Help!! 4 Month old Chameleon

[romario760]

So a couple months ago, my step-father impulsively bought a baby Veiled Chameleon, without any background knowledge . I , Romario, knew that these animals need a lot of attention and care. So I invested my own money because my step father kept ignoring the animal and I didn't want it to die. But I'm not sure if Green (My Cham) is happy with his current enclosure. I feed him correctly (cricket based diet dusted with calcium) , I mist him and his habitat so he stays properly hydrated, and I keep his temperature at around 82 - 84 degrees and keep the humidity levels fair. The issue I most speculate about is that he is enclosed within a glass tank. Is it something to do with enough air flow? (lid is a screen)

P.S. please excuse me if I am misinformed I am very new to this. (17 years old)

 

[jpowell86]

Hello and Welcome to the Forums!

So, the issue is not that the enclosure is glass per se, but rather that it is an aquarium. Veiled chameleons do not require humidity in high constant levels. Respiratory infections are very common when people try to keep there Veileds this way. Air flow is very important. So, if it were an Exo-Terra or Protean glass vivarium, it wouldn't be such a big deal. Also, the aquarium is set up more for a terrestrial animal not arboreal. Chameleons require vertical spacing more so than horizontal. Your best bet is to get him out of there and into a proper enclosure as soon as possible.

You also need to get proper UVB lights. This is critical to the chameleon's health. Here is a link that you can read that will give you further information about what you will need for him. https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

I am very glad that you are stepping up and taking care of the animal that your step father will not. Unfortunately most chameleons are impulse buys and the owner isn't truly prepared for the task. So, stay curious. Read, ask a ton of questions and everyone here will always want to point you in the right direction and help you with every question.

The biggest and first step for you right now is getting him in a proper enclosure.

If you would, please post a pic of the chameleon itself. Determining the sex of the chameleon is very important as females require further levels of care. Also, please list the supplements that you are currently using.

Thanks again for doing what's best for the chameleon.

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome to the forum and the world of chameleons...too bad about the way you've been introduced to them but I'm glad you're stepping in to help it.

Although aquariums are not the best thing to use as cages, it can be done at least until you can get something better. To help the airflow, place the basking light at one (back) corner above the lid and run the UVB light along the back on or just above the screen lid. The most recommended UVB light is the long linear Reptisun 5.0. For a basking light you can use a regular household incandescent light bulb when the one you have burns out. Appropriate temperatures allow for proper digestion and thus indirectly play a role in nutrient absorption.

If you have substrate know the cage I would remove it. Some substrates can cause impaction if ingested.
The cage could use some more branches and greenery. Kf you use live plants (and I recommend them) make sure they are not poisonous.

I'm glad you're dusting with regular calcium. To ensure that the chameleon gets some D3 without overdosing it you should also dust with a phosphorous-free calcium powder twice a month leaving the chameleon to produce the rest of the D3 from its exposure to the UVB light. D3 from supplements can build up in the system and lead to health issues while D3 from exposure to UVB won't likely build up as long as the chameleon can move in and out of the UVB when it wants to. It's also recommended that you dust twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene ( prOformed ) source of vitamin A. PrOformed sources of vitamin A cannot build up in the system and lead to overdoses like prEformed sources can and will leave it up to you to decide whether the chameleon needs prEformed or not.

It's important to feed / gutload the insects properly too. You can feed crickets, roaches, locusts, superworms with a wide assortment of greens such as collards, escarole, endive, dandelion greens, kale, etc and veggies such as carrots, sweet red pepper, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, etc.

How old is it? I'm not sure because I can't see it well, but it might be a female. Females,etc veiled chameleons can produce eggs without having mated so you will want to provide it with a proper egglaying container if it is female.

Hooe this helps!

 

[romario760]

Hello and Welcome to the Forums!

So, the issue is not that the enclosure is glass per se, but rather that it is an aquarium. Veiled chameleons do not require humidity in high constant levels. Respiratory infections are very common when people try to keep there Veileds this way. Air flow is very important. So, if it were an Exo-Terra or Protean glass vivarium, it wouldn't be such a big deal. Also, the aquarium is set up more for a terrestrial animal not arboreal. Chameleons require vertical spacing more so than horizontal. Your best bet is to get him out of there and into a proper enclosure as soon as possible.

You also need to get proper UVB lights. This is critical to the chameleon's health. Here is a link that you can read that will give you further information about what you will need for him. https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

I am very glad that you are stepping up and taking care of the animal that your step father will not. Unfortunately most chameleons are impulse buys and the owner isn't truly prepared for the task. So, stay curious. Read, ask a ton of questions and everyone here will always want to point you in the right direction and help you with every question.

The biggest and first step for you right now is getting him in a proper enclosure.

If you would, please post a pic of the chameleon itself. Determining the sex of the chameleon is very important as females require further levels of care. Also, please list the supplements that you are currently using.

Thanks again for doing what's best for the chameleon.

Thank you for replying

 

[romario760]

I am actually going to pick a screen cage after school, and will post a picture of Green as soon as possible! Thank you guys for all the advice and help!! Much appreciated

 

[Carlton]

So a couple months ago, my step-father impulsively bought a baby Veiled Chameleon, without any background knowledge . I , Romario, knew that these animals need a lot of attention and care. So I invested my own money because my step father kept ignoring the animal and I didn't want it to die. But I'm not sure if Green (My Cham) is happy with his current enclosure. I feed him correctly (cricket based diet dusted with calcium) , I mist him and his habitat so he stays properly hydrated, and I keep his temperature at around 82 - 84 degrees and keep the humidity levels fair. The issue I most speculate about is that he is enclosed within a glass tank. Is it something to do with enough air flow? (lid is a screen)

P.S. please excuse me if I am misinformed I am very new to this. (17 years old)

View attachment 154099

Wow, thanks so much for stepping in and being willing to take on the expense and care of the little guy! He will be a lot happier with you. You are very welcome, there are no dumb questions, we can help a lot, so just let us know what you need OK?