I’m nervous/a little worried

[Lucas00-]

Chameleonaire has pooped like twice (that I have found) in the last two and a half weeks or possibly a few days longer. He seems to be acting normal but I’m scared of him being compacted. The last two poops were abnormally big and pretty dark, also not very brown. I know chameleon poop shouldn’t smell at all really but the last one had a bit of a stank smell to it. The urates looked good though, like 90% white and a bit of orange on the end. He was eating dubia roaches and super worms for a few weeks there because I had to order some more bsfl, not sure if there was too much chitin for his digestive system with those? Should I be worried? Thanks In advance.

 

[MissSkittles]

Giving him some juicier feeders should help him to have a good poo. Hornworms and silkworms are great at helping to get things moving along. You could also try giving your feeders something like pumpkin or apple right before feeding them to Chameleonaire.

 

[jamest0o0]

Depending on age that’s pretty typical. Too much chitin usually shouldn’t be an issue for a hydrated/healthy chameleon.

 

[Lucas00-]

Depending on age that’s pretty typical. Too much chitin usually shouldn’t be an issue for a hydrated/healthy chameleon.

His eyes are nice and round/ popped out a bit so I’m sure he’s getting enough hydration. Lol this is my first go around so any time something pops up I get nervous lol. Might have to order some horn worms I don’t think he would mind it too much. Thanks James

 

[Lucas00-]

Giving him some juicier feeders should help him to have a good poo. Hornworms and silkworms are great at helping to get things moving along. You could also try giving your feeders something like pumpkin or apple right before feeding them to Chameleonaire.

I think I’ll do that, thank you! He seems to be doing pretty good otherwise!

 

[jamest0o0]

His eyes are nice and round/ popped out a bit so I’m sure he’s getting enough hydration. Lol this is my first go around so any time something pops up I get nervous lol. Might have to order some horn worms I don’t think he would mind it too much. Thanks James

I know that feeling heh. Sounds like he’s doing well. When mine were adults they would poop what seemed to be once every few weeks. hornworms wouldn’t hurt(unless you feed off a giant one that either grips too strong and strains the chameleon’s tongue, or bites the chameleon…hard), nice to have a juicy feeder mixed in.

 

[regal81455]

@Lucas00-

If you don't mind me asking; are you from a locale that get's cold ( ie winter )? Is this your first winter with your veiled?

 

[IrohtheVeiled]

Ever since his parasite recovery Iroh has slower gut transit it’s slowed to once every 10-14 days or so. I think part of it is intestinal scarring from when he did have parasites

Slower gut transit overall is common with aging chams too

 

[Lucas00-]

@Lucas00-

If you don't mind me asking; are you from a locale that get's cold ( ie winter )? Is this your first winter with your veiled?

Yes, I rescued him last April and this is our first cold season together. We are in the mountains of southern Oregon so it’s been getting pretty cold outside now.

 

[regal81455]

Yes, I rescued him last April and this is our first cold season together. We are in the mountains of southern Oregon so it’s been getting pretty cold outside now.

In my experience, they tend to go into a "funk" of sorts. Eating less, moving less, pooping less. Even though the conditions in your space for him are "controlled" somehow they just know the seasons are changing. Wouldn't say for sure that's what you're going through but it bears mentioning.

 

[Lucas00-]

In my experience, they tend to go into a "funk" of sorts. Eating less, moving less, pooping less. Even though the conditions in your space for him are "controlled" somehow they just know the seasons are changing. Wouldn't say for sure that's what you're going through but it bears mentioning.

It would make sense, he's still interested in his food and stuff but I've definitely noticed a change in the last month-Ish. I have read about the winter months changing their behavior a bit, but I guess I didn't realize that pooping less was part of it. I feel a bit better now I just get worried about him lol.

 

[regal81455]

Everything slows down some. Anyways, you're doing the right thing by asking questions and eventually you'll see patterns in their behavior that you can lean into as a guide to their overall health and well-being.

 

[GrannyK]

This is my 3rd year of a winter funk and I’m still not used to the change even though I know it’s going to happen. I still run around going oh dear is something wrong, he’s not coming up to bask today, oh he went to a sleep spot at 3pm oh my goodness he’s dying… oh he’s not eating, . When in reality ok it’s December and 20 degrees out.

 

[Lucas00-]

Giving him some juicier feeders should help him to have a good poo. Hornworms and silkworms are great at helping to get things moving along. You could also try giving your feeders something like pumpkin or apple right before feeding them to Chameleonaire.

Drove 100 miles for a doctors appt today and also picked up some hornworms, he’s gonna be excited when he sees these lol

 

[regal81455]

This is my 3rd year of a winter funk and I’m still not used to the change even though I know it’s going to happen. I still run around going oh dear is something wrong, he’s not coming up to bask today, oh he went to a sleep spot at 3pm oh my goodness he’s dying… oh he’s not eating, . When in reality ok it’s December and 20 degrees out.

Yup, that sounds about how it seems to always play out, doesn't it?!