Young Panther Licking cage

[Anniel]

Hi again,
I have had my aprox three 1/2 month old Panther Cham for 48 hours, and he seems to be pretty active, but still pretty dark in color at times. I have seen him eat a couple of crickets today, and I think he is eating more that I'm not seeing. I haven't seen him drink today, but he's exploring the cage and tasting or licking all over the cage a lot , and at times he opens his mouth for no seeming reason. Does this behavior seem normal?? Thanks

 

[symphonica]

What is your humidity at?

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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.

 

[craig90]

Sounds like he is just trying to adapt to his new home.

The tasting/licking is fine they use it to help explore and see if other chameleons have been there. He is probably still dark after being stressed from the move, this should change after a few days. You may not see them drink much, sometimes they like to drink when you're not looking. As long as the urate (white part of the poop) is white and not yellow/orange he is well hydrated.

 

[Anniel]

Thanks for the info!
The humidity has been between 40- 70, but has briefly dropped to 35.

 

[symphonica]

What are your basking and ambient temps?
Is he looking up when he's opening his mouth? Is he making any funny noises or drooling?
How are you giving him water?

It's normal for them to still be exploring and feel uncomfortable with their surroundings after only 2 days, but I wouldn't dismiss it as being "normal" until we've made certain that there's nothing else going on, especially since this is your first cham. It would really only benefit you and your little guy if you were to fill out the "how to ask for help" questionnaire that is on this site (questions I posted in my previous post)

 

[ataraxia]

With newly acquired chameleons.
Dark colors are typically a sign of uncomfortable or cold/.
Licking is normal.
Him opening his mouth. Id venture to guess everything is good knowing that he is active and eating. If he is doing this for extended periods of time, not very active, basks 90% of the day, body pointed vertically with the head in the air, excess saliva forming on the lips, constantly swallowing, wheezing or popping noises while breathing then you have something to worry about. This would also warrant dark coloring.