Help cham freaking out

[sandrachameleon]

I would think a substrate is not required in a glass enclosure, since you'll have no trouble maintaining humidity. Many people use cocofiber as a reasonably safe substrate, if a substrate is desired or required. wood chips are NOT recommended.

I dont think I would use Nutribol every day, as I believe it contains preformed vitamin A and D3. Perhaps a plain calcium only powder (no D3) could be used half the time instead.

Also, mealworms and waxworms are not good feeder options. Reconsider using those as anything other than rare treats.

You said the Temperature is "about 85 degrees in warm" - what is the temp away from the basking bulb, in the coolest part of the enclosure?

I agree that it may be the cleaning product, if nothing else has changed. I use only white vinegar or steam to clean my cages - never chemicals of any kind.

 

[cushcameleon]

One of the acceptable types of substrate you can use, is repti-turf or zoo med carpet. However, it has to be changed/cleaned frequently and ends up becoming a real hassle (I ditched mine after a week). Most of us on the forum do not use substrate; it makes it easier on us and our chameleons.

 

[cushcameleon]

steam to clean my cages

I also use a steam cleaner for my cage and I spray the cage down with Healthy Habitat http://www.petco.com/product/13344/Natural-Chemistry-Healthy-Habitat.aspx while cleaning it.

 

[Gluuvan]

i Use healthy habitat also and they do not seem to mind it one bit. Would you mind me asking why it is so key for you to use a substrate? It seems like it would be some much simpler for you and better for you chams health is you didn't? Just trying to see why you are so focused on the substrate. Let us know how she is reacting now that some time has gone by. Hope she has improved

 

[clairf]

I have only ever used coco eco earth once...for my old boy...and that was because he came with it and was used to it but most importantly never went to the bottom for any reason. Other than that I haven't and dont use any substrate. Actually wished I had changed his now but as he never went near it I was concerned about the change stressing him too much. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, we all have degrees in it and certainly if I had had it in the past I would never of married the git who was once the husband from hell !
I use plain old paper towels. I seperate them sheet from sheet before laying which eases the 'poop' situation as little'un poops in the identical place everytime so I can scoop up just one sheet and replace rather than the unecessary interference of a total viv change.
I use a 5 UVB...I see you use a 10. Also as has been wondered, the different temps in the viv, basking, ambient etc.
You say you have a mesh lid, is there any other significant mesh anywhere. Not just the slim strip possibly at the front, but a fair sized panel of it anywhere? As it's not just ventilation thats needed it's good airflow...
Bit of an illogical longshot...but us here in UK are suffering from this heat etc....could there of been a ' shock ' change from outside the viv to inside? Is the glass away from a window which would generate the inside into a microwave?
Where abouts in Dorset? I'm not to far from you

 

[Cham77]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a cham, still in the research phase. I wasnt going to register just yet, but I had to as I'm surprised no one has said this on the thread yet.

You mentioned your last cham had to be put down because MBD. The cham in your avatar looks pale and unhappy and, correct me if im wrong, but it looks like you're holding her from above, which visibly upsets chameleons from what ive seen.

Now your saying your new cham is in a glass enclosure, with wood chips sustrates and you've just cleaned the tank with a cleanin product (not very well by your own admission in the post above) and it looks as though ur cham is possibly freaking out due to the chemical fumes.

Call me crazy, but I have a recommendation.

Do some research on how to keep chams healthy and happy and do it as soon as is humanly possible.

 

[clairf]

Ummmmmm......!

A constructive thought. The plant you put her on. Is it one of her regulars. Or one from the house generally? If the last could it be pesticides from unwashed leaves or maybe even toxic?

Sorry...just trying to be helpful here

 

[gary1621]

It'd be great to get a snap of her cage. I was thinking, maybe there isnt enough cover for her to hide being that there is only an umberella plant.
My Peanut loves her umberella but it doesnt offer her much of a hide.

I hope your little girl had a calmer day