worried first time owner

R

rain49

New Member
me and my gf are new to chameleons altogether, we bought a baby from a pet store im almost positive its a veil because made a bridal joke..anyways the little guy moves around ok, but never opens his eyes, he doesn't seem interested in food at all, and he's constantly tapping the glass(we heard its a sign he's too hot) we had alot of opinions but nothing seems to help. if anyone can offer some advice please i would appreciate it

rain49
 
if you purchased him with in 7 days like that take him back and demand a refund hes blind

thats more than likely caused form sub par living conditions also please post a pic of your cage so we can critique it. thanks, and good luck

when hot they will open their mouth, and keep it open, and at that young of an age they should be consuming tons of crickets. if he is a baby.
 
Last edited:
We will be better able to help if you answer these question.

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?

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.
Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.
 
THAT IS SO SAD :(

you dont absolutely HAVE to take him back if youre attached already like i am..
maybe you could take him to a vet, have him checked out.

if he IS blind, well you could get a refund..
or you could hand feed him and such.. which i can imagine would be a ton of hard work :(

that SUCKS man.
 
when they are young like this the chance of them pulling out its not good. if you havent had it for long like i said like 7 days or so take it back.
 
Sadly I have to agree with Docility on this one. Take it back.
Tell them to take it to a vet IMMEDIATELY, then you might think of repurchasing him (but I wouldn't, at least he'd get to a vet).

It's best to start out with a good chameleon from a reputable breeder.
 
Lets slow down here. Rain it would be very good if you filled out the help sheet coolmoon posted. The never opening eyes is a big issue but does not make him blind.
Please post a clear pic if you can as well.
 
lanceman said:
Lets slow down here. Rain it would be very good if you filled out the help sheet coolmoon posted. The never opening eyes is a big issue but does not make him blind.
Please post a clear pic if you can as well.
Click to expand...

its not the fact if hes going to be 100% blind its the fact he is unhealthy, and they should not be stuck with a pet the store sold at sub par health. if they lose their window they will be out the money.
there are tons of good breeders on our site sponsors if it doesnt get fixed im sure any of them will be happy to help you.

i wouldnt normally be like bring it back, but i work at a pet store, and once that time is up your hands as an employee are tied at trying to convince the manager to help them out, but we do need pics, and your cage setup as well as what brand/ style of bulbs you are using. my zilla bulb caused ocilliy to loose his sight temporarily, or it was a lack of vitamin A im still not sure, but your little cham should still have a high Vitamin A storage from birth
 
Me and the gf decided that we are going to return him. The reasoning being it wouldn't be fair to him because we can't take care of a blind or sick chameleon it's our first chameleon so thanks everyone for all the help
 
Rain48, I applaud your decision. I hope the petstore doesn't give you any problems.

If you REALLY want to get a chameleon, I can't recommend this site high enough. They will send you a complete package with EVERYTHING you need to take care of your chameleon, including care sheets and all the information you need. (well, all the information you need to start out with) :)

http://www.chameleonsonly.com/panther_chameleon_package!.htm

You can buy a Veiled or Panther chameleon from them, or simply buy the cage setup from them, and buy the chameleon from someone else if you like.

You might suffer a little bit of "sticker shock". I'm sure their chameleon package is more money than you spent at the pet store.

Getting a chameleon can be a bit of an expensive step, but once you get the setup, they are relatively inexpensive to maintain. Plus the little guys are so rewarding.

Good luck to you!
 
So yea we're getting a fatter one and maybe a larger tank it's too hot would the same light for a bigger tank make it cooler? Also our chameleon doesn't change colour could that another sign he's blind
 
Dont think being blind has anything to do with the lack of color change, well maybe if he was dark all of the time that means he was stressed which could be a result of not being able to see. Also chameleons are not best off in glass cages, unless you are in a very cold, not humid area (europe or canada) and then its not just a fish tank you put them in its a special reptile tank that allows for air flow at the top and bottom of the cage. Chameleons need good ventilation to thrive.

Also it would be a good idea to fill out that form that was posted so if you do decide to get a new chameleon he/she will hvae a good home to come home to.

In my opinion most pet stores really don't know the first thing about reptiles, much less chameleons (notice i said most pet stores some do) I really recommend finding a local breeder or ordering from one of our site sponsors

The link that was posted before (Chameleonsonly.com) is a good one, but im partial to www.flchams.com (only because he is located like 2 hours from where i live and i buy stuff from him at the reptile shows in Orlando) Like it was pointed out it may seem a little expensive, but you will be getting a very healthy animal.
 
I live in Canada so ya I think ur right about pet stores what about the heat I can only get 50 watt light heat bulbs and there makin the cage too hot
 
If you're in Southwestern Ontario check out exoticpets.com, they're in Kitchener. I have had nothing but good vibes from Rob's operation.
 
thats decent, but i would deff get something bigger. it sounds very small. you know how tall? they get around 2ft in overall length nose to tail. so 1ft of that is going to be snout to vent. just keep that in mind, and if you get a juvenile instead of a baby they are much easier to care for imo, but babies are cute
 
With the waterfall and vines it's too cramped so yea gonna do that and get a new chameleon with working eyes
 
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