First Chameleon... health issues?

[Coolbassman]

Hello, I've been researching chameleons for quite a while now and looking for anyone local selling so I could avoid shopping. I saw a post today about a vieled chameleon for $50. It looked ok in its picture online but when I went to pick it up it had black spots on its head, looked frail and skinny and possibly sick. I almost didn't take it, but then I thought that it must not be in a very god environment there and decided I couldn't bare to leave it there. Hopefully you all can help me and I can nurse it back to a healthy condition? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. The seller says he's only 5 months old. I have a 16x16x30 reptibreeze cage with reptirain mister, uvb lamp and natural day lamp. Right when I got him I put him in there and some small crickets. He nailed one within 30 seconds and ate it no problem, but hasn't eaten another yet.

 

[Mtnlaurel]

My goodness he looks skinny! He is lucky to have found you! I'm new so I'm not the best for advice, but you are certainly in the right place to get it.
Veiled care sheet is here - https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
Go browse around in the chameleon food section. There are enough bugs to make your head spin. I think it's a good sign he is eating already. I bet he crushes come crickets once he's had some time to settle in. Good luck with him!

 

[Graves923]

He looks really thin. Feed him as much as he will eat with proper supplements and he should do fine.

The black on his face and head could be burns. Make sure his basking spot is around 85*F and not too close to the bulb in his new home and he will heal up good with a couple of sheds. If it gets any worse a vet visit may be necessary to prevent infection.

 

[Coolbassman]

Thank you all for your input. I'll make sure to do all of that. He looked a lot better and happier this morning when he was sleeping. I made sure he got a good drink last night too. I'll post a new picture when o get home.

 

[Remkon]

If he's so skinny while he's eating I would take him and some of his droppings to a vet, odds are the poor guy has some parasites.