Dark tail on parsonii

[CalummaCrazy]

Hi guys,

This was parsonii I was considering purchasing but I noticed that the end of tail is dark, is this a sign of stress, trauma or illness? Or can this be naturally occurring? I will post more photos the seller originally sent me over a month ago. I am in the UK & the animal in question is in Europe, so I cannot see it in person. Thanks

 

[CalummaCrazy]

Here are the photos from a month ago. You can see the tail was dark than plus when it unfurls it, it's not as dark. Thanks

 

[jannb]

Did he recently have bloodwork? That can bruise the tail for weeks, maybe even months.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi. Have you asked the seller about it? Is this a captive bred or wild caught chameleon? Do you know of the seller’s reputation? I suggest passing on this animal, for several reasons. I would be hesitant to buy an animal with an injury that lacks a reasonable explanation, and/or from a seller who is not the breeder or has an unknown reputation. Additionally, please, take no offense, but Parson’s chameleons are for the more experienced chameleon keeper. They have specific needs that must be met or they will fail to thrive. Honestly, that you aren’t aware if the dark tail is normal or not, it shows you are lacking knowledge about chameleons. Again, I am not being mean - just honest and I would rather for you to succeed in keeping a chameleon rather than having a heartbreak. I do suggest starting with learning as much as you can about keeping chameleons, and then some. A great source for this is https://chameleonacademy.com/ There is a standard husbandry program, species specific care guides, podcasts on a wide variety of subjects, videos and even an e zine. Of course, we are always here and enjoy helping each other get everything as right as possible and support each other. After learning all you can, perhaps a male panther or veiled chameleon would be a much better choice for you. Both are gorgeous animals that are just a thrill to keep.

 

[CalummaCrazy]

Did he recently have bloodwork? That can bruise the tail for weeks, maybe even months.

No not as far as I am aware

 

[CalummaCrazy]

Hi. Have you asked the seller about it? Is this a captive bred or wild caught chameleon? Do you know of the seller’s reputation? I suggest passing on this animal, for several reasons. I would be hesitant to buy an animal with an injury that lacks a reasonable explanation, and/or from a seller who is not the breeder or has an unknown reputation. Additionally, please, take no offense, but Parson’s chameleons are for the more experienced chameleon keeper. They have specific needs that must be met or they will fail to thrive. Honestly, that you aren’t aware if the dark tail is normal or not, it shows you are lacking knowledge about chameleons. Again, I am not being mean - just honest and I would rather for you to succeed in keeping a chameleon rather than having a heartbreak. I do suggest starting with learning as much as you can about keeping chameleons, and then some. A great source for this is https://chameleonacademy.com/ There is a standard husbandry program, species specific care guides, podcasts on a wide variety of subjects, videos and even an e zine. Of course, we are always here and enjoy helping each other get everything as right as possible and support each other. After learning all you can, perhaps a male panther or veiled chameleon would be a much better choice for you. Both are gorgeous animals that are just a thrill to keep.

See this is the problem with the internet people come steaming in with their opinions without knowing the facts. I'm aware of Bill Strand & his great work. I have actually kept & bred many species of reptiles including Tiliqua, Lacerta & Uroplatus. I have kept quite a few chameleon species in the past, especially Trioceros and a pair of YL parsonii. I'm also an experienced zookeeper who has worked with hundreds of reptile species. If you cared to ask my concern was that the tail seems to be working fine despite the darkness. I was actually hoping to see if an experienced parsons keeper had seen this before. And I'm in consultation with one of the best reptile vets in the UK. I know you didn't mean any maliciousness, but it's situations like this why myself & many people don't like comment or post on the internet..I'm asking for help & suggestions not to be told what to do or spoken down too, as quite clearly you dont know the full picture

 

[jannb]

I’ve kept parsons in the past but none of them ever had dark like that on their tail. I’ve had other species get a black tail from bloodwork and other bruises. You should talk to Craig Durbin. He’s the #1 parson breeder in the US. He’s @Action Jackson on here.

 

[CalummaCrazy]

I’ve kept parsons in the past but none of them ever had dark like that on their tail. I’ve had other species get a black tail from bloodwork and other bruises. You should talk to Craig Durbin. He’s the #1 parson breeder in the US. He’s @Action Jackson on here.

Hi. Have you asked the seller about it? Is this a captive bred or wild caught chameleon? Do you know of the seller’s reputation? I suggest passing on this animal, for several reasons. I would be hesitant to buy an animal with an injury that lacks a reasonable explanation, and/or from a seller who is not the breeder or has an unknown reputation. Additionally, please, take no offense, but Parson’s chameleons are for the more experienced chameleon keeper. They have specific needs that must be met or they will fail to thrive. Honestly, that you aren’t aware if the dark tail is normal or not, it shows you are lacking knowledge about chameleons. Again, I am not being mean - just honest and I would rather for you to succeed in keeping a chameleon rather than having a heartbreak. I do suggest starting with learning as much as you can about keeping chameleons, and then some. A great source for this is https://chameleonacademy.com/ There is a standard husbandry program, species specific care guides, podcasts on a wide variety of subjects, videos and even an e zine. Of course, we are always here and enjoy helping each other get everything as right as possible and support each other. After learning all you can, perhaps a male panther or veiled chameleon would be a much better choice for you. Both are gorgeous animals that are just a thrill to

I’ve kept parsons in the past but none of them ever had dark like that on their tail. I’ve had other species get a black tail from bloodwork and other bruises. You should talk to Craig Durbin. He’s the #1 parson breeder in the US. He’s @Action Jackson on here.

Yeah thanks, I'm talking to Craig via FB. I personally never seen it either and the fact the tail seems to be working fine is even more bemusing.

 

[MissSkittles]

See this is the problem with the internet people come steaming in with their opinions without knowing the facts. I'm aware of Bill Strand & his great work. I have actually kept & bred many species of reptiles including Tiliqua, Lacerta & Uroplatus. I have kept quite a few chameleon species in the past, especially Trioceros and a pair of YL parsonii. I'm also an experienced zookeeper who has worked with hundreds of reptile species. If you cared to ask my concern was that the tail seems to be working fine despite the darkness. I was actually hoping to see if an experienced parsons keeper had seen this before. And I'm in consultation with one of the best reptile vets in the UK. I know you didn't mean any maliciousness, but it's situations like this why myself & many people don't like comment or post on the internet..I'm asking for help & suggestions not to be told what to do or spoken down too, as quite clearly you dont know the full picture

I’m sorry to have offended as that was certainly not my intent. I did debate with myself whether or not to say anything, but chose to err on the side of caution. Too often such concern is warranted, and with the limited information provided, I believed my perspective and response was appropriate. Obviously now I understand that I was mistaken, but all I can offer is my apology. I am now removing myself from your thread. I wish you all the best.