Blueberries and Veiled Chameleon

[HailAries007]

I did a ton of research but I’m worried I messed up. My veiled chameleon had its first blueberry today. I read they can be a good treat, so I smashed one up and gave it to the chameleon. He’s moving around normal and sitting good but keeps sticking his head up straight and slightly pushing his tongue out. He’s not choking is he?!? Please help. I’m brand new.

 

[Ghostbirb]

Hello and welcome! I’m sorry this is happening with your guy! My main worry with that head positioning is a respiratory track infection and not the blueberry, you normally don’t want to feed fruits and veggies to chameleons, but they should ok if you did.
Do you have any reptile vets near by?


Would you be able to fill out this husbandry form and provide photos of your chameleons whole cage?
Also finally would you take clear shots of the back of your chameleon back feet? I have a suspicion that you might have a female.

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?

 

[Sonny13]

Same thought here, I’m thinking about a female as well.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi and welcome. When I was new and learning, I used to give my girls blueberries as an occasional treat. I cut the berry in half for them and they ate it just fine. It did discolor their teeth black though. Then I learned that even though veileds will eat plant matter, they have no need for it and the sugars from the fruits aren’t so good for them. We give them only live feeder insects and fill their enclosures with only safe live plants that they can choose to nibble if they like (and they usually do). If you want to spoil your chameleon with a treat, invest in a strong plant light and put a hibiscus in the enclosure. They love hibiscus!
I’m not sure why your chameleon is showing signs of respiratory infection. I am inclined to doubt that the berry had anything to do with it, unless it was very loose and liquid and was aspirated. You will need a vet visit to check for and treat an RI or whatever else may be going on. You may as well take a fresh poo sample for parasite testing too.
I too would like to see more pics of your chameleon and especially the back feet. I’d also like to see your enclosure. Too often people fall victim to all of the old or incorrect information out there about chameleon keeping. Sadly, many don’t find their way here until their cham has fallen sick and there’s little help we can give.