Brand New Chameleon Owner

[jkholzsager]

First time Chameleon owner. Just got her (I think its a her?) home yesterday morning. She's green with a very pale green stripe on her sides at the moment, so I dont think she's stressed. But she won't eat. I misted her and she appeared to drink, though it was hard to tell if she was just agitated (definitely swallowing). She won't go near the dripping water though. Doesn't move at all really, and one eye won't open. First timer! Any suggestions?

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Flap Neck, <6 months, Female, I think. Didn't see any spurs or a bulge.
Handling - Just to put her in the enclosure, haven't touched her since. Slight jostling making sure everything is situated.
Feeding -Tried feeding crickets a couple times, but she won't take anything.
Supplements - Nothing yet, won't eat.
Watering - Drip watering. Mist her twice a day for about two minutes or until she appears to drink (can't really tell if she is). Not sure if I've seen her drinking. Tongue hasn't left the mouth.
Fecal Description - No droppings yet.
History - None

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Screen, 16x16x20
Lighting - Zoomed UV Bulb, Zoomed Heat lamp. 12 hours.
Temperature - ~85 under the lamps, but they dont seem to warm the entire top of the cage. ~75 at bottom. Thermometer that came with the enclosure, but it's crappy. Getting a new one ASAP.
Humidity - Not sure of exact percentage. No humidy monitor yet. Have a humidifier near by.
Plants - Yes. Sticks for climbing on. 2 live plants, but she hasn't gone near them. Bromeliads. Fake vine.
Placement - Guest room. Quiet, away from other pets. No fans/vents.
Location - Florida.

Current Problem - 2 issues:

1. She won't eat at all and is very lethargic. Just sleeps all day and stays in one position.

2. Left eye won't open. I haven't seen any issue, but my wife thought there was some pus around it earlier.

I'm also waiting to hear back from the reptile store that sold her to us. She was shipped to us, so I wasn't able to see her in the store. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[NHenn]

I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like she is very unhealthy and is having some internal problems and possibly some infection problems as well. I would reach out to the reptile store and discuss with them your options. She will need to see a vet if there is any type of infection.

 

[DragoLikesReptiles]

Flapneck chameleons are usually wild caught and are not very good first chameleons. They need high humidity, 80% normally. Get a fecal test from a vet to test parasites. Really research a chameleon vet because most vets are terrible with chameleons and can even kill it with wrong meds. You may be in for a big vet bill. Go with NHenn's suggestion and good luck with her! Best of luck, Drago.

 

[jkholzsager]

Thanks to you both for your replies. Unfortunately she didn't even make it through the night. The store said they had another that had the same issue, and they think they both had the same infection. I got a male juvenile veiled instead, and he is doing much better. Happy and hungry in his new home. Still getting adjusted.

Sad face for the little flapneck though

 

[rf9661]

I'm sorry to hear that she did not make it through the night. Do you have any lead to what it was? How was the Veiled chameleon doing?

Richard

 

[DragoLikesReptiles]

Yes, that is terrible to hear . Very happy the veiled is doing great.