Baby veiled chameleon dehydrated

marcus fenix

New Member
Hi guys! I just got my membership today because I wanted more answers for my problem. I bought to baby chamelons, but one of them started to closed one eye the day after I got him, then he closed the other eye the next day. I took hin to the vet 3 days ago and the Dr. told me to soak my chameleon in water and force him feeding with baby food water and calcium. I emailed the breeders and they told me the opposite, they told me that I should not soak jim and force him feeding! What other options do I have?
My enclosure is a 16x16x30 screen cage, I made my own water droper and I mist the cage ywice a day. Also I have a 100w UVB zoo med bulb. He is a baby veiled male chameleon.
 
Are you sure the bulb you have is a uvb bulb?

it could be that the light is too intense for him.

Can you post photos of him, and the bulbs you are using?

Uvb should be a separate bulb, and then you should have a basking bulb.

What is your basking temp?
 
Like camimom said, sounds like to much light and heat.
What are you using to monitor the basking temp?

100W bulb sounds like overkill for a baby.

Do you ever see him drinking at all?
 
Well I read the box and it said that it created UBV light and I had a nightime bulb so use them togheter for a basking spot. But Im not sure in using because I put a thermometer in the cage and it measured 90 degrees on the very top of the cage.
 
That is way too hot for a baby.

You should get a reptisun or reptiglo uvb bulb, 5.0, and use a regular house bulb for basking.

Play with different house bulb wattages to get a basking temp of around 84. no higher for now.

NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT!

they need darkness to sleep!
 
Ok I will lower the temperature. I also Have a female chameleon and that one looks perfect. She eats she drinks water. I will post pictures later today
 
Yeah I dont use lights at night and the breeder told me the basking area should be 90 deegres or higher but I will check the temperature again. I can regulate my heating lamp for now, while a buy the other bulb
 
Yeah I dont use lights at night and the breeder told me the basking area should be 90 deegres or higher but I will check the temperature again. I can regulate my heating lamp for now, while a buy the other bulb

Even as an adult, I don't keep veileds that hot.

The hottest temps they see indoors is 88.

You never want babies that hot.

I wouldn't doubt if you change the lights the way I suggested, he will start opening his eyes.

I would also do long warm water mist sessions, in case he has anything in there.

Are they housed in the same cage? if so, you should separate asap, as that can cause stress as well.
 
Ok I will lower the temeeature when ever I get home and I will post some pics. Also the baby food mixed with water and calcium should be fine? Or can I put a cricket in his mouth? He doesnt eat I guess because he doesnt see.
 
stop the baby food.

just dust your bugs, then feed the bugs to your cham.


im sure after a day or two of better lighting, his eyes will open, assuming its from the lights, and not some other medical issue.
 
I will separated them. The Vet said his eyes were closed beacuse he is too dehydrated and also said that he is shedding so chameleons don't eat or drink when they are shedding, so that could be one of the reasons of why he is dehydrated.
 
I will separated them. The Vet said his eyes were closed beacuse he is too dehydrated and also said that he is shedding so chameleons don't eat or drink when they are shedding, so that could be one of the reasons of why he is dehydrated.

that's a load of crap.

My Veileds all ate and drank when shedding.

They might reduce their food, and some as they get older, may not eat for a day or so when shedding, but they do drink.
 
Hi, Welcome to the Forums. Sorry for the lost of your little guy.

Since you have been keeping both Chameleons together and if there was an disease process happening with one it very likely woud be passed to the other. I would go to the top of the page in the sticky section of the Health Clinic and fill out the "How to ask for help" page. Just copy and paste it in a new thread. That way we can help you out with anything that may make the female even healthier. Be as specific as possible. There is no such thing as too much information. Try using a different font or color for your answers it makes reading it easier for other members ot read,and offer their help.

Pictures of your chameleon and set up are also helpful. We are not here to beat you up just help you provide the best care possible for your Chameleon.
 
Sorry you lost your little guy, but I suggest you do fill out the how to ask for help form. The folks here have a lot of knowledge and good advice that can help you keep your little girl healthy.
 
Ok I will fill out the form. Since I read that baby chameleons don't get stress when they share the cage, I thought it was fine. Plus the Vet did not say anything about separating them. The Vet also said that it was my fault for buying the chameleons so little, and my chameleon was really little like 2" or 2.5". Anyways I will tell the whole story later and I will take all the advices.

Thank you guys for the help I really appreciate the time you all take to answer questions :)
 
Im really sorry he died.

Since you've had him for only a short time, it most likely came to you sick, or it simply could not handle the stress of the environment change.

If your other one is still alive, we would be more than happy to assist you with that one.

I bred veileds, I kept them together until they were about 1.5 months old, then I started separating them out.

They can begin to fight for food, basking spots, sleep spots, and just being in the presence of another cham can cause stress, which when stressed too much, can cause death.

If you post a pic of the set up and the cham, I can try to estimate age for you.

Chameleons should not be sold under 3 months old. As this is their most critical time.
ANy sort of environment change can cause too much stress on a cham.
 
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