Bathing

[Thebigman2001]

I heard that you can give chameleons baths. How and what do I do?

 

[jpowell86]

Not baths.....showers. You need to set something up in your shower that is sturdy enough for him to sit on while the water is running. You want to run the shower at a luke warm temp and make sure that the water is not hitting him directly. The indirect water splashing and increased humidity can be very beneficial for certain species. Especially if they have pesky shed that just want release or if they may be a bit dehydrated. I like to shower mine for 45 minutes once a week. My Melleri get double that amount.

 

[Trace]

Despite what the self styled experts and rescuers/hoarders on social media may say, chameleons DO NOT absorb water through their skin nor can they absorb water through their vents. Period. It is useless and quite frankly stressful for an animal that has evolved to live in trees.

Chameleons have skull shapes and ornamentation to allow water to run into their mouths from above and/or catch dew in the early mornings.

Baths do not and should not be given.

 

[Thebigman2001]

Not baths.....showers. You need to set something up in your shower that is sturdy enough for him to sit on while the water is running. You want to run the shower at a luke warm temp and make sure that the water is not hitting him directly. The indirect water splashing and increased humidity can be very beneficial for certain species. Especially if they have pesky shed that just want release or if they may be a bit dehydrated. I like to shower mine for 45 minutes once a week. My Melleri get double that amount.

Then what do I do with him? Just let him sit in a shower with no water?

 

[jpowell86]

No, you let him sit in the shower, but you don't let the stream hit him directly. Just like @Trace was explaining, chameleons don't absorb water through any other method except drinking. That's why subjecting your chameleon to a "bath", is actually extremely unnatural and stressful for your Cham.

 

[Trace]

Simply place a plant or perch into the bathtub or shower stall. Aim the showerhead against a wall so the water bounces back against the plant or aim the showerhead so that the water is partially wetting the provided perch. Allow an area for the chameleon to escape the water should they choose. Turn on the water and set to lukewarm (NOTE: warm and hot water will burn your chameleon!) and place your chameleon on the plant. Keep a close eye on the animal so they don’t escape the bathtub but most chameleons find this time to be relaxing and settle into a good rehydrating drink and don’t try to escape. The water will not only rehydrate the animal but also clean their skin and eyes. If you notice their eyes bulging and moving awkwardly in the socket, it is a normal action and is just the chameleon removing dirt and debris from under the eyelid.

 

[MissLissa]

Then what do I do with him? Just let him sit in a shower with no water?

I'm not sure I understand you question.

If you mean, "what do I do once the shower is over", well, you put him back in his enclosure to let him bask and dry off.

If you mean "I'm not sure how having indirect water would help- how could he drink that?", let me explain:

Their "casques" (the decorative horn-like bits on their noggins) are made to capture and channel rain water into their mouths for them to drink. Think of it like a permanent beer-hat. The tiny droplets of water that are directed off the shower wall will collect on their heads and bodies. The water on their bodies will soften any stuck shed, etc, allowing it to come off off easier. The water that collects on their heads will eventually drain down to their mouths for them to drink. You can also put them in the shower in a fake or real plant, and they will lick the droplets off the leaves and drink that way as well. Most chameleons do not like to be directly sprayed with water, which is why putting them onto a direct shower spray is not a good idea- by pointing the shower head at the shower wall and letting it bounce off first, it turns the droplets into a much finer mist which chams will find less stressful. If you are still not sure how that works, I could grab you a video tomorrow- Saturday is shower day over here

 

[My Chamelon]

Despite what the self styled experts and rescuers/hoarders on social media may say, chameleons DO NOT absorb water through their skin nor can they absorb water through their vents. Period. It is useless and quite frankly stressful for an animal that has evolved to live in trees.

Chameleons have skull shapes and ornamentation to allow water to run into their mouths from above and/or catch dew in the early mornings.

Baths do not and should not be given.

Today I learned something, i thought their skin was where they absorbed most of their water. Well, i guess I was wrong