Few questions -Veiled

[omglogan]

I just got a three month old veiled chameleon from a recent reptile expo, and I have a few questions
1. Is substrate really that bad ?
I've read that I shouldn't put substrate in the bottom because he might ingest it. But I like it because it holds moisture and makes the cage look a lot nicer. I have yet to see him even go down there, he is to busy climbing on his branches and vines.
2. What does the different shades of him mean ?
I've seen him in a bright green and orange stage
I've seen him look really faded at a few points
and sometimes he looks brown .
What do those mean ? if anything
3. I have a 75 watt bulb, placed above the cage shining onto a branch. I bought a thermometer with a probe, I put the probe on the branch where he basks, and it reads about 82-85 ish. But the branch isnt more than 7 inches away from the light, so I'm not sure if I should get a 100 watt bulb to try and bump those temps up to 90 ish, or will a hundred watt put off even more than that? or is my thermometer just wrong.
4. What type of live plants can I put in his cage that will not harm him if he eats them etc..
5. if i put a bowl of collard/kale/mustard greens in his cage, would he eat them ? i read that they like stuff like that.
Anyway, I've had him for 3 days, It's a male. This is me right before I put him in his cage for the first time, I haven't held him since, because I don't want to stress him out.

 

[Rango183]

the substrate is bad cause even though he not at the bottom now eventually when he more comfortable he will be going down to look for food etc. usally lighter mean their cooling and darker means absorbing ,75 watts is okay you shouldnt go up from their and what type of bulb is it you can put a repti glo 2.0 since he young and 5.0 when he older ,greens you should give him very little since he still young just his main diet should be crickets and maybe greens for snacks that what i do .and as for real plants there's a large variety Hibiscus rosa-sinensis,Ficus benjamina,Schefflera arboricola, Dracaena fragrans

 

[carol5208]

Colors do not always mean they are reacting to temps. It can be reactions to being scared, angry, happy.etc Also, use a 5.0. uvb, not a 2.0. 2.0 is not enough uvb as the screen will filter out some of it.

 

[Psychobunny]

First, congrats on your new baby veiled cham

I am sure you will enjoy having him.

I agree with you that the substrate makes the cage look better, but a bare floor is recommended.
As he gets older, he will explor more and will be walking on the floor.

Veiled tend to eat small rocks, bark, dirt, dust, etc.
If he eats a piece too big, he will very likely die from impaction.

It only takes one time!! it's NOT worth it, trust me.

Your 75W basking 7'' away and 85F does not sound right. I am using only a 25W bulb for all my chams at 8'' away and get the same, 85F.
Please re-check your temps. Remember, if u have a cheap digital thermometer, that's exactly what it is, CHEAP!! Verify that temp with another device.
When I tried 75W, I got a reading of 100F and my veiled cham would quickly overheat and open his mouth, panting!!

I agree with the post about 5% UVB. Unless u are using a HO (high output) bulb and fixture, the screen does filter out some UV (I have measured a 3% loss using the Solormeter 6.5)

Yes, most Yemen veiled chams need veggies in their diet. Smeagol LOVES kale. He actually comes running when he sees me with some!!
If u do not provide them with leafy greens, they may decide to eat the cage plants (even if they are fake!!!!!)

 

[omglogan]

Colors do not always mean they are reacting to temps. It can be reactions to being scared, angry, happy.etc Also, use a 5.0. uvb, not a 2.0. 2.0 is not enough uvb as the screen will filter out some of it.

He has a 5.0 Uvb light right next to his basking lamp.

 

[omglogan]

Thanks for the information, I'll be sure to take the substrate out.

BUT
I noticed something the day after I got him, and I started reading about it and it isn't looking good ):.
I think he has what is called a 'prolapse' because I have seen him looking like he was trying to poop, twice, and a red type thing comes out, it eventually goes back in.

Do I need to take the poor thing to a vet immediatly ? or could this be something else that is minor.

 

[Kate]

Thanks for the information, I'll be sure to take the substrate out.

BUT
I noticed something the day after I got him, and I started reading about it and it isn't looking good ):.
I think he has what is called a 'prolapse' because I have seen him looking like he was trying to poop, twice, and a red type thing comes out, it eventually goes back in.

Do I need to take the poor thing to a vet immediatly ? or could this be something else that is minor.

I would say if it goes back in its ok but keep an eye on it. If it doesn't go back keep it moist and get to a vet. Asap I think it is too young to be flashing his man bits but I could be wrong.LOL

 

[omglogan]

I would say if it goes back in its ok but keep an eye on it. If it doesn't go back keep it moist and get to a vet. Asap I think it is too young to be flashing his man bits but I could be wrong.LOL

It definitely goes back in, and isn't visible anymore.

The vendor who sold it to me said he was 3-4 months old, so I was thinking the same thing about his man junk ahha.

But if anyone knows anything about what was described, any information would be great. I don't want my cham to be in a fatal situation

 

[CamillaChameleon]

my cham is 5 months old and has prolapsed 3 times. First time was when we moved her home from the store, second when we moved house, and 3rd a couple of days later. I find mixing sugar and warm water and soaking a q-tip in it, then using it to keep the prolapse moist helps it go back in. It is expensive to go to a vet for...in 2 visits i have spent $500. Vet said if it happens again it will result in surgery Just keep an eye on it and don't stress the lil guy out and he should be good.

 

[omglogan]

I haven't seen it in the passed 3 days, does this mean he's okay ?