Confused Chameleon

[Ares05]

Basically im trying out the plant light, I turned it on. I went back to where I was sitting, and hes trying to bask in all the wrong places. The plant light lights up the cage from the bottom up, so hes trying to bask. at the lower branches, doing the lean and everything. Then he'll move higher, then lower, trying different spots. Its MUCH brighter then his basking light so I don't think he realizes... what do I do? Hes so confused

edit-- I don't have any live plants right now as im treating for parasites, just making sure it works and seeing how he reacts to it

 

[AnamCara]

Basically im trying out the plant light, I turned it on. I went back to where I was sitting, and hes trying to bask in all the wrong places. The plant light lights up the cage from the bottom up, so hes trying to bask. at the lower branches, doing the lean and everything. Then he'll move higher, then lower, trying different spots. Its MUCH brighter then his basking light so I don't think he realizes... what do I do? Hes so confused

Give him some time to adjust. In nature light tends to equal heat, so this behavior seems understandable.

 

[Ares05]

Alright-- ill watch him. he'll figure it out


Dang, you are quick!! lol

 

[AnamCara]

Alright-- ill watch him. he'll figure it out


Dang, you are quick!! lol

That's cause I'm at work

 

[Beman]

The plant light lights up the cage from the bottom up,

Why is the plant light facing bottom up?

 

[Ares05]

I worded that strange-- I mean it lights up the whole cage completely, like, the whole cage is lit very brightly. im tired ok

 

[Beman]

Gotcha. Just be careful making too many changes while your treating him. He is already on overload just with the handling and the cleaning for the coccidia.

 

[Ares05]

Yes, I stay out of the room hes in as much as possible. He just ate some more, but i'm gonna turn the light off in a bit, was just trying it out.

 

[Beman]

Yes, I stay out of the room hes in as much as possible. He just ate some more, but i'm gonna turn the light off in a bit, was just trying it out.

I understand that... I am not speaking of you being in the room or not... He should be at a point now where he is used to your presence in the room. The light however is new and directly impacting his comfort in his enclosure which is his safe spot. But if the light is confusing him and he does not know where to bask then that is not conducive to him staying strong and the least stressed he can be. Also it does not help him digest the food he is eating if he is bouncing around trying to figure out where to bask.

 

[Ares05]

Hes basking right now, and just ate some more. He was only confused for a few minutes.

He's still not quite used to me actually- if I move around he hides, but doesn't mind me just sitting down. Me having to weigh him more often ( I have to handle him to do so) is probably contributing to him still not trusting me as quick.