Worried for female chameleon and she’s dark colors at night

[salish_31]

My female chameleon started only eating super worms or not eating at all, and starting to hang out in her not usual spots. Oh and we think she is around 7-8 months old and has never laid in-fertile eggs before… so back to my problem she is eating weird and has been darker during the day. Last night she was not in her usual sleeping spot but thought she was just being weird that night. Tonight I come to see her in another weird sleeping spot and really dark of color… should I be worried? What could it be? I will attach some pictures.

 

[Sonny13]

Hi and welcome!
I do have some questions. How much and often are you feeding her? What are your basking temps? And is also acting restless? Does she have a lay bin in her enclosure?

 

[salish_31]

Hi and welcome!
I do have some questions. How much and often are you feeding her? What are your basking temps? And is also acting restless? Does she have a lay bin in her enclosure?

I am feeding her daily and about 5-6 bugs. 3-4 of them are super worms and the rest are bsfl. Her basking temp is around 80. I would say she does get restless sometimes durring the day and will claw at the top of her enclosure but not often. I do have a laying bin.

 

[Beman]

Can I see a pic of the entire cage with the lights on please? Also what UVB bulb strength are you using and is it a T5HO fixture?

 

[salish_31]

Yes it’s T5HO. I notice when I don’t use this basking bulb her cage gets too hot.

 

[salish_31]

Yes it’s T5HO. I notice when I don’t use this basking bulb her cage gets too

Can I see a pic of the entire cage with the lights on please? Also what UVB bulb strength are you using and is it a T5HO fixture?

 

[Sonny13]

I am feeding her daily and about 5-6 bugs. 3-4 of them are super worms and the rest are bsfl. Her basking temp is around 80. I would say she does get restless sometimes durring the day and will claw at the top of her enclosure but not often. I do have a laying bin.

That’s what I was expecting a bit, because she looks a bit sized. Normally, after 6 months we put the female on their big girls diet, reduce clutch sizes (<20 eggs). This diet is a combination lower temps with less feeding. Temps should be max 78 at the basking branch and feedings are cut back till 3 times a week, 3-4 medium sized feeders per feeding.

I could be your girl is already developing eggs, age wise she’s matured enough for it. Good thing you already got a lay bin, she’ll be needing it soon.

Regarding the blue light, I would advise swapping it for a clear / white light. Colored lights can be harmful for chameleon eyes and could cause long term damage.

Other from that you’re doing a great job

 

[Sonny13]

O I know it’s confusing, that there’s a chameleon pictured on the carton of the bulb Terrible industry

BSFL is btw a great feeder and you can use more of them to equal one medium sized feeder

 

[salish_31]

That’s what I was expecting a bit, because she looks a bit sized. Normally, after 6 months we put the female on their big girls diet, reduce clutch sizes (<20 eggs). This diet is a combination lower temps with less feeding. Temps should be max 78 at the basking branch and feedings are cut back till 3 times a week, 3-4 medium sized feeders per feeding.

I could be your girl is already developing eggs, age wise she’s matured enough for it. Good thing you already got a lay bin, she’ll be needing it soon.

Regarding the blue light, I would advise swapping it for a clear / white light. Colored lights can be harmful for chameleon eyes and could cause long term damage.

Other from that you’re doing a great job

Thanks so much… it feels weird to give her less food. Should I slowly cut back on feedings or does it not matter?

 

[Beman]

Yes it’s T5HO. I notice when I don’t use this basking bulb her cage gets too hot.

It looks like her branches are too far away. If you are using a 5.0 or 6% UVB bulb these branches need to be 8-9 inches below the UVB fixture for her to get the correct UVI level. Also you want to add some that have a little bit thicker dimensions to them. Most of the ones she has in there are very thin.

 

[Sonny13]

Thanks so much… it feels weird to give her less food. Should I slowly cut back on feedings or does it not matter?

You’re welcome, all for the best for everyone .
For now I would cut back slowly, same amount but every other day. And then slowing down with the week.