Help with rehomed veiled chameleon

[wasabisan]

Hi everyone. Hoping I can get some help from this forum. Friends of mine recently had a personal situation and approached me to ask if I wanted to have their chameleon. They promised they had done all their research and would give me all the materials for free. After doing a lot of thinking I said yes and welcomed Wasabi (the name I gave him) to my house. Do bear in mind that I was happy to take him since they were offering the enclosure and the setup for free (which I can’t afford myself)

However, I quickly realised some things needed to change.. all the plants were fake, not many of them, and they had the basking light at 37 degrees Celsius (See the *before* photo attached). The enclosure is 3x3 foot (1.5 foot depth), so I think it’s missing about one foot vertically. I can’t really afford a new enclosure so I’ve just been trying to make the space as good as it can be.. but I don't know if it is good enough.

I knew it would be hard but I trusted my friends had done their research, but I found a post from one of them on Reddit with some backlash and they didn’t change anything based on the feedback they received at the time, so now I’m confused. I guess I just want a sanity check to see if I’m doing things right or if it’s just better for me to find someone who can give wasabi the life he deserves. There is a lot of information online and I am stressed about him dying or being miserable.

The after pic shows my current setup, with real plants and a max temp of 31 Celsius. Humidity is still a bit of a work in progress with 95% at night and 30% ish during the day. I am planning on adding more vents for airflow and a dripper (although I mist him and he drinks water normally). He likes exploring outside but sometimes he refuses to leave the enclosure. He is eating and pooping normally. I measured the temperature in the enclosure and it varies across different spots (although mainly horizontally). He should be about 9 months old. I came to this forum as I don’t really know anyone with chameleon experience apart from these friends. Please be kind, I just want to do what’s best for him even if it means I have to say goodbye!

For context I am in the UK so I think the wooden box is fine given the winters here (or so I’ve read while doing research). Is it possible he will be ok like this? Thanks!! Also attaching a picture of wasabi, does he look healthy?

 

[BleuSaphir]

Wasabi looks very good! Very healthy and bright.

I would be cautious of the heat lamb. Just make sure that side doesn’t allow any elevation to allow him to climb on the barrier of the heat lamp. I’ll lets others chime in with their critiques.

————
I take out any of the fake plants. Keep all real plants. If you want to keep it simple-use a lot of Pothos. Pothos is a very affordable house plant in the USA. I would imagine maybe it the same in United Kingdom.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi and welcome. While taller/bigger is better, you can get away with 3’ high imho since it has a bit extra width from the standard 2’. I do like the improvements that you’ve made. You’ve given him plenty of areas to hide, drink from and take shade in. Hard to see what branches or vines you have for him to travel upon. I know it’s common practice in Europe to have basking bulbs inside the enclosure, but there’s always risk for burns with that. If you are able to put it outside the enclosure, it’s safer. Which makes me wonder about your uvb. What type of uvb do you have and where is it? Is it inside the enclosure too? Again, outside is better. While having a wooden enclosure is ok (do wonder how it will hold up to the mistings) it’s best to have it with a screened top. If it doesn’t already have one, I would suggest trying to cut it open and attaching aluminum screening. Then you place your lights in top of the screening and outside where it’s safer. Basking area needs to be 8-9” below the standard T5 Arcadia 6% or ReptiSun 5.0 uvb for optimal exposure. Ideal basking temp would be no higher than 30c.
Wasabi looks like a pretty healthy fella. He’s quite handsome too. I don’t see any reason why you would need to say goodbye to him. Btw, Reddit is not known for having very good chameleon resources. I personally haven’t done more than a quick peek there, but others have shared their experiences there.
What supplements are you using, and what schedule for them?
What are you feeding him? How much and how often?
How often are you misting and for how long?
What color are his urates? (Light part of the poo)
What are nighttime temps?
Sorry for all the questions, but you have asked for help.

 

[BleuSaphir]

I wanted to ask too-is the wood interior real? Plastic? If it real with some adhesive layer add on-Is it repellent to water?

You can always save up for a better enclosure in the mean time and keep this as temporary. And sell this later on, give it back to your friend or keep it for another reptile companion.

 

[wasabisan]

Hi and welcome. While taller/bigger is better, you can get away with 3’ high imho since it has a bit extra width from the standard 2’. I do like the improvements that you’ve made. You’ve given him plenty of areas to hide, drink from and take shade in. Hard to see what branches or vines you have for him to travel upon. I know it’s common practice in Europe to have basking bulbs inside the enclosure, but there’s always risk for burns with that. If you are able to put it outside the enclosure, it’s safer. Which makes me wonder about your uvb. What type of uvb do you have and where is it? Is it inside the enclosure too? Again, outside is better. While having a wooden enclosure is ok (do wonder how it will hold up to the mistings) it’s best to have it with a screened top. If it doesn’t already have one, I would suggest trying to cut it open and attaching aluminum screening. Then you place your lights in top of the screening and outside where it’s safer. Basking area needs to be 8-9” below the standard T5 Arcadia 6% or ReptiSun 5.0 uvb for optimal exposure. Ideal basking temp would be no higher than 30c.
Wasabi looks like a pretty healthy fella. He’s quite handsome too. I don’t see any reason why you would need to say goodbye to him. Btw, Reddit is not known for having very good chameleon resources. I personally haven’t done more than a quick peek there, but others have shared their experiences there.
What supplements are you using, and what schedule for them?
What are you feeding him? How much and how often?
How often are you misting and for how long?
What color are his urates? (Light part of the poo)
What are nighttime temps?
Sorry for all the questions, but you have asked for help.

Oh wow, I already feel so much better. Thank you!! I was so worried I would have to rehome him for being such a bad chameleon parent. No worries, I did ask for help, so I am happy to share. Let me go over each point:

What type of uvb do you have and where is it? I can give exact specs when I get home but it is that horizontal white light at the back of the enclosure (behind the basking light). I know the brand is Arcadia. Due to the fitting the basking light does sit a bit below the UVB but I don’t think it is 6-8 inches. I have been thinking about moving the UVB so it sits diagonally and covers more depth of the enclosure (currently the lights are heavy at the back).

Good suggestion for the top bit, I was thinking about doing that as well so I may try to do that before the end of the summer! The enclosure has some vines zigzagged across (many of the plants cover them but he walks on them regularly) plus plants that provide some vertical climbing. He likes to sit on some of the plants!

What supplements are you using, and what schedule for them? I am using Nutrobal multivitamin and Calci dust. I use a shaker and basically cover his food in them. I swap them each day. He is starting to slow down on the feeding so I will probably alternate them weekly instead of daily.

What are you feeding him? How much and how often? I am feeding him a combination of live crickets and dubia roaches. Trying to lean more towards roaches because the crickets have been of a nightmare once they reach maturity and start chirping. I am currently giving him between 8-10 small bugs per day but recently it’s been more like 10 bugs every 2-3 days. I basically shake them and put him inside his feeding dish about an hour or two after he wakes up and starts moving. He eats them throughout the day. I don’t really pressure him to eat off tweezers as he does not seem too keen on that!

How often are you misting and for how long? Misting in the morning right before or after UBV turns on (the cycle is: UBV from 8:30 am until 9:30 pm and basking 9:00 am until 9 pm) and then a second time right before or after the basking light comes off. I used a misting bottle with distilled water and spray him as well (he does not mind). I think I will only start doing it at night for now as I’ve noticed it takes a while for humidity to go down during the day. Not sure if this is detailed enough!

What color are his urates? (Light part of the poo) light yellow, maybe a bit like a light custard or off-white? I could try to take a picture when I get home if that helps!

What are nighttime temps? During the day the enclosure stays near the 30s Celsius (so mid 80s Fahrenheit? No higher than 31 degrees C based on my measurements) and then it drops down to 24-ish at night. I don’t think it gets too close to the low 20s but I may have to check that one properly as I have not checked the temperature hours after UBV and basking turn off.

I guess I should add that I have an enclosed window space full of plants that he seems to like a lot (I even added a vine so he can walk around) and I let him roam for a bit while I work from home. He does window surf sometimes, but this only seems to happen mid-afternoon, so not sure if this is normal behaviour for a male.

Hope this clarifies more things! I tried to do a lot of research, and I am happy to get more feedback from people who have more experience than me!! Again, just trying to do what’s best for the little guy

 

[wasabisan]

I wanted to ask too-is the wood interior real? Plastic? If it real with some adhesive layer add on-Is it repellent to water?

You can always save up for a better enclosure in the mean time and keep this as temporary. And sell this later on, give it back to your friend or keep it for another reptile companion.

That's a good point, I guess I just panicked as I thought I was killing him or something!! It is something like this https://southdown-aquatics.co.uk/shop/3ft-vivariums/3ft-x-3ft-x24/ so not sure if that answers the question. I know it has had some work with reptile-safe silicone for waterproofing.

 

[BleuSaphir]

Perhaps you’re safe to spay inside the enclosure.

 

[wasabisan]

Wasabi looks very good! Very healthy and bright.

I would be cautious of the heat lamb. Just make sure that side doesn’t allow any elevation to allow him to climb on the barrier of the heat lamp. I’ll lets others chime in with their critiques.

————
I take out any of the fake plants. Keep all real plants. If you want to keep it simple-use a lot of Pothos. Pothos is a very affordable house plant in the USA. I would imagine maybe it the same in United Kingdom.

Thank you!! Yes, I think I will remove some of the back bits so he does not feel the temptation to climb the forbidden cage..
The plants are all real now (minus one at the back that will be replaced very soon) and I have checked each of them for chameleon safety. I am a bit of a plant mum so I already had most of the plants that were safe for chameleons. I have an enclosed window/nook space with giant monsteras that he likes too!

 

[MissSkittles]

Oh wow, I already feel so much better. Thank you!! I was so worried I would have to rehome him for being such a bad chameleon parent. No worries, I did ask for help, so I am happy to share. Let me go over each point:

What type of uvb do you have and where is it? I can give exact specs when I get home but it is that horizontal white light at the back of the enclosure (behind the basking light). I know the brand is Arcadia. Due to the fitting the basking light does sit a bit below the UVB but I don’t think it is 6-8 inches. I have been thinking about moving the UVB so it sits diagonally and covers more depth of the enclosure (currently the lights are heavy at the back).

Good suggestion for the top bit, I was thinking about doing that as well so I may try to do that before the end of the summer! The enclosure has some vines zigzagged across (many of the plants cover them but he walks on them regularly) plus plants that provide some vertical climbing. He likes to sit on some of the plants!

What supplements are you using, and what schedule for them? I am using Nutrobal multivitamin and Calci dust. I use a shaker and basically cover his food in them. I swap them each day. He is starting to slow down on the feeding so I will probably alternate them weekly instead of daily.

What are you feeding him? How much and how often? I am feeding him a combination of live crickets and dubia roaches. Trying to lean more towards roaches because the crickets have been of a nightmare once they reach maturity and start chirping. I am currently giving him between 8-10 small bugs per day but recently it’s been more like 10 bugs every 2-3 days. I basically shake them and put him inside his feeding dish about an hour or two after he wakes up and starts moving. He eats them throughout the day. I don’t really pressure him to eat off tweezers as he does not seem too keen on that!

How often are you misting and for how long? Misting in the morning right before or after UBV turns on (the cycle is: UBV from 8:30 am until 9:30 pm and basking 9:00 am until 9 pm) and then a second time right before or after the basking light comes off. I used a misting bottle with distilled water and spray him as well (he does not mind). I think I will only start doing it at night for now as I’ve noticed it takes a while for humidity to go down during the day. Not sure if this is detailed enough!

What color are his urates? (Light part of the poo) light yellow, maybe a bit like a light custard or off-white? I could try to take a picture when I get home if that helps!

What are nighttime temps? During the day the enclosure stays near the 30s Celsius (so mid 80s Fahrenheit? No higher than 31 degrees C based on my measurements) and then it drops down to 24-ish at night. I don’t think it gets too close to the low 20s but I may have to check that one properly as I have not checked the temperature hours after UBV and basking turn off.

I guess I should add that I have an enclosed window space full of plants that he seems to like a lot (I even added a vine so he can walk around) and I let him roam for a bit while I work from home. He does window surf sometimes, but this only seems to happen mid-afternoon, so not sure if this is normal behaviour for a male.

Hope this clarifies more things! I tried to do a lot of research, and I am happy to get more feedback from people who have more experience than me!! Again, just trying to do what’s best for the little guy

Most keep the uvb on the diagonal to cover a wider swath of area. It does sound like it’s much too close though. Most definitely, if you can cut and screen over the enclosure top, that is ideal.
For supplements, you want to use a phosphorus-free calcium without D3, lightly dusted at every feeding. Then use a combination D3 & multivitamin one feeding every other week.
The Nutrobal seems to contain quite a high level of D3 at 180,000 IU. Most seem to be around 10,000 IU to 20,000 IU with 40,000 IU on the very high side. D3 is fat soluble, so it isn’t easily or quickly excreted and can build up to toxic levels. I suggest getting either Repashy calcium plus LoD or ZooMed ReptiVite with D3.
At around 9 months old, he is old enough to reduce his feeding to about 5-6 smaller feeders, every other day. Our veiled friends are opportunistic eaters and can too easily get overweight. He’s at a perfect size now. Look to his cheeks and casque to gauge his size. If they start puffing out, cut back on his food a bit. Attaching graphics for feeders. I know not all are available there. Variety is best. Make sure to feed and care for your bugs well, so that they are nutritious.
Misting sounds good. His urates indicate his hydration and those sound fine. A little bit of dark on one end is ok, but you mainly want them lighter.
For having such high nighttime humidity, your night temps need to be cooler - around 20c or below. If you are not doing anything to increase them at night, do work on improving ventilation of the enclosure. The screened top along with some venting near the bottom will produce a chimney effect air flow. High humidity plus heat plus less than ideal ventilation places him at risk for respiratory infection.
I love the plant cover that you have. I’m sure Wasabi loves it too. My experience is that male veileds are rather shy. The coleus is gorgeous, but I don’t think it is safe. We have to assume our veileds will nibble their plants. There are some beautiful veiled-tested plants to substitute. There’s of different types of pothos and dracanae, plus things like polka dot plants, tradescantia zebrina (I see you already have one), etc.
Having a free range area is awesome and gives a nice bit of enrichment for him. Like most animals, chameleons enjoy looking out windows. Just be mindful to keep watch of him, as they are much quicker than we know and can easily get lost. If you have any cats or dogs, they can unfortunately find him too.