Do burns/bruises heal over time?

[M4nda_panda]

There are major husbandry issues in this thread... This is why saying that "they are built to take falls" is dangerous. Falls are not normal... 9 times out of 10 they indicate a bigger issue. Which after looking at your husbandry it is in fact related. IT is also why nit picking if mealworms are ok or not is pointless... When mealworms and superworms are the only feeders offered then Mealworms are an issue as a feeder. They are not meant to be a staple feeder. And most people disagree on feeding them at all.


I will be going back through everything... @MissSkittles has already given a ton of accurate info I will be adding to it and repeating some info. We both keep Veileds and know their husbandry very well. We want to make sure you are being given accurate info. Please note that there are major areas that need to be corrected such as supplementation, humidity levels, enclosure size/set up, and obesity issues.

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon -
• The species- Veiled Chameleon
• Sex- Male
• Age- About 2.5?
• How long has it been in your care- A little less then 2.5
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon- Everyday he's very social, happy, and loving
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? Super worms and meal worms... These are not adequate feeders. They do not gutload the same way crickets and dubia will. Adding some other feeders in that have less chiten would be preferable. See image to add variety.
• What amount? I offer him 3 a day and he doesn't always eat them. At his age he should be eating 3 days a week 3 feeders. He is overweight. Being overweight can cause many issues including compromising organ function.
• What is the schedule? He usually comes to me and asks me to take him to his outdoor enclosure. I take him out and let him outside for a few hours then I take him back in the house.
• How are you gut-loading your feeders? With zucchini, cucumber, grapes, all kinds of fruits and veggies that I check to make sure they are safe for him. Gutload should be heavy on veg with very little fruit. see image.
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule? I sprinkle his food with repashy super food calcium plus with vitamins supplement and occasionally give him vitamin A plus... Both of these cause overdose issues. Can cause issues with being able to grip properly along with organ issues due to the D3 pulling the calcium out of the bones and depositing it into the organs causing organ failure. Repashy calcium plus LOD version should only be used 2 times a month. You should not be using the vitamin A plus at all. You want a plain calcium NO D3 for all other feedings. Vitamins such as A and D3 are stored in the tissues so it can take time for them to leave the body.
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? He has an Inkbird Humidity Controller IHC200 Humidifier system with his glass cage and a reptirain misting system in his outdoor cage. You should not be adding humidity during the day with a fogger system. This can lead to a respiratory infection especially in a glass enclosure.
• How often and how long to you mist? Not sure it's automatic it's senses the humidity and goes off when it gets low. His reptirain outside sprays every he for 30 seconds. This again is dangerous in a glass cage.
• Do you see your chameleon drinking? Yes he drinks a lot when I spray the bottle at his mouth lately I wonder if he's dehydrated but he gets a lot of water from his mistings so idk this is normally a pretty desperate action from a chameleon. Means something is wrong.
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites? He has been tested and has never had parasites. I'm looking at his rn it does looks a bit orangey yellow when it didn't before . It looks firm in consistency. If urate is not showing white this can be an indication of dehydration.
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you. - He used to have mouth rot like a year ago but I took him to the vet and he's better now

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Glass, Thrive Tropical Reptile Terrarium Essentials Kit - 30 Gallon
What are the dimensions? 18"L x 18"W x 24"H This is extremely small for a chameleon of this size. You want a 2x2x4 enclosure.
Lighting - What brand-Reptisun T5 HO Terrium hood 14", size 15 watt florescent lamp and flukers 100 watt basking bulb with deep dome lamp
model, and types of lighting are you using?Listed above^^^ What bulb strength is it 5.0 or 10.0? 100 watt on this size and type of cage would cause issues. Dropping back bulb wattage from 100 watt to 60 watt is highly advised.
What is your daily lighting schedule? 7am to 7pm and also a few hrs of natural light from his outdoor cage
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? It says around 90 Basking is way too hot. 80-85 range nothing hotter. Hotter temps shorten lifespans and can lead to issues such as dehydration.
Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps? Not sure never checked Should be getting a night time drop in the 60's for optimal health.
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? Around 87 WAY too high. Daytime humidity for a Veiled would be 40-50%. Extreme risk of respiratory development and if the cage is constantly staying moist you can see issues with bacterial infections on their feet.
How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity? He has an Inkbird Humidity Controller IHC200 Humidifier system with his glass cage and a reptirain misting system in his outdoor cage.
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind? Mostly live Pothos and I bought him some tiny ladder's to climb on and he has some sticks from out back
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At the back of the house near the sliding glass door to my back yard
At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor? 4' 3" Ft from the ground
Location - Where are you geographically located? Central Florida

Start reading everything here for proper set up. Living in FL I highly recommend a screen cage to help lower humidity. https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/ and this one https://chameleonacademy.com/case-study-2-x-2-x-4-cage/

Thank you for all the info I appreciate it. I knew something was off still but honestly wasn't sure where to start with but now I know what things need to be changed to give my boy the best and healthiest life that he deserves. I actually did some research and changed up his husbandry a year ago when he got sick and I thought it was better but I obviously still have some fixing up to do. Technically, Zim is my first reptile so I guess it was kinda all new to me. I found some calcium in a drawer without the D3 and extra vitamins so I already switched that up but I ordered him one from repashy. And I will work on all the other things that you and MissSkittles and Klydeoscope mentioned as well.

 

[Beman]

Thank you for all the info I appreciate it. I knew something was off still but honestly wasn't sure where to start with but now I know what things need to be changed to give my boy the best and healthiest life that he deserves. I actually did some research and changed up his husbandry a year ago when he got sick and I thought it was better but I obviously still have some fixing up to do. Technically, Zim is my first reptile so I guess it was kinda all new to me. I found some calcium in a drawer without the D3 and extra vitamins so I already switched that up but I ordered him one from repashy. And I will work on all the other things that you and MissSkittles and Klydeoscope mentioned as well.

You got this!!! It’s all a lot to learn. If you have questions please let us know.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Falls are not normal... 9 times out of 10 they indicate a bigger issue.

If you cannot support that statistic, it is personal opinion.

When mealworms and superworms are the only feeders offered then Mealworms are an issue as a feeder. They are not meant to be a staple feeder. And most people disagree on feeding them at all.

Please stop mischaracterizing what I said.

[Mealworms are] fine when fed in moderation and as part of a varied diet.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/the-evils-of-mealworms.180182/

I don't take issue with there being some husbandry issues.
I do take issue with passing off unsupported personal opinions as fact, or as "hobby standards".

Some people here have taken issue with some sites because they contain statements that don't agree with their personal views—in essence, throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Most of what you say to new members is valid, and that's good, but when you try to pass off your own opinions/biases as fact or "standards", it's both disingenuous and hypocritical.

Recently, I've been criticized for supporting statements with goggle searches. ONCE AGAIN, I will explain why I do this:

1. IME, very few single citations present ALL facts or point of view on an issue; multiple articles help fill in the blanks, and give a more well-rounded response.
   
   
2. IME, by citing several articles at once, readers can get consensuses of facts, ideas, and opinions, rather than one person's (including my own) POV. IF there is 'incorrect information', it will usually (IME) stick out like a sore thumb.
   
   
3. Logically (and by definition), half of the world's population is above/below average/median intelligence. IME, people who keep reptiles are above average, and I don't believe in insulting their intelligence by assuming they aren't capable of separating the wheat from the chaff. If they are confused or overwhelmed, they ask, and I still believe strongly in presenting multiple ideas/positions (which is why I often present alternatives). It can stimulate further discussion and enhance the knowledge base.
   
   
4. Many/most citations can explain issues better than I can.

 

[Brad]

In general, it is not normal for a healthy chameleon to be falling. If my chameleon was falling occasionally I would take note and investigate for potential health issues.

 

[bbyoda]

It can be a struggle to keep humidity levels in check in Florida. Screen cages definitely help! When you get a bigger one definitely opt for screen. I also have a dehumidifier in my office which helps keep it between 40-50%, which helps with my Veiled's shedding.

Keep asking questions and doing the best you can for Zim. There's a lot of misinformation out there, but you came to the right place and got the advice you need.

 

[MissSkittles]

If you cannot support that statistic, it is personal opinion.


Please stop mischaracterizing what I said.


I don't take issue with there being some husbandry issues.
I do take issue with passing off unsupported personal opinions as fact, or as "hobby standards".

Some people here have taken issue with some sites because they contain statements that don't agree with their personal views—in essence, throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Most of what you say to new members is valid, and that's good, but when you try to pass off your own opinions/biases as fact or "standards", it's both disingenuous and hypocritical.

Recently, I've been criticized for supporting statements with goggle searches. ONCE AGAIN, I will explain why I do this:

1. IME, very few single citations present ALL facts or point of view on an issue; multiple articles help fill in the blanks, and give a more well-rounded response.
   
   
2. IME, by citing several articles at once, readers can get consensuses of facts, ideas, and opinions, rather than one person's (including my own) POV. IF there is 'incorrect information', it will usually (IME) stick out like a sore thumb.
   
   
3. Logically (and by definition), half of the world's population is above/below average/median intelligence. IME, people who keep reptiles are above average, and I don't believe in insulting their intelligence by assuming they aren't capable of separating the wheat from the chaff. If they are confused or overwhelmed, they ask, and I still believe strongly in presenting multiple ideas/positions (which is why I often present alternatives). It can stimulate further discussion and enhance the knowledge base.
   
   
4. Many/most citations can explain issues better than I can.

Apologies in advance to OP for derailing this thread again. I said I wouldn’t and have tried very hard to stick to that, but some things need to be said.
While it may be normal for your chameleon to fall occasionally, it is completely wrong to characterize this as a normal thing for all chameleons. Can you support this by respectable and reputable sources as being normal?
While you and others may choose to feed mealworms, they are stated as ‘not recommended’ on the forum feeder care sheets that we go by and educate others with. Until that changes, I and some others will continue to discourage mealworms as recommended feeders. We are trying to educate by certain standards and then once a keeper has accumulated enough knowledge, they can make the choice on their own whether to feed mealworms or not.
The problem with Google is well, everything. If it was a reliable source of good husbandry for chameleons, #1, we wouldn’t be seeing so many sick/dying chameleons here #2, why even would we need a forum? #3 It is quite often Google searches that helped people find their way here and now desire personalized help.
Keep your chameleon as you wish and offer your opinions as you feel fit, but please do not undermine or criticize others while doing so. That is just totally not cool and here’s a Google search for you.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

While it may be normal for your chameleon to fall occasionally, it is completely wrong to characterize this as a normal thing for all chameleons. Can you support this by respectable and reputable sources as being normal?

Please read what I actually said instead of mischaracterizing. I never said falling was a normal thing for all chameleons. I said:

They're built to take falls to some extent, and it's a relatively common concern (and question).

Is Chameleon Breeder Podcast respectable and reputable enough?

Chameleons can survive falls surprisingly well, but it is absolutely a trauma you want to avoid.
https://www.chameleonbreeder.com/podcast/ep-80-handling-your-chameleon/

One instance not included in many/most/any(?) discussions that I've seen is chameleons falling from enclosure screens—something not found in their natural habitats, but mentioned in posts here, e.g.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/chameleon-keeps-falling.185093/#post-1703910
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/chameleon-keeps-falling.185093/#post-1703915

While you and others may choose to feed mealworms, they are stated as ‘not recommended’ on the forum feeder care sheets that we go by and educate others with. Until that changes,

That's just it. From everything I've read, that chart seems to be based on old/incorrect information, and I've suggested it be reviewed and changed.
Support can be found in a number of places:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/the-evils-of-mealworms.180182/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-29232-w
https://21bites.com/blogs/blog/vitamin-d-in-edible-insects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23633284/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/zoo.21246

As with other feeders, it may not be the insect per se, but how & with what they are gut loaded.

The chart includes "farmed roaches" as "staples", yet

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends that linoleic acid (Omega 6 fatty acid) be included in the diet for overall health. All insects except roaches contain linoleic and linolenic acids, so variety is beneficial.
https://reptifiles.com/feeder-insect-nutrition-facts-chart/

Farmed roaches do not contain these essential nutrients.

No-one finds this inconsistent?

Can you support mealworms being "not recommended" by respectable and reputable sources?

And before what I said is mischaracterized AGAIN, what I said was...

There's no need to eliminate mealworms completely. They're fine when fed in moderation and as part of a varied diet.

 

[MissSkittles]

Please read what I actually said instead of mischaracterizing. I never said falling was a normal thing for all chameleons. I said:

Is Chameleon Breeder Podcast respectable and reputable enough?

One instance not included in many/most/any(?) discussions that I've seen is chameleons falling from enclosure screens—something not found in their natural habitats, but mentioned in posts here, e.g.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/chameleon-keeps-falling.185093/#post-1703910
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/chameleon-keeps-falling.185093/#post-1703915



That's just it. From everything I've read, that chart seems to be based on old/incorrect information, and I've suggested it be reviewed and changed.
Support can be found in a number of places:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/the-evils-of-mealworms.180182/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-29232-w
https://21bites.com/blogs/blog/vitamin-d-in-edible-insects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23633284/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/zoo.21246

As with other feeders, it may not be the insect per se, but how & with what they are gut loaded.

The chart includes "farmed roaches" as "staples", yet

Farmed roaches do not contain these essential nutrients.

No-one finds this inconsistent?

Can you support mealworms being "not recommended" by respectable and reputable sources?

And before what I said is mischaracterized AGAIN, what I said was...

I’m tired of going over this again and again. I’m tired of you singling out a specific forum member and insisting that the sound advice that member gives is wrong (looking like trying to elevate yourself by bringing someone else down). I’m tired of derailing this thread. I’m just tired as I had a rough night at work. I’m done with this and expending energy and time arguing with you and am going to sleep.
@M4nda_panda again I deeply apologize for my participation in the discord in your thread. Prior to all of this nonsense, you received sound advice.