Does Pete look healthy?

[Coop]

Before we get his new cage (I’m getting the large atrium from dragon strand once they are available), I just want to make sure he is a healthy weight and that I have his care completely correct.



Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - Male panther chameleon, nearly a year old, has been in my care since February
• Handling - Not often, lately I have been letting him come out on his own (I make sure there is nothing in the room except me and him, I open his cage and put his free range tree so he crawls onto it.)
• Feeding - crickets, 9-10 a day, gutloading with carrots
• Supplements - Repashy calcium plus lod daily
• Watering - A long mist in the morning and before bed, and sometimes a little bit of water after he eats
• Fecal Description - Soft, but still holds it shape, white urate
• History - He was bitten by his hatch mate while only a few days old, appears to be missing a bit of his vertebrae

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Screen 16x16x30, waiting for the large atrium to come back in stock
• Lighting - t5ho reprising and 50w basking, 7:30 to 7:30 or 12 hours
• Temperature - 84 to 70
• Humidity - 60-80%
• Plants - Pothos plant
• Placement - located in my room, about 3 feet off the floor
• Location - Petaluma California

Current Problem - Pete is only eating 7-8 of his crickets per day. Is he bored? I’m also worried about his back and his weight

 

[chamnub]

My veiled has spoiled me with very indiscriminate feeding. Naturally with maturity they start eating less. I don’t know about boredom but I would definitely work a little variety into the gutload beyond carrots. They are great for eye health but I would also recommend some leafy greens, green bell peppers pack in vitamins too.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

7-8 crikcets a day is okay. Depends how big are they ofc. Why are you worried about his back? Looks little bit dehydrated on that pic..

 

[Coop]

I’m worried about his back because of this

 

[Coop]

His back seems a bit uneven and misaligned

 

[Serbianchameleon]

Hmmm... I mean if he can walk and grab totally normal I think you shouldn’t worry. Anyway you should go to vet to check up for any case. He is gorgeous by the way!!!

 

[Highway61]

The back issue, if he's always had it and been healthy in your care I wouldn't worry about it too much. However if it's a new development I would be concerned.

 

[Coop]

It’s always been there. I just hope it doesn’t hurt him as he keeps growing.

 

[NashansCamos]

I would go to vet and see what he says. Do you have a reliable vet in your area?

 

[Coop]

I would go to vet and see what he says. Do you have a reliable vet in your area?

I unfortunately do not have one.

 

[MissSkittles]

Have you tried adding more variety of feeders?

 

[Coop]

Have you tried adding more variety of feeders?

I apologize for not replying earlier. I have not, but he does get super worms sometimes

 

[MissSkittles]

I apologize for not replying earlier. I have not, but he does get super worms sometimes

Maybe try some roaches, silkworms or bsfl. For an added treat he’s sure to enjoy, let some bsfl pupate into flying snacks.

 

[Coop]

My parents won’t allow any of those three. I already am barely able to have super worms.

 

[MissSkittles]

My parents won’t allow any of those three. I already am barely able to have super worms.

Really? No silkies? ? They are perhaps the most harmless of all the feeders...don’t escape, don’t stink, take up almost no space, are cute and soft and very healthy.

 

[Coop]

My moms terrified of them. I think their cute

 

[jannb]

Pete is a gorgeous boy!

I bet your mom would love silks. They are so cute!

I would take Pete to a really good reptile vet for a check up and fecal and get an opinion on his back.

 

[Coop]

Once again I apologize for not responding. I will talk to my mom and do just that.

 

[jannb]

Once again I apologize for not responding. I will talk to my mom and do just that.

Don’t forget I have a good friend near by that can help you with transportation to the vet and back if you need it. Dr. Ken Harkewicz in Berkeley is an awesome chameleon vet.

 

[bbyoda]

Black soldier fly larvae and flies are super easy to contain (in a little condiment sized cup) and pose no infestation risk. In case you're able to talk to your mom openly about expanding food options for the sake of Pete's health, I do think that's a good one! Silkies are better if she's open to those. And if you are dedicated and do some research you could even breed and raise silkworms yourself. It'd save money in the long run, especially if you have a mulberry tree somewhere nearby to snag leaves off of.