How old is my ambanja?

[kirsten!]

I just got this little guy last week. I purchased him from lllreptile. I forgot to ask how old he is. Just wondering if anyone has a good guess to how old he might be?

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums! Congrats on that little cutie. My guess would be 3 months old. Here's my blog for new keepers. I hope it will help you to keep your little man healthy.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-with-young-veiled-or-panther-chameleons.325/

 

[kirsten!]

Thanks so much!

I have a 16x16x30 reptibreeze enclosure for him. I'm having a hard time figuring out a drainage system for it. Right now I'm changing paper towels twice a day but I can't do that forever.

This is his home. Swear he is trying to see if I'm edible. He is definitely interested in me but will escape if I go too close. I was told not to even try handling him for about 2 months? I mist 2-3 times a day, have the dripper always going. I would like to buy a mister but need to figure out a drainage system.

Any recommendations?

 

[distortionz]

3-4 months. Ambanja tend to develop a little slower than some other locales. Lots won't reach final adult Colors until 1.5-2 years old.

 

[Scottsquatch]

You might wanna add more cover and sticks/vines. Its a little sparse in there. If he doesn't feel secure, he can stress to the point it could cause a weakened immune system which can lead to disease.

 

[Zephalia]

I agree with the others that he looks around 3-4 months old. As for being told not to handle him for months...I don't agree with that. I think periodic handling will help him get used to you. Hand feeding a couple times a week will aid with this as well. I usually handle them just long enough to check them over and place them on a tree or plant outside or in the house.

Congrats - he's a cutie.

 

[kirsten!]

He's been growing. I will have had him three weeks on Monday. Should I be concerned he hasn't shed?

 

[Zephalia]

He looks just lovely and healthy. He also looks pretty pale and his colours are washed out which tells me that a shed is just around the corner. I would not be surprised if he sheds within the next couple days. Certainly no cause for concern.

 

[kirsten!]

Guess who shed today?

Came home to find him wearing a mask and skin all over the place. He got most of it off. I've had his humidity in the 70-80's and misting him with warm water.

 

[Scottsquatch]

The look on his face is priceless.

 

[Zephalia]

Guess who shed today?

Came home to find him wearing a mask and skin all over the place. He got most of it off. I've had his humidity in the 70-80's and misting him with warm water.

Haha - what a sweety!