Help with new veiled chameleon!

[PenelopeLove]

Hi
I am a new owner of a 5 month old female veiled chameleon.
I have had her for 3 days now and I am a little worried.. She hasn't eaten anything since I got her home and I don't believe she's had anything to drink either.. When I was with her at the pet shop I was holding her for about an hour and she seemed really relaxed. She was happily perched and changing colours while the gentleman was cleaning the cage. When she was put back in he fed her and the other one that was there and she ate 2 big crickets greedily so I know that she likes to eat! Please tell me she's just being a little moody while getting used to her new house? She has made herself really skinny and I can see her little rib bones she wasn't like this when I first spent time with her.
I am also a little concerned she is not getting enough heat. I know that it is best to have a screened cage but I live in Dubai and we have the AC on all the time due to the weather, so I opted for a glass aquarium with a mesh top and side ventilation.. I am also opening the door while I am with her in the room.
I have a 50w basking bulb which is about 12cm above the highest point of her vine/branches and she's under there most of the time.. Should I get a heat mat to keep the cage warmer? Especially at night when I need to turn off the lamp?
Apologies for such a long message! She has already stolen my heart and I really want to take the best care of her that I can!!!

 

[Kate]

Hi
I am a new owner of a 5 month old female veiled chameleon.
I have had her for 3 days now and I am a little worried.. She hasn't eaten anything since I got her home and I don't believe she's had anything to drink either.. When I was with her at the pet shop I was holding her for about an hour and she seemed really relaxed. She was happily perched and changing colours while the gentleman was cleaning the cage. When she was put back in he fed her and the other one that was there and she ate 2 big crickets greedily so I know that she likes to eat! Please tell me she's just being a little moody while getting used to her new house? She has made herself really skinny and I can see her little rib bones she wasn't like this when I first spent time with her.
I am also a little concerned she is not getting enough heat. I know that it is best to have a screened cage but I live in Dubai and we have the AC on all the time due to the weather, so I opted for a glass aquarium with a mesh top and side ventilation.. I am also opening the door while I am with her in the room.
I have a 50w basking bulb which is about 12cm above the highest point of her vine/branches and she's under there most of the time.. Should I get a heat mat to keep the cage warmer? Especially at night when I need to turn off the lamp?
Apologies for such a long message! She has already stolen my heart and I really want to take the best care of her that I can!!!

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry your little girl is not settling well. Heat could be your problem. Her basking spot should be around 80-84 which you should manage by raising or lowering your lamp if it is too cold you could put in a higher w bulb. You shouldn't need heat after lights off as the like a drop in temp to anything up to 55-60. If you would like us to look at your set up you could copy and paste the how to ask for help form.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/

 

[kinyonga]

Does she have a place in the cage to dig to show you when she is ready to lay eggs? They can lay eggs without being mated.

 

[PenelopeLove]

@Kate:
Sorry! I didn't know about the form..

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Veiled Chameleon, Female, 5 Months. She has been with me now for 4 days.
Handling - Once a day. Strangely, she seems much more relaxed when I'm holding her... she relaxes her body and doesn't puff up or suck herself in (if that makes any sense!) and she seems very content to sit with me for up to an hour while I read. I am not walking around with her just sitting.
I have had to pick her up more than once yesterday, so I could clean the crusty white stuff around her nose, which I am sure is from too much calcium. when the guy at the pet shop fed her on Friday, those crickets looked like little ghosts!!
Feeding - I am feeding her crickets. She ate 2 on Friday with the Calcium supl. I had tried each day since and she didn't seem interested, so I took out the cricket I put in for her because they walk on her and she HATES it! This morning I put one in and after about 15mins she ate it, so I put 2 more in and have left them there for her to see if she wants them during the day.
I have a feeling she was only getting 2 or 3 crickets a day at the pet shop :/ could this be why she doesn't eat too much as she doesn't know any difference?
I would love to feed her some fruits and veggies. Are there any in particular that she should not be eating? And how should I prepare them so she can eat it?
Supplements - I haven't bought any yet. I would love some suggestions
Watering – I will be using a drip bottle, which I hope to receive today, and have been using a plastic cup with a hole to drip for the meantime. I mist 2-3 times a day for 30-45secs. I have not seen her drinking yet.
Fecal Description – On Friday she did a poop that looked a bit like a cricket blob covered with a clear goo. And yesterday she did this little dry curly poop that was dark brown for the first half of the curl and a whitish-yellow for the second half. I am a little worried this means se is dehydrated. She has not been tested for anything.
History – Sorry. I don’t have any other history.


Cage Info:
Cage Type – Penelope’s house is 45cm³. It has a glass floor and walls with 4 side ventilation points and a mesh lid.
Lighting – I have a ceramic lamp with the black cover, which has a 50w Reptile One Basking Lamp in it which is on from around 7am until roughly 8pm-9pm.
Temperature – I have placed the lamp at the back of the cage resting on the mesh above the highest vine in her cage. The vine would be about 35cm from the floor of the cage. At night I think the temp would be around 15-20ºC.
Humidity – I really can’t answer this question because I am not sure. I am creating humidity through misting.
Plants – I am going to get her a Pothos today. At the moment she just has sticks and vines.
Placement – She is in my room about a meter off the floor. The room has AC on all the time, but with winter coming I will be able to open the windows and let fresh air in the room. It is a low traffic area as it is my bedroom and she has the day to herself. The height from the floor to the top of her cage would be around 1.5-1.6m.
Location – Dubai, United Arab Emirates (She’s living in her homeland )


Current Problem – Not eating, dehydration and heat/humidity.

@Kinyonga -

I don't think it's eggs... she's staying away from the floor.. but I will get her something to lay eggs in.. thank you

 

[carol5208]

Hello and welcome. The main thing I see is you need a UVB bulb in addition to the basking bulb. This is very important. I do not know what is available to you over there. Most of us use tube style lights that are a 5.0. Her poop sounds like it is undigested or partially undigested. Her temps may be too cold and she is not digesting her food properly. If you have no plants in her enclsoure she is probably stressed out from having no where to hide and feel safe. Fill up the enclosure with plants, vines and branches, Make sure you have a branch that is directly under your basking light that is sturdy enough to hold her and place it about 8 inches down. You don't want it too close to the screen as she could burn herself if her body touches the hot screen from the light. Most of us dust our feeders daily with a calcium supplement which contains no d3. You will also need one with d3 and a multivitamin to be used twice monthly. I do not know what brands are available to you. You can take her outside in the sun to receive natural sunlight as much as possible. It is very good for them. Can you post a pic of you cage please and your chameleon so we can check things out for you? Also raise her cage up off the floor. They like to be high up. It probably feels strange to her being so low on the ground.

 

[PenelopeLove]

Hi Carol.. I've attached a few pics for you to see as asked and I've also taken one of her today.
I think you're right about the digestion.. when I got home this afternoon, I saw that she hadn't eaten the other crickets I left for her, but I found a poop which was a bit like the curly one. This one had the whitish-yellowy half again but this time (I am almost 99% certain) she has pooped out the cricket's head?!?!? :/
Could this be from dehydration as well? I hadn't seen her drink before, but I set up her new drip bottle as soon as I got home and within a few minutes she was drinking straight from the little hose Even though I had tried to show her the water before I think this is the way she knows to drink, so couldn't quite figure out another way?
I can get a UVB 5.0 tube lamp here, I checked in the petshop when I went to collect her water bottle. Do you think a heat mat would help at all? I know Kate mentioned earlier that it shouldn't be needed, but I have this feeling that lamps won't be enough. I think the problem is that she's cold. She willingly climbs onto my hands when I show her I need to pick her up. Would that mean that she's not really stressed?
Could you suggest some brands for the supplements? We might have them here
Thank you for all the help everyone!! I REALLY appreciate it!

 

[carol5208]

Hi Carol.. I've attached a few pics for you to see as asked and I've also taken one of her today.
I think you're right about the digestion.. when I got home this afternoon, I saw that she hadn't eaten the other crickets I left for her, but I found a poop which was a bit like the curly one. This one had the whitish-yellowy half again but this time (I am almost 99% certain) she has pooped out the cricket's head?!?!? :/
Could this be from dehydration as well? I hadn't seen her drink before, but I set up her new drip bottle as soon as I got home and within a few minutes she was drinking straight from the little hose Even though I had tried to show her the water before I think this is the way she knows to drink, so couldn't quite figure out another way?
I can get a UVB 5.0 tube lamp here, I checked in the petshop when I went to collect her water bottle. Do you think a heat mat would help at all? I know Kate mentioned earlier that it shouldn't be needed, but I have this feeling that lamps won't be enough. I think the problem is that she's cold. She willingly climbs onto my hands when I show her I need to pick her up. Would that mean that she's not really stressed?
Could you suggest some brands for the supplements? We might have them here
Thank you for all the help everyone!! I REALLY appreciate it!

What size is the enclosure? It looks awfully small. Definitely get some plants in there for her. I don't know what is available where you live. We use plants called pothos, ficus, sheffelera(aka umbrella plant) they are all cham safe. You have to be careful what plants you put in there because veilds are plant eaters(some more than others) and you have to make sure the plant is not toxic. Those three are the most popular here that we use. Also Hibiscus but they are hard to grow indoors unless you have a grow light on them. No heat mat. I do not know celsius! I do know Farenheit and people tend to keep the cage temps in the low to mid 70's and the basking in the low to mid 80's. You only want one part of the cage to be warm, not the entire thing. If she is cold she will stay under the light. I use a brand of calcium called Sticky Tongue Farms Minerall with no d3 for my plain calcium. It is the outdoor formula. The indoor has the d3. I use a brand called Herptivite for my multivitamin and also a brand called Repcal for my calcium with d3. Personally my chameleons basically live outdoors so I do not give them d3. But that is just my personal situation. If she comes to you that is great. It is when you have to force them to be held that would cause stress I would think. Eventually you are going to have to get her a bigger cage. The preferred size that we use for adults is 24 X 24 X48 inches. i think right now she looks very vulnerable in that cage and there is no where for her to hide for cover. 12 hours a day of light is plenty or you might want to cut back and go with sun up sun down on the light to simulate their natural environment. and get her the uvb lighjt ASAP!

 

[PenelopeLove]

Hi Carol.. Thank you again for your advice!
I've attached 2 pics of supplements that I know I can definitely get here. Could you tell me if these will be ok? If not, I will see if I can get the ones you have suggested shipped here.
I'll get on to the UVB bulb
I made sure I checked on the plants before I got them and I have one Ficus and one Dracaena.. I was a little worried to have too many plants, but I'll get her some more... and I'll keep an eye on her eating the Ficus leaves!
I've also found a thermo/hygrometer that I can get. If I'm still having trouble with the heat, what would you suggest?
The cage is 18x18x18.. so I guess I need to upgrade pretty soon!
It seems I was extremely misinformed originally!
Anything else you think I should get or do for her? Sorry to keep bugging you!!!

 

[NolaGirl]

Proper temperature allows chameleons to properly digest food and allows the immune system to function normally. The temperature problem is why your cham is pooping out undigested crickets. Also, you should invest in a humidity gauge and a digital temperature gun so you can accurately monitor your cham's environment. The UVB bulb is a must! Chameleons require 12-14 hours a day of UVB light. This light enables the chameleon to produce vitamin D3. The vitamin D produced by UVB metabolizes the calcium in your cham's diet. In general, it’s what makes chameleons’ bones hard and without it they usually die. The process of inadequate UVB and calcium is called Metabolic Bone Disease. Also it is very important to change your UVB light every 6-8 months, after this time the light stops producing adequate UVB. The bulb will still emit light after 6 mos., but it won't be producing UVB, which is crucial. Also, you have to gutload your feeders. Basically, the crickets are what the cham receives it's nutrition from. You must feed your crickets a nutritious diet in order for your cham to receive proper nutrition. Here's a link to help you out with that aspect of cham care: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ferretinmyshoes/446-basics-gutloading.html
I'm a new cham owner. I understand how helpless you may feel at times. There is a lot of conflicting info out there, but you're in the right place to learn how to properly care for your new buddy. Everyone on this forum has been extremely helpful, eager to help and friendly. Don't hesitate to ask a question...no matter how big or small. People are here to help.

 

[Kate]

Hi there. I do not know the products in your pics but i have googled the microcalcium and as far as i can see it looks like its plain calcium which you should be used daily. It is a uk product i think. You will need to try and get one with d3 and a multivit. Can you get nutrabol? Thats what i use weekly. It has d3 and a multivit.

 

[carol5208]

Penelope you are not bugging me or anyone else! We want to help you so your chameleon can live a happy healthy life. I would use the first supplement for your calcium. I do not know what minerals are in the other one so I don't want to tell you something that may not be ideal for your chameleon. Alot of times chameleons can get imbalances from the supplements or ingredients we use in our gutloads of our feeders, and you have to be careful. Any questions you have now or will continue to have in the future, please do not hesitate to ask us!! There are tons of great people on here and we all share a great love for our chameleons!

 

[PenelopeLove]

Thank you so much NolaGirl!
I am certainly feeling very lost here! In Dubai, if you dream of having an animal of any kind, you can have it.. I literally saw a tiger hanging out a car window one day! It's really sad.
You'd think in a place where animals are so easily accessible, so to would their basic necessities! But it's not the case..
We've just had out "end-of-the-day" cuddle/hangout.. I think I struck it extremely lucky with the handling!! And the more I'm reading the more I'm thinking the issue is heat... If adding the UVB lamp doesn't help heat up her house, what should I do?

 

[NolaGirl]

Also, here's an easy to understand care sheet for veiled chameleons. I'm sure that your cham will adjust after you correct and fine tune it's care regimen. It's also in a new environment. It takes them a while to adjust. They usually start eating and drinking regularly after becoming acquainted with their new homes. I've been having my baby Veiled cham for almost 2 weeks. He wouldn't eat much or drink for a few days after putting him in his new home. He would only eat a couple of crickets a day. After a few days in his new home, he started eating and drinking adequately. He's eating 10 plus crickets now and I witness him drinking water! So, don't worry. Fix the issues that need fixing and give your cham a little time to adjust. I'm sure it'll turn out fine.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/complete-veiled-care-sheet-52325/

 

[NolaGirl]

Thank you so much NolaGirl!
I am certainly feeling very lost here! In Dubai, if you dream of having an animal of any kind, you can have it.. I literally saw a tiger hanging out a car window one day! It's really sad.
You'd think in a place where animals are so easily accessible, so to would their basic necessities! But it's not the case..
We've just had out "end-of-the-day" cuddle/hangout.. I think I struck it extremely lucky with the handling!! And the more I'm reading the more I'm thinking the issue is heat... If adding the UVB lamp doesn't help heat up her house, what should I do?

Do you have a temperature gauge or temperature gun yet? If so, what is the temp in the basking area?

 

[Kate]

Dont feel bad about asking questions, thats what we are here for. We are all on here for a reason. The good thing is you get almost instant answers and often have the answers confirmed. At any point if you dont feel comfortable posting please pm someone but remember there is possibly someone out there who has the same problem who hasnt asked but is waiting for an answer. You are doing everything you can for your cham and thats good.

 

[PenelopeLove]

Thanks Kate and Carol! I really am glad I found you guys!

This is what is says for the beaphar minerals:

Reptile Minerals
A supplement to the usual feed to meet mineral and vitamin requirements, including calcium, phosphorus and trace elements. Suitable for lizards, chameleons, monitors, iguanas, snakes and tortoises
Volume: 100g
product NR: 18578

Ill try to find what you have both suggested but if I can't, will this be ok?

I'll get the UVB and thermo/hygrometer, but if im still having trouble with the heat, what should I do?

 

[NolaGirl]

Thanks Kate and Carol! I really am glad I found you guys!

This is what is says for the beaphar minerals:

Reptile Minerals
A supplement to the usual feed to meet mineral and vitamin requirements, including calcium, phosphorus and trace elements. Suitable for lizards, chameleons, monitors, iguanas, snakes and tortoises
Volume: 100g
product NR: 18578

Ill try to find what you have both suggested but if I can't, will this be ok?

I'll get the UVB and thermo/hygrometer, but if im still having trouble with the heat, what should I do?

You really need to know the temps inside of the enclosure in order for us to properly answer the question about what to do if the temp isn't adequate. Once you know the temps, we can go from there. If it is concluded that the temps are too cold, you may need a heat bulb with a higher wattage.

 

[Kate]

No . What you need is phosphorous free calcium with d3 and a multivitamin . A lot of the supplements used in us are not avalable in uk so I really don't know what you can get in Dubai. I mentioned nutrabol because I am used to using it. I am also used to a product called repeshay calcium plus that also has d3 and multivit . Could you visit the shop you bought your Cham with this information and see what they have ?

 

[carol5208]

even under the basking light you are having trouble with the temp? What are your temps? that cage seems so small to be having trouble with the temps. how cold is your house with the ac on?

 

[PenelopeLove]

Thanks Kate I'll see if I can get what you guys are using for supplements.. and if not, then I'll make sure I look up the products you have suggested and take that info with me to go on a hunt for the same thing!

NolaGirl/Carol - you were saying temps should be about 80F?? That's only 26C... I think under her basking lamp she'd be getting ample heat, but I can't seem to keep her cage humid, which is why I am thinking it's still too cold. The AC is set on 23/24C which is between 73-75F.
The other reason I'm worried she's not warm enough is because she's still not eating as I have seen mentioned.. she's 5 months old but there is no way I can see her eating 15-20 crickets!
She ate one yesterday morning and one this morning. The one she ate this morning was one of 2 I left in her cage yesterday, so it seems she likes to eat in the morning after I turn her lamp on. I know she likes eating the crickets, but I really don't want to leave more than 2-3 in there during the day as they seem to freak her out a little! She hates it when they come close to her or climb on her!!! I told her "if you eat them, they won't crawl on you", but I'm not sure she's really listening
Should I try feeding her something else that I can leave for her in a bowl that won't move around the cage? Or try the dead crickets? I just really want to get her eating properly