PNW_Cham
Member
Chameleon Info:
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
He sleeps a LOT during the day, this has been going on this past year, I'm sure due to his age. But he still moves around a lot and has very good grip strength. He has seemed pretty stable in his geriatric routine until just the past week; I've been finding him sleeping hanging by his tail or angled downward a lot when he used to sleep upright. He also is sleeping/resting draped over his branches with all 4 legs hanging down, only holding on by his tail. Sorry, I don't have pictures because I freaked out when I see it and rush to get him back on a branch. I used to have his enclosure setup for drainage from bottom tray but I have now stuffed the entire bottom will polyfill in trashbags, covered by towels so it's a soft place to land should he fall. He hasn't fallen yet, but I'm very worried he will. So I've added more branches criss-crossing his enclosure. I know it's not attractive, and this isn't how it used to look, but I'm trying to make it safer for him. Any thoughts on why he's taken to literally hanging around? I don't think he's sick; he eats very enthusiastically. (He can't shoot his tongue very far anymore so I hand feed him), he drinks every day just fine, moves arounds, basks, sleeps in his pastel PJs. I've taken a look inside his mouth and all looks good and his eyes seem fine too. But he's a tired boy. I do have a medium size reptibreeze enclosure setup as a hospital enclosure for him when it's time. It just looks so small. Is it time?
- Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Ambanja Panther Chameleon, Male, 8 years 3 months old. Been in my care since 6 weeks old. - Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
I only handle him to transport outside in summer for sunny-branch-time - Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
He is hand-fed dubia roaches, silk worms, hornworms, super worms (treat), grasshoppers (when in season), crickets. Every 3rd day. I do gut load with Bug Burger and fresh veggies - Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
I use Sticky Tongue Farm supplements - Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
I no longer use my automated mist king system, he now gets hand-watered with a spray bottle so I can observe him drinking and washing his eyes. - Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
dark brown and cream, as usual
- Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
XL Reptibreeze enclosure - Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
- Arcadia 6% HO T5
- Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
He has a ceramic heater on a thermostat - Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
He gets misted a few times a day - Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Yes, pothos - 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?
Cage in spare bedroom, quiet - Location - Where are you geographically located?
Located in Washington, near rainforest, high humidity
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
He sleeps a LOT during the day, this has been going on this past year, I'm sure due to his age. But he still moves around a lot and has very good grip strength. He has seemed pretty stable in his geriatric routine until just the past week; I've been finding him sleeping hanging by his tail or angled downward a lot when he used to sleep upright. He also is sleeping/resting draped over his branches with all 4 legs hanging down, only holding on by his tail. Sorry, I don't have pictures because I freaked out when I see it and rush to get him back on a branch. I used to have his enclosure setup for drainage from bottom tray but I have now stuffed the entire bottom will polyfill in trashbags, covered by towels so it's a soft place to land should he fall. He hasn't fallen yet, but I'm very worried he will. So I've added more branches criss-crossing his enclosure. I know it's not attractive, and this isn't how it used to look, but I'm trying to make it safer for him. Any thoughts on why he's taken to literally hanging around? I don't think he's sick; he eats very enthusiastically. (He can't shoot his tongue very far anymore so I hand feed him), he drinks every day just fine, moves arounds, basks, sleeps in his pastel PJs. I've taken a look inside his mouth and all looks good and his eyes seem fine too. But he's a tired boy. I do have a medium size reptibreeze enclosure setup as a hospital enclosure for him when it's time. It just looks so small. Is it time?
