Hi,
How often should I change the substrate in my chams cage & clean the bendy branches? I've had him now for 11 days and his branches have gotten all covered in calci-dust.
Also, how often do they shed? He's about 3.5 months old now and shed last monday
Welcome to the Forum. This is the place to come to ask questions and learn all about your little chameleon. Here are the answers to your questions.
1. You shouldn't be using any substrate. Your cham can eat this and become impacted. Remove it all and only use paper towels to catch your water spray if you need to mop up the water and poop. Replace as needed.
2. I am confused about why your branches would haave calcium on them. You should only be putting calcium on your crickets, not in your cham cage.
3. When young, they can shed as often as every month. As they get older they don't shed as often, but they shed their whole lives. As adults they may shed in parts instead of popping their whole skin off at once.
Please fill out this questionaire on your cham. We can help you with your husbandry and let you know if you have any issues that need to be corrected for the health of your little guy. If you can post a pic of him and his cage that would be helpful too.
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?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
Pictures are helpful
