry, but the sleeping would bother me.

 

[deadhd5]

Hmmm.. It looks to me like your husbandry is spot on, so this is a tough one. The pictures seem to show a very healthy juvi ambilobe (my Malcolm is about the same age and looks a lot like him).

Have you seen him sleep during the day multiple times, or just that once? He could be experiencing a little winter blues, or perhaps a superworm related hunger strike (though that does not expalin the sleeping).

I wish I could offer better advice than this, but just keep an eye on him. If you see him sleep again, it may be time for a vet visit. However, if I had to guess, it doesn't sound like anything serious, and will probably pass.

Good luck!

 

[mcbdz]

I don't know what could be wrong, but I sure hope you find an answer fast and if not, I would be off to the vet.....I know that my boy sometimes would just sit and look at a cricket if he wasn't hungry, but the sleeping would bother me.

thanks for replying. He just ate the one superworm this morning and nothing so far since. He has been roaming and drinking. I wasn't as worried until I caught him asleep.

Hmmm.. It looks to me like your husbandry is spot on, so this is a tough one. The pictures seem to show a very healthy juvi ambilobe (my Malcolm is about the same age and looks a lot like him).

Have you seen him sleep during the day multiple times, or just that once? He could be experiencing a little winter blues, or perhaps a superworm related hunger strike (though that does not expalin the sleeping).

I wish I could offer better advice than this, but just keep an eye on him. If you see him sleep again, it may be time for a vet visit. However, if I had to guess, it doesn't sound like anything serious, and will probably pass.

Good luck!

Thanks, So far, that was the only time he slept. I am keeping a closer eye on him now. hopefully it's nothing but, will not hesitate to go to the vet if he does it again. Hopefully this too shall pass.

 

[lovepicasso]

Please keep us posted about Zeke....I pray he is doing better.

 

[mcbdz]

Please keep us posted about Zeke....I pray he is doing better.

Thanks so much. He's up with lights and moving around cage. Hopefully the flies I order come in and I can get him tempted to start hunting .He usually loves thinks that fly. What is a good gutload for flies. Do you just make a mush out of your wet load?

 

[Trik]

I have an ambilobe the same age and condition. Other than marking differences, they look identical.

I have been having the same problem as well, but for about a week now. His appetite has gone way down. He has been looking paler, so I thought a shed was coming, but its been over a week, and hasn't peeled yet...

He is not falling asleep halfway through the day, but I have noticed him trying to sleep 2-3 hours before his lights go off.

I've been considering a pet trip myself. Let me know if you figure anything out

 

[dlegare]

All my chams have been moping around the past few days. Its been dark and rainy. My adult male eats 3 to 5 large crickets every day to every other day.

And they all tend to hit the bed earlier by about 45 min to 1 hour before usual when its overcast or raining.

Is this an abrupt change in his diet?

How does his poo look?

Is his UV bulb near expiration?

Have you taken temp readings of his basking site?

 

[mcbdz]

I have an ambilobe the same age and condition. Other than marking differences, they look identical.

I have been having the same problem as well, but for about a week now. His appetite has gone way down. He has been looking paler, so I thought a shed was coming, but its been over a week, and hasn't peeled yet...

He is not falling asleep halfway through the day, but I have noticed him trying to sleep 2-3 hours before his lights go off.

I've been considering a pet trip myself. Let me know if you figure anything out

He's moving around and acting ok at the moment. I found 2 fecals one is dry with some yellow urate the a fresh one that is normal and white. I think he could of been a little constipated. Still going to keep a close eye and hopefully the flies will be here today. Tracking number says should be.

All my chams have been moping around the past few days. Its been dark and rainy. My adult male eats 3 to 5 large crickets every day to every other day.

And they all tend to hit the bed earlier by about 45 min to 1 hour before usual when its overcast or raining.

Is this an abrupt change in his diet?

How does his poo look?

Is his UV bulb near expiration?

Have you taken temp readings of his basking site?

He didn't sleep yesterday but was tucked in about 1 1/2 hours before lights out. Poo described above. His uvb was changed>>>>> Wait. We had issues with our lights before Christmas and can't remember if I changed bulb or just hood. I am going to town this afternoon and going to get a new bulb just to be safe. Maybe that is the problem. Thanks for making me think hard on the lights cause in my head I changed lights in December but may not have.

 

[mcbdz]

Well counting back the oldest the lights could be would be from Oct. making it4 months. so at least will avoid problem later changing now but shouldn't be a problem yet. Sun is out but cool. I'm going to take him out for a little while

 

[Dr O]

maybe he’s depressed as he just figured out how close to Shreveport he lives... JK!!!

your husbandry is spot on, may be just a little winter brumation behavior. keep us updated, but i don’t see anything that would frighten me and giving him some direct sun will help in all sorts of ways. try and focus the sun on his third eye for maximum benefit.

 

[mcbdz]

maybe he’s depressed as he just figured out how close to Shreveport he lives... JK!!!

your husbandry is spot on, may be just a little winter brumation behavior. keep us updated, but i don’t see anything that would frighten me and giving him some direct sun will help in all sorts of ways. try and focus the sun on his third eye for maximum benefit.

LOL, Hey I love Louisiana. Thanks for taking time to reply. He got to spend Most of the day outside and his colors are awesome. Active and climbing all over us when we brought him in. Still not eating much but haven't caught him sleeping anymore. Glad he got some sun today cause it's suppose to be cold and rainy the next couple days.

 

[crocky]

Hope Zeke is ok, sounds like you are doing everything right. My guy goes to bed earlier some nights than others. I think it is just the weather. Been really cloudy and gloomy the last couple of days and his cage is right by a window. Hope nothing serious is going on with your little man.

 

[ataraxia]

Things i would do for your boy.

1. Go buy him a new plant and some vines. Switch up his furnishing a bit. Give him more stimuli.
2. Never hurts to have a fecal done.
3. Check all your lighting and temps. Be sure your uvb is functioning correctly, if you dont already maybe try putting a full spectrum light over the top also.

Something that concerns me is that you are only mentioning him eating super worms. I dont know how to be more serious on the forums about this bug. If you have been freeranging crickets all along and your not noticing any gone and you keep throwing superworms in and this is the only thing you notice gone...your boy could be going on a strike. It is important t obe sure your animal is eating all of his crickets first and then offering a super worm as a snack. They are like desert if i could best describe the bug. It would be like offering a T-bone steak along with chocolate icecream to a child. I know my four year old will pass the T-bone and tear into the chocolate ice cream. If he has other issues right now causing his lack in appetite, i would still not be offering superworms because thats all he eats

 

[Dr O]

LOL, Hey I love Louisiana.(

and i love (south) Louisiana too! went to school @ Tulane and lived in NOLA 1998-2004, then up to BR for vet school through 2008. and i go back yearly 1-2x typically. i absolutely am crazy about LA, had my own boat for fishing when i was there, and have had 2-3 points where i almost moved back. but (cough) Sleazeport…well, you know already.

 

[mcbdz]

Hope Zeke is ok, sounds like you are doing everything right. My guy goes to bed earlier some nights than others. I think it is just the weather. Been really cloudy and gloomy the last couple of days and his cage is right by a window. Hope nothing serious is going on with your little man.

Thanks so much. Hope that is what's up too.

Things i would do for your boy.

1. Go buy him a new plant and some vines. Switch up his furnishing a bit. Give him more stimuli.
2. Never hurts to have a fecal done.
3. Check all your lighting and temps. Be sure your uvb is functioning correctly, if you dont already maybe try putting a full spectrum light over the top also.

Something that concerns me is that you are only mentioning him eating super worms. I dont know how to be more serious on the forums about this bug. If you have been freeranging crickets all along and your not noticing any gone and you keep throwing superworms in and this is the only thing you notice gone...your boy could be going on a strike. It is important t obe sure your animal is eating all of his crickets first and then offering a super worm as a snack. They are like desert if i could best describe the bug. It would be like offering a T-bone steak along with chocolate icecream to a child. I know my four year old will pass the T-bone and tear into the chocolate ice cream. If he has other issues right now causing his lack in appetite, i would still not be offering superworms because thats all he eats

Thanks for you advice. I have just changed his whole enclosure so, I was worried about that being part of the problem. Did just add a new ivy in it yesterday and am holding off a trees because they are so full I want have as good visability and want to keep my eye on him for now.
I added a plant light the day before yesterday and will change my UVB bulb this week to be safe. He did get to spend most of the day yesterday outside in bright sun. his body temp stayed around 80-81F. He's drinking good still.
On the superworms.These do still confuse me. When I was researching I thought wax worms were suppose to be the bad ones to give, and read supers were better then meal worms. I have them gutloading all the time in the dry gutloads of oat meal, brand, flax seed, wheatgerm, alfalfa and add all the dry greens and fruits to there bucket after I take it out of the crickets buckets. I only feed him the freshly molted white ones and dust them. After saying all this though I couldn't get him to eat one today. I do know he ate 2 yesterday and did see him eat a cricket or 2 the day before. I had 3 soldier flies hatch today so put them in there. Hope they'll encourage him to eat. He has just been roaming all over his enclosure today. He basketed a little this morning but not since. Our weather did make a turn for the worst this morning and, maybe it is bothering him.

and i love (south) Louisiana too! went to school @ Tulane and lived in NOLA 1998-2004, then up to BR for vet school through 2008. and i go back yearly 1-2x typically. i absolutely am crazy about LA, had my own boat for fishing when i was there, and have had 2-3 points where i almost moved back. but (cough) Sleazeport…well, you know already.

LOL. Yeah, Shreveport isn't my favorite place. Moved to Bossier years ago and now We live way out in the country here in Doyline. Do have family in town though, so visit frequently. To bad your not around here but heard Dr Brookings is good with exotics and took care of our water dragon years ago. Hopefully want have to take him in anytime soon but will if he doesn't stat eating better.