Baby veiled chameleon sick

[Anniel]

Hi I just got a baby male veiled chameleon and he has been constantly sleeping and doesn't seem to have much interest in food. He ate one cricket yesterday that I know for sure. I have been putting crickets in the cage while Im away, so he could have eaten some food but I am not sure. I have the basking light with a 100 watt nightlight red bulb that I keep on day and night, I am not sure if I should keep the heat lamp on at night. I live in Northern Nevada where it is dry, and have gotten the humidity up to 95% is this too high? . I have noticed that he has pooped once and have seen him drink once off of the plant. We have been in and out of the room to check on him because we have been worried, I hope this has not stressed him out, he seems to be more active when we are not in the room. I am going to try giving him some mealworms tonight, to see if there is more interest. I am 14 years old and this is my first chameleon, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[carol5208]

Hi there. Unfortunately, as I guess you aware, sleeping during the day is not a good thing. You do not need a light at night or heat! Unless your temps are going to get down into the low 50's or below for the baby, then you can use heat. The proper thing is to get a ceramic heat emitter bulb and put that in place of your basking light. Light disrupts their sleep patterns. You do not need the humidity that high. It can go high, but then it needs to come down. Constant humidity can lead to stagnant air which can breed mold and bacteria which can lead to respiratory problems. We need to know some things about your set up. Go to the green forums tab, click on health clinic, then click on the how to ask for help form. Copy and paste and fill out the best to your ability.

 

[symphonica]

Fill this out if you want accurate help: https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/


A few things must be corrected, first and foremost.

Lighting:
Do you have a UVB lamp?
Shut off all lights at night. Any form of light will disrupt their sleep pattern, which is a big no no. It should be pitch black.

Temperature:
There should be a range, between the coolest spot of the tank (bottom, in shade) and the hottest spot (basking spot). I'm not familiar with veileds (I'm a panther person), but I'm thinking it should be between 75 and high-80s? It can drop down 10-15 degrees at night.

Humidity:
Maintaining it at 50% is plenty. The meter's not completely wet/sprayed directly when it's reading 97%, is it? The cage should dry out completely between mistings. If it doesn't, it can grow bacteria/mold, which can get the cham very sick (most common is a respiratory infection).

Housing:
What type and size is the enclosure?

Feeding:
Are you feeding the appropriate size feeder? The general rule is that the cricket should not be larger than the distance between the cham's eyes.

Are you free-ranging the crickets, or cup feeding?