Hi!!

[malzadoll]

Hello! New Veiled Chameleon owner here. I purchased Charlie (a boy, I think I can see the little nubby things on the back of his hind claws... haven't yet brought him to the vet) from the pet store I work at approximately 3 weeks ago. He's doing fine, nothing major to be concerned about. I'm not sure how old he is, but he's tiny and super adorable.

When I got him, I was told to buy a waterfall since they don't drink from standing water. After going through a bunch of threads I've realized this was a mistake. I unfortunately lost the receipt so I'm out of the money. I order the "Big Dripper" online today, and will be using a plastic cup starting tomorrow morning (I shouldn't do it at night right?) until I get it.

Also, the temperature is just about where it should be, so I'm not concerned with that. But the humidity is averaging at about 40% during the day and a little above 60% at night (now). I had the waterfall and misted about 3-6 times a day, depending on my work schedule. Is there anything I can do to make the humidity a bit higher?

Oh, and here's a picture of him from about 6 weeks ago when he was still in the store:

 

[chambabysitter1]

Live plants raise humidity up a lot. The more the merrier.
If you still can't get it high enough, try using plants around the outside of the cage and in the room. Bigger houseplants can raise room humidity more than people think.

If that fails, coomist humidifier from target/walmart/etc for like 25 bucks.

This is what I did, and I had some pretty awesome results. I do live closer to the beach than most though, so that could have a large effect on my setup.

Good luck, and awesome job on the research.

 

[Chameleon Nation]

Try adding a live plant such as a pothos or umbrella tree. The leaves on these plants hold water droplets long after a misting. This should raise the humidity a bit for you.

 

[Chameleon Nation]

Beat me to it lol.

Live plants raise humidity up a lot. The more the merrier.
If you still can't get it high enough, try using plants around the outside of the cage and in the room. Bigger houseplants can raise room humidity more than people think.

If that fails, coomist humidifier from target/walmart/etc for like 25 bucks.

This is what I did, and I had some pretty awesome results. I do live closer to the beach than most though, so that could have a large effect on my setup.

Good luck, and awesome job on the research.

 

[malzadoll]

Thanks. I actually don't have any live plants in there at the moment. I was told not to get any because of how small he is. We sell juvenile, sub-adult and adult chameleons... but haven't had any in a while. We actually have a sub-adult at the moment and he hisses at me (I call him "mean Charlie") When we got him in, I took one look and fell completely in love. I did a bunch of research and asked coworkers before getting him, which is why I don't have live plants and had the waterfall.

I'm definitely going to look into the live plants though. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[malzadoll]

Thanks. I actually don't have any live plants in there at the moment. I was told not to get any because of how small he is. We sell juvenile, sub-adult and adult chameleons... but haven't had any in a while. We actually have a sub-adult at the moment and he hisses at me (I call him "mean Charlie") When we got him in, I took one look and fell completely in love. I did a bunch of research and asked coworkers before getting him, which is why I don't have live plants and had the waterfall.

I'm definitely going to look into the live plants though. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[malzadoll]

Thank you. I'll definitely look into them

 

[chambabysitter1]

Thanks. I actually don't have any live plants in there at the moment. I was told not to get any because of how small he is. We sell juvenile, sub-adult and adult chameleons... but haven't had any in a while. We actually have a sub-adult at the moment and he hisses at me (I call him "mean Charlie") When we got him in, I took one look and fell completely in love. I did a bunch of research and asked coworkers before getting him, which is why I don't have live plants and had the waterfall.

I'm definitely going to look into the live plants though. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again!

Shefflera refuses to die and is cheap.
Hibiscus is visually appealing but takes more work.
Pothos doesn't provide great stability, but provides good coverage! I like it as a secondary plant in my big cage.

Here is the technique I use to avoid root rot and have good drainage for the tons of water that I mist with everyday.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/live-plants-22672/#post199411

Beat me to it lol.

I try



Original Poster, I have killed my last scheff by not packing the dirt right. I used cactus soil from my local bonsai place, but I bet other people have better soil tips. Organic seems to be the norm, but as far as perlite, vermiculite, lavarock count goes, people seem to have differing opinions related to soil drainage. Just pack it tight and you should be good. Don't skimp or you'll get a pile of stinky muddy roots.

 

[malzadoll]

So, should I not be using any substrate?

 

[chambabysitter1]

So, should I not be using any substrate?

The major consensus on it seems to be no. The chameleon could pick up some substrate along with food and get impacted (plugged up and need dire veterinary help)

Many people put a paper towel on the bottom or some newspaper and change it daily or as needed. I leave my PVC bottom bare and whipe it clean myself.

People also cover the topsoil of the pot with large smooth rocks to prevent the chameleon from accessing the dirt. I had to remove mine cause my chameleon was chewing on the rocks, different issue though for a different day.

 

[malzadoll]

Now Im all worried and staring at him, willing him to wake up so I can get the stuff out.

My only concern is that he sometimes likes to hide underneath the plant while "hunting". I'm afraid he'd have no grib without something. Any thoughts on cage carpet?

 

[chambabysitter1]

Now Im all worried and staring at him, willing him to wake up so I can get the stuff out.

My only concern is that he sometimes likes to hide underneath the plant while "hunting". I'm afraid he'd have no grib without something. Any thoughts on cage carpet?

You mean he spends time on the ground? That is not good. Or did you mean he likes to hide within his plant?

If you want more lateral support and branches among a thinner plant. Do this:
http://www.chameo.org/husbandry.html

I used the same idea of the branches cut with a saw and thumbtacked to the side.

 

[malzadoll]

You mean he spends time on the ground? That is not good. Or did you mean he likes to hide within his plant?

No. Only when he eats. Sometimes he'll hide on the ground underneath the plant to catch unsuspecting crickets. As soon as he's done he goes right back up.

 

[chambabysitter1]

No. Only when he eats. Sometimes he'll hide on the ground underneath the plant to catch unsuspecting crickets. As soon as he's done he goes right back up.

Sorry, that is outside of my realm of experience. My chameleon usually is death from above on branches, even when food is below on the floor.

Other members will probably know more. Perhaps you should fill this out:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/