Concerns with my guy Sosa

[sykces]

The species, sex, and age of your chameleon.(Panther, Male, 11 months) How long has it been in your care ? (4 months)
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?(at least once a day now)
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham?(crickets, dubias, hornworms) What amount?(7-10 crickets/dubia; 2 hornworms once a week) What is the SCHEDULE?(every day, might skip a day once a week) How are you gut-loading your feeders?(I use carrots,oranges,apples, spinach, and oats)
SUPPLEMENTS - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the SCHEDULE?(Rep-cal Calcium w/o D3 every day, Rep-cal Calcium w D3 once a week and Zoo Med Reptivite twice a month)
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use?(I have a mister set up on timer and a glass of water, and spray bottle) How often and how long to you mist?(everyday 2-3 times a day for 40 sec - 1 minute increments) Do you see your chameleon drinking?(yes, he has drank from the glass many times but not so much lately)
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings.(Brown with white urates) Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?(No)
History - Any previous INFORMATION about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.(I got him from Chameleon Paradise)


Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage GLASS, Screen, Combo?)(Screen) What are the dimensions?(24x24x48)
Lighting - What brand(UVB-Reptisun 5.0, 100W heat emitter, and a blue UVB bulb which I only use once a week)What is your daily lighting schedule?(9:00AM-10:00PM)
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)(bottom is about 73-75, basking spot is 89-90)? Lowest overnight temp?(68) How do you measure these temps?(Digital thermometer)
Humidity - What are your humidity levels(40-60)? How are you creating and maintaining these levels?(Mister) What do you use to measure humidity?(Hydrometer)
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?(Pothos and ficus)
Placement - Where is your cage located?(Livingroom) Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas?(fan somewhat above cage) At what height is the top of the cage relative to your ROOM floor?(64")
Location - Where are you geographically located?(Nebraska)


So this is my very first cham ever and I was hoping to get a second or third opinion on his living conditions and general well being. I don't know if I'm just being paranoid but I've seen a lot of pics of other chams and their skin looks bright and healthy, even if they're not colorful. As you can imagine the midwest get pretty cold so I keep the temp in my place between 76-83F. One concern is that he isn't getting enough heat or efficient lighting for his digestion and health. He also has been biting off bark from branches, I've tried to take off the bark around the parts he chews. Any advice or suggestions would be helpful, thanks.

 

[ctodaro]

The only problem I notice is that the lighting schedule you have him on is way off. It should be right when the sun rises (around 6-7 AM) to when the sun sets (around 7-8 PM) having the lights go off at 10 PM is way too late. Other wise I think he is fine! You are supplementing his food correctly and hydrating him fine. If you want to see him with more color, maybe put him by the window for a little bit with the natural sunlight.

 

[sykces]

Yea I will get his lighting changed, that's a good point. I also plan on changing the plants once spring hits, they're dying and not producing enough humidity. As far as the color I really just would like to see his skin look a little healthier, not as dull. But my eyes aren't the best and could be overreacting.

 

[carol5208]

I agree with the lighting schedule also that it needs to be corrected. Think of them in the wild...is it bright out at 10 o'clock at night?? I always go with sun up, sun down and adjust my lights accordingly when the days get longer or shorter. I am not saying this has anything to do with his coloring, but just something that I would change. Hopefully when it warms up, you can get him outside for some natural sunshine. I have that luxury all year here in Florida. I do notice when they are outside versus indoors, that their colors are more vibrant. You can always try changing up your gutload too. I have read on more than one occasion that spinach and broccoli should not be used(or atleast in moderation) as it binds calcium and can inhibit the absorption of it. He does not look like he is lacking calcium, but maybe it is something to think about over time. Try another leafy green like kale or mustard or collard greens.

 

[sykces]

I agree with the lighting schedule also that it needs to be corrected. Think of them in the wild...is it bright out at 10 o'clock at night?? I always go with sun up, sun down and adjust my lights accordingly when the days get longer or shorter. I am not saying this has anything to do with his coloring, but just something that I would change. Hopefully when it warms up, you can get him outside for some natural sunshine. I have that luxury all year here in Florida. I do notice when they are outside versus indoors, that their colors are more vibrant. You can always try changing up your gutload too. I have read on more than one occasion that spinach and broccoli should not be used(or atleast in moderation) as it binds calcium and can inhibit the absorption of it. He does not look like he is lacking calcium, but maybe it is something to think about over time. Try another leafy green like kale or mustard or collard greens.

I'm glad to know it doesn't look like calcium deficiency from your pov. And I have started using kale too. Thanks for the suggestions, I appreciate it. Definitely will be changing lighting but was concerned that I would need to turn all the lights in my living room off at 8pm which is awkward if I have people over.

 

[MSMorgan]

I'm glad to know it doesn't look like calcium deficiency from your pov. And I have started using kale too. Thanks for the suggestions, I appreciate it. Definitely will be changing lighting but was concerned that I would need to turn all the lights in my living room off at 8pm which is awkward if I have people over.

You can always cover the enclosure with a light breathable cover (old bed sheet) at night.

 

[sykces]

You can always cover the enclosure with a light breathable cover (old bed sheet) at night.

Actually do that and thought I was being weird but thanks for the reassurance that it's ok.

 

[MSMorgan]

You bet. As long as it's not brining your heat/humidity levels beyond what they should be, it's a good practice. That way, he can get the "dark" he needs and you can stay up a little longer.