Hello All!
I'm new the forum but have a concern for my Veiled chameleon, as of yesterday he stopped using his tongue (maybe im being paranoid). He attempts to zap crickets but his tongue will only go out half an inch or so rather then full length. It also looks like he's having trouble standing up as he's becoming "Shaky" when he climbs or walks!
The chameleon is Veiled
Almost 1 year old (est 9 months) (from Petco)
Lives in a 10lx16wx30h Zoo med repti breeze chameleon kit
with a Zoo med Tropical UVB 5.0 v bulb
Has a diet of crickets, superworms, kayle , and sometimes fruits (protein are always gut loaded)
Stool: looks regular no strings or odd texture
Watering- Has an auto mister & gets sprayed 3-5 times a day
Temp and Humidly always 80-85 and humidly ranges from 65-80
You said "reptibreeze chameleon kit", but it looks like glass? The ReptiBREEZE line is a screened cage, thus the "breeze". However, that's just semantics.
More to your current issue, tongue issues are tricky as they can really be so many thing - from the tongue or mouth, neurological issues, eye coordination, etc. It could be something as simple as a minor tongue injury or something like a Vitamin A deficiency, for example.
I'd say two things. First and foremost, no one can tell if your chams behavior is off better than you the keeper. If you suspect something, get him to a vet. (Especially when it effects their ability to eat) Secondly, I'd suggest filling out "the form". While you provide some details, there is a wealth of information that's been left out such as, how long YOU have had him, supplements, etc. It helps you the keeper and us the community by having to ask/answer less questions.
Overall, he looks a tad thin, but not near the worst we've seen. Best wishes to the both of you.
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.
