I think that it is part of their genetic make up to want to wake up early to get the job done. All of my female panthers like to get it done first thing :D
I don't know of the 'official' documentation needed to guarantee the blood line, but it would be GREAT to find out. However if not already used, I could recommend using Herp Care Software which is a more simplified version of Mezcal that keeps track of all of your records. I've had nothing but...
Thanks for your kind words, Sandy! I also really love your new website and have visited it quite a few times to check out your beauties. Your Sambava, Degas, is a particularly stunning male!
Ice,Ice,BABY! He looks like he's coloring up nicely...you can see a big difference during that last month. My favorite chameleon EVER was a female sambava named Jill, maybe you can get him a NICE girl sometime soon ;) I cant wait to see the continued progress.
The eggs would be pretty small, about the size of a jellybean maybe a bit larger for a Vieled but not much initially when they are laid. Yes, you should be able to feel the bone from both sides. Check out this picture from Steve Husky of a Melleri skeleton, and look in the pelvic area to...
Sometimes when you are palpating for eggs you can feel their pelvic bone, which will feel like a BIG hard egg. Most likely when you feel multiple little bumps they are eggs. If she does have eggs stuck in her she would be come egg bound, and you would notice immediately it taking it's toll on...
We have been using a hood similar to this on our big Melleri cage, for quite some time. Only have one basking light and the UVB though, haven't felt the need to use the second basking lights. No complaints about it except it's big and bulky and not easily portable.
Awww he is sooo cute. I hope to see my baby Rambo grow and progress as yours has over the next year. Great work!
I hate to be contradictory, but as you probably already know Melleri's supplementation schedule differs quite a bit from your typical panther or veiled chameleon. It is recommended...
Two products that I could recommend that are only available through your Veterinarian are:
Emeraid Carnivor Care (Which my vet recommended for me)
http://www.lafebervet.com/products/emeraidcarnivore.html
I've also heard good things about the Oxbow products Carnivore Care and Critical Care...
The chameleon tongue mechanism is an intricate process, that is very fascinating. You are correct, the hyoid bone is the base for both the retractor and accelerator muscles, that propel and retract the tongue.
Here's a quote that answers your particular questions from Martin's Masters of...