How to safely move a chameleon in winter

[jmerrick27]

Hey guys,

Our current landlord has bought us out so we signed a new lease with another landlord but we have to move February 15th, how can I safely transport my veiled chameleon so she doesn't get stressed out or keep stress to a minimal, she gets pissy whenever I attempt to get her out of her enclosure by putting her threat colors on, I know it's a delicate process and we are only moving 10 minute drive away, any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[MissSkittles]

Well, you just have to bite the bullet and move her. It may be less stressful for her if you put her in a dark box while you’re doing what you need to do and until you have her enclosure set back up at the new place. Generally they sleep once in the dark. However, as I recently learned, make sure to secure the box lid well so that she can’t escape. It’s a short term stressor, so she should be fine once she’s settled back in.

 

[jmerrick27]

Well, you just have to bite the bullet and move her. It may be less stressful for her if you put her in a dark box while you’re doing what you need to do and until you have her enclosure set back up at the new place. Generally they sleep once in the dark. However, as I recently learned, make sure to secure the box lid well so that she can’t escape. It’s a short term stressor, so she should be fine once she’s settled back in.

Oh ok, so can I put like a couple branches inside the box so she has somewhere to climb on and sleep and is a heat pack recommended as I'm in Canada and the winters suck

 

[kinyonga]

Be careful with the heat pak if you use one…you want to put it in the side of the box rather than under it so you don’t burn the bottom of the chameleons feet. I always used a hot water bottle and always wrapped it in a towel. BTW, I live in Canada too.

 

[MissSkittles]

Oh ok, so can I put like a couple branches inside the box so she has somewhere to climb on and sleep and is a heat pack recommended as I'm in Canada and the winters suck

Yes, you want to secure at least one branch for her to hold on to. Here’s the box I just used to transport mine to the vet. I used a branch that had a bend and zip tied it to the box and poked a hole to stick the other side out. I poked several small air holes so she could breath but not a lot of light would get in.

 

[nightanole]

Dark box with holes in it for air

a secure stick, or single multi branch stick shoved it so it doesnt move

Keep box above 8c

As others stated, i would be very leery adding a heat source.

Hell if it was me id just zip her up in my fluffy coat if i wasnt the driver since its only 10-15 minutes lol.