Breeding concerns, dehydrated Chameleon

[CHIMP]

Ok, So based on what you see in that last picture, Do you think what I have now will be sufficient for now? I know none of this is guaranteed. I may have already stressed her out to much already. I did keep items in here cage to a minimal while trying to replicate what you showed in the picture of yours. The only plastic bin that I had that matched the bottom of her cage is clear, not sure If i should make it darker. She did eat and drink for me last night, So I do feel better about the situation. I just wanna make sure I am at least doing the best I can for her. I also had a lot more room in the bin so I added some more soil to the one side to keep the sand/ soil mix deep enough figured it might give her options too! I can mix it further tonight If you think that will help, or leave it alone? wait just realized you are a different person that the original I was talking with. I might be getting information mixed up! I hope I am not making this worse.

 

[cloverthechameleon]

Yes last picture looks succicient if the sand is atleast a foot deep, only problem is she has no way to get down to the sand place a branch or 2 leading down to the bottom. Youve now changed her lay bin it looks like 4 or 5 times in the past 2 days. Please give her some privacy.

 

[CHIMP]

FULL CHAMELEON INFO "PRINCESS"
My chameleon: The chameleon in question is a female, age is unknown, and she has been in my care for about 2 years
Handling: I only handle them during feed and to come out to a hang out tree with us In the living room. More like an open cage that they each get one day a week to hang out with us for about 2 hrs not exactly being handled at that point.
Feeding: I feed them every day. I force them to come out to me (on their own) before being feed. They then sit with me and I feed them mostly crickets dusted with calcium without D3 from a cup. The crickets are feed Fluker's High Calcium Cricket Diet Reptile Supplement, and watered with either Fluker's Cricket Quencher Original Reptile Supplement, or Fluker's Calcium Fortified Cricket Quencher (pending whats available at my pet shop). About once a week they get horned worms and or super worms. Every other week once a week I cycle between calcium with D3 and multivitamins.
Suppliments: are listed as follows, look at feeding for how often. Fluker's Calcium with Vitamin D3 Indoor Reptile Supplement,
Zoo Med Repti Calcium without D3 Reptile Supplement, National geographic reptile multivitamin suppliment powder.
Watering: I have an Exo Terra Monsoon multi misting system set to go off 4 times a day. As well as a home made drip system. Can bee view on last photo.
Fecal description: poop looks like typical brown sometimes white. solid but moist.
History: Bought about 2 years ago maybe less to breed with my male. Just recently started introducing to each other.

CAGE INFO
Cage type: zoomed screened enclosure

Item Number: NT-12​

Size: Large​

Dimension: 18″ x 18″ x 36″​

Lighting: Zoo Med Tropical UVB & Heat Lighting Kit, with Exo Terra Tropical UVB 100 Reptile Lamp, and Exo Terra Daylight Basking Reptile Spot Lamp
Tempature: Ambiant temp is between 74-76 durring the day, and basking spot is tyically 90 and drops to about 68 at night. Night temps very a little bit between winter and summer being I keep the entire room set to that. A/C vents are closed and with most of my reptiles in that room its a little on the warm side compared to the rest of the house.
Plants: are live potted plants, that are changed out every few weeks/months. Mostly hibiscus and a few pothos, and Dracaena. When the hibiscus get to big they get moved to our yard and we buy new ones.
Placement: All chameleon cages are in my fishing/reptile room. vents are closed but a few fans to circulate air are placed in 3 locations in the room. All small portable fans that are place far away from any of the chameleon cages.
Location: we live in north/central Florida in the Ocala Forest.

current problem: chameleon getting lethargic during pregnancy. Not wanting to eat or drink. Could be normal just being nervous. Others have already stated I may not be properly set up for egg laying.

 

[CHIMP]

I see what you mean. I did not thing about that. I will as soon as i get home give her a few ladders. yes the sand is about 12" deep I wanted to go deeper but wanted her to have a little lip on the top for a little more privacy. I can wrap a blanket or something around the bottom if you think it will help.

 

[CHIMP]

I have changed her area twice in the last two days. I know that is probably still to much, just wanted to be right. I feel comfortable with it now based on everyone's help. I assure you she will not be messed with anymore.

 

[cloverthechameleon]

If she doesnt lay within a day i think its best you take her to a vet with chameleon knowledge. She looks very dehydrated and weak. Her eyes and casque are sunken in, her fat reserves in her tail are depleted.

 

[Daesie11]

So there are 3 big things that stand out to me in your care sheet:
Your lighting is insufficient. I know you said you made your setup a few years ago, and that's probably why your lighting is off. In recent years studies have been done to show that company UVB does not emit enough UV to be sufficient for chameleons. You'll need to upgrade to a T5HO liner bulb asap. It is possible that your chams havent shown much issue with it until you bred them, and now your female is lethargic from lack of UVB if she is also producing fertile eggs. If you get a single bulb hood, you will want a 5.0 or a 6% bulb. If you get a multi bulb hood you will want a 10.0 or 12% bulb. The best way to ensure your cham is getting enough UVB is to invest in a solarmeter 6.5.
Next, your cage may be too small. I know a lot of people say an 18x18x36 is "enough" for a female cham. But do you really want to give the mother of your cham children just "enough"? She would be much happier with a larger enclosure and it would also be easier for you to put a permanent lay bin in with her. (This issue may have already been addressed, I only skimmed the thread. Sorry!)
Lastly, your gut loading. I'm not familiar with most of the stuff you mentioned, but I know that rule of thumb is that the "easy" gut load that you can buy from a shop is usually not enough. I know bug burger and cricket crack is usually said to be good, but most experienced keepers will use it in conjunction to fresh leafy greens and fruits.

 

[GoodKarma19]

Thanks @Daesie11! Took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Daesie11]

Thanks @Daesie11! Took the words right out of my mouth.

Just trying to give our regular keepers a bit of a break

 

[CHIMP]

So there are 3 big things that stand out to me in your care sheet:
Your lighting is insufficient. I know you said you made your setup a few years ago, and that's probably why your lighting is off. In recent years studies have been done to show that company UVB does not emit enough UV to be sufficient for chameleons. You'll need to upgrade to a T5HO liner bulb asap. It is possible that your chams havent shown much issue with it until you bred them, and now your female is lethargic from lack of UVB if she is also producing fertile eggs. If you get a single bulb hood, you will want a 5.0 or a 6% bulb. If you get a multi bulb hood you will want a 10.0 or 12% bulb. The best way to ensure your cham is getting enough UVB is to invest in a solarmeter 6.5.
Next, your cage may be too small. I know a lot of people say an 18x18x36 is "enough" for a female cham. But do you really want to give the mother of your cham children just "enough"? She would be much happier with a larger enclosure and it would also be easier for you to put a permanent lay bin in with her. (This issue may have already been addressed, I only skimmed the thread. Sorry!)
Lastly, your gut loading. I'm not familiar with most of the stuff you mentioned, but I know that rule of thumb is that the "easy" gut load that you can buy from a shop is usually not enough. I know bug burger and cricket crack is usually said to be good, but most experienced keepers will use it in conjunction to fresh leafy greens and fruits.

That is alot of useful info. I have a fishing tournament today so I will be gone most of the day. I am hopeful she lays today. I haven't messed with her at all yesterday and she was exploring last night. If she does not I will seek medical attention. As far as the cage I was told this was the ideal size for her. I have larger 24x24x48 and can upgrade it but I will wait tell after she recovers. As for lighting I know tech changes all the time. I will make sure to order new lights today or tomarrow for all of them. As for the gut load I have no idea on those brands my pet shop does not carry that. I will have to check amazon. Thank you very much for the info.

 

[Daesie11]

That is alot of useful info. I have a fishing tournament today so I will be gone most of the day. I am hopeful she lays today. I haven't messed with her at all yesterday and she was exploring last night. If she does not I will seek medical attention. As far as the cage I was told this was the ideal size for her. I have larger 24x24x48 and can upgrade it but I will wait tell after she recovers. As for lighting I know tech changes all the time. I will make sure to order new lights today or tomarrow for all of them. As for the gut load I have no idea on those brands my pet shop does not carry that. I will have to check amazon. Thank you very much for the info.

For the gut loads I honestly wouldnt worry too much about the prepackaged stuff. Just use fresh veggies like the ones on this list

Good luck at your tournament!

 

[CamoChameleonsHuman]

For the gut loads I honestly wouldnt worry too much about the prepackaged stuff. Just use fresh veggies like the ones on this list
View attachment 239327

Good luck at your tournament!

I love pre packaged! I have some bug burger, superload, and NOC:MSP Gutload, plus bee pollen. That right there is variety enough for me. However I still add collard greens and carrots as well.

 

[Daesie11]

I love pre packaged! I have some bug burger, superload, and NOC:MSP Gutload, plus bee pollen. That right there is variety enough for me. However I still add collard greens and carrots as well.

Oh yeah for sure as an additive to the fresh stuff which I know you do, I dont think OP is using any fresh stuff though. I've been thinking of adding some bug burger to my gut load as well.

 

[CHIMP]

So, still have one more day left of tournament but as of right now I am in first place. Woot!

I came home today and slowly crept in the room to put my fishing gear away, and am happy to report that she has laid at least 4 eggs that I can tell. She did it right on the side where you can see through the clear plastic. I didn't take any pictures just saw an left as quick and quietly at possible. I wanted to put my fishing gear away but I can wait tell after tomarrow lol.

 

[Daesie11]

So, still have one more day left of tournament but as of right now I am in first place. Woot!

I came home today and slowly crept in the room to put my fishing gear away, and am happy to report that she has laid at least 4 eggs that I can tell. She did it right on the side where you can see through the clear plastic. I didn't take any pictures just saw an left as quick and quietly at possible. I wanted to put my fishing gear away but I can wait tell after tomarrow lol.

Hey congrats! On both the tournament and the eggs Haha. Keep us updated on both tomorrow!

 

[CHIMP]

Oh yes, I do give the crickets as well as the chameleons fresh veggies. My Male actually likes carrot shavings, and hibiscus flowers. I think it's the color.

 

[CHIMP]

Will do! Sense I am already in over my head let me go ahead and hit you with another "this guys an idiot" question. I watched a video online stating you just need hatchrite in a bin and put in you closet. I have everything for that but if I need an incubator or something I should get that now?

 

[Daesie11]

Will do! Sense I am already in over my head let me go ahead and hit you with another "this guys an idiot" question. I watched a video online stating you just need hatchrite in a bin and put in you closet. I have everything for that but if I need an incubator or something I should get that now?

Oh man I dont know anything about breeding. Maybe @Chameleon Mike can help you with that one.

 

[Chameleon Mike]

I'm kind of late in the game here. Glad she laid for you. This is how I set up my eggs.

 

[CHIMP]

Happy to report she has fishing and buried her eggs. I have her some multivitamins and she is eating and drinking. I took her outside for some sunlight. So far so good.