Defecation question

[LittleLionLover]

I've been searching around but can't seem to find any information on chameleon bowel movements. I mean what exactly would be a healthy rate and in comparison an abnormal one? I've heard things like once a day, or once a week, or every few weeks, and I have to say i'm a bit confused not to mention worried about my own guy. Any information would be helpful.

 

[Syn]

How old is your chameleon and how often do you feed him? What type of chameleon do you have?

 

[LittleLionLover]

Furcifer paradalis, hes about 8 months give or take, staple diet of crickets all gutloaded with fresh fruits and veggies.

I asked this question pertaining to chameleons in general, not necessarily just panthers. But any species specific info would be great also.

 

[coolmoon]

When mine eat every day, they have a movement every day. When there is a hunger strike or a off day they don't. I don't believe there is a rule for it. What happens with yours?

 

[LittleLionLover]

When mine eat every day, they have a movement every day. When there is a hunger strike or a off day they don't. I don't believe there is a rule for it. What happens with yours?

Well he always has quite the appetite, very active, and I've caught him drinking. Honestly I think hes still simply getting used to his new surroundings (It's been little over a week since he arrived). Hes defecated once and it was a round pale orange ball, so I thought best to try hydrating him a bit more so I used the shower method, he shed the day after. All in all he appears to be in good shape, its simply the fact that he still has yet to go to the bathroom again that has me a little worried but Ill wait a few more days and see what happens.
I'm really just wondering exactly how long a cham would have to go without defecating to call it irregular? And honestly, what causes it to be that way?

 

[coolmoon]

They can be really good at hiding where they go, I would really search the enclosure. The orange ball sounds like a urate and not a good one. I would mist him alot and make sure he has a dripper on top of the showers. If he eats well a week is quite awhile. Check the temp in his basking spot it may be too low. Problems with defecating could be an impaction, heat too low and lack of hydration could cause problems. Let us know how he does.

 

[LittleLionLover]

They can be really good at hiding where they go, I would really search the enclosure. The orange ball sounds like a urate and not a good one. I would mist him alot and make sure he has a dripper on top of the showers. If he eats well a week is quite awhile. Check the temp in his basking spot it may be too low. Problems with defecating could be an impaction, heat too low and lack of hydration could cause problems. Let us know how he does.

Thats what I had been guessing, I'll up the heat a bit and just continue misting him heavily with warm water. Thankyou for your help


EDIT: He actually just relieved himself about 5 minutes after posting this the shower seems to have helped quite a bit .
It looked to be well shaped and colored, the urate was slightly orange though but much whiter than the previous one, so I'm going to just continue to hydrate him. Thankyou for all your help.